Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1885-06-05
kiSMET.

A succession of decidedly audible
raps upou the door of her room broke
the enhancing spell of q,lietude that
filed the cosy little boudoir, and
aroused Eleanor Duncan from one of
those delicious reverics into which we
are so apt to fall, On cold winter
evening, and bury ourselves away
from things material. With just the
shadow of u frown clouding her brow,
she raised her pretty head from the
crimson velvet pillow of the lounge
and, supporting herself with her e.
bow, she asked:
What is it. Mann MAJ
"Make yourself presentable, Eleanor
Darlington is in the par.or awaiting
your coming
Her lip curlde, then a panied, hunt
ed expression passed swiftly over her
face.
HE here! o why does he persecute
me with his attentions? Why does he
come on this night of all nights, when
want to think?' And she buried her
face in her hands.
Are you coming, Eleanor?'
The face was raised, and wore an
expression of hesitancy, but it was
quickly chased away by resolute
compression Of the lips, and she an
sWered
mo; have no desire to-
But what shall tell Barringto
''Oh, tell him anything-that am
i'll, have retired. am not at home, that
am dead-anything to get rid OF
him.
eleanor are you demented? Have
you forgotten your engagement
ring?'
mo" sullenly. Il remember only
too well, but Tonight wish to for
get 1t y
''And Barrington?'
''Tell him to 60, and also that if he
is not careful l will cast his ring and
presents into the steet.'
A pause ensued, followed by the
sound of retreating footsteps, and all
was as still as before. On the lounge,
her>trlm figure the least bit huddled,
lay Eleanor. sad and fearful.
''Poor Vic,' she murmured, 1.-TWO
years ago tonight l drove him from
ne. because felt his superiority of
will and mind. How ne loved me,
and him; but my pride! A queen
could have been no prouder than |.
Naughty, ambitious, too proud to take
advice, too weak to see my own faults.
Poor Vic!" She paused, and her eyes
blazed yiciously. STILL, I was not
wholly to blame. He angered me
with his lofty ways He was too fond
Of giving advice. He called me lit
tie fool, told stories of my firtatlons
among his crones, and then advised
no 10 reform. Bah! But now, #
could only see him, ease his pain,
nurse him in his illness, comfort him,
kneel to HIM. We are strangers for
ever--there is nothing left but mem
Dry, nothing but the recollection Of a
dream.'
She ARISE, the room being a trihe
cool, and threw a white shall around
her shoulders in most becoming
manner. She passed the long mirror,
She paused to glance vt the reflection,
and very attravtive and pleasing
picture it was A pretty face, with
soft brown eyes. and full, impulsive
lips, while the wealth of dark brown
hair, unfettered, fell in waves upon the
white shall, contrasting we'll land form
ing the browning beauty Of the pict-
ure. A half smile came to her lips.
THAT picture" she murmured; Il
could NOT be more like it if [ tried, and
be loved that picture so well! Oh, Vic!
Wei if you only knew!"
She stood before the mirror. her
hands clasped before her, her eyes
looking steadfastly at the image in the
glass, her face grown sadder and more
reposed.
Il thought heard voices in Elean-
ors' room," SAID her mother to Mr..
Duncan; and, ascending the stairs, she
listened at the door a few moments.
Hearing no sound whatever, she re-
tired. wondering at her daughters in
applicable conduct.
A few moments later the door Of the
room opened noiselessly, and Eleanor,
with the shall still about her, stole
down stairs, opening and closing the
street door quietly as she passed out
into the night. Men watched her as
she passed them, nearly flying through
The almost deserted thoroughfares, and
casually remarked that some one must
be sick and needing the services Of a
physician.
harrington, a tall, dissipated appear
ing man, with brutal cast OF counte-
I nance and an evil eye, was coming
Sat of cafe, when he caught a
glimpse of her face as she sped by him.
For moment ne stood in blank amaze
mont, rubbing his eyes to assure him
self that he was not dreaming, then,
with a muttered curse, he hurried at
ter her, his teeth set, his eyes gleana-
ing angrily. 5
II am so sorry that you cannot 60,
Victor; the services at St. Stephens
are always so grand and impressive,
and YOU are so fond Of music,' and
motherly Mrs. Cakes bent over her
son as he reelined in an invalid chair,
and smoothing back his light hair
4 kissed him MS only Q mother can.
II am sorry as WE'LL he answered
Z with grateful smile; but then it is
better that should not go, it is SO
eold.. @, it is mad dening, this help
essness. this imprisonment. I think,
sS5 1nY.ss fhat II ynl1 Ian va the door siar