Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1886-12-24

Thus time proceeds in rapid haste
And We improve it, gold or waste r. a.5 i, 1
The heeting hour in slnmbrous state |
Till hope has hed, amend too Late.
-. II. KNrts. i 80 r. =. .sA&@
THE BASILISK.
A STORY OF TODAY.
CHAPTER XIV. s.-.: z.,7z
APRooF OF INSANITY. >.es
Aweek went by, and no Mary For
tescue appeared. Tho daily reports of
her health were anything but alarming,
yet, as her absence continued, I grew
seriously anxious, and imagined that
all kinds Of pressure were being
brought to bear upon her to bend her
to the suit of the odious Plowitz. t.|,
He bore her absence with perfect
equanimity, and was always gay and
entertaining. The proposed transfer
of my care IS instructor to Miss Beau
toy took effect, inasmuch as she regu-
larry called upon me for lessons. But
little instruction was done, In fact l
was not competent to teach her. The
absence of her cousin had a great effect
on her manner. She was soft, and
gentle, and fascinating, and it was
only by continual remembrance of tie
other side of her character-of the
strange and compromising sights which
Ihad Witnessed. Of the monstrous asper-
sion Of Mary Fortescue's sanity, and
her cruel Indifference to the happiness
Of q defenseless girl-that l was a BILE
to steel myself against the temptation
of falling into the vein Of almost ten
derness which she had adopted, and
compromising my future useful
ness to the sweet girl whose lot was
cast in such hard places. Any pointed
reference to Mary always brought out
the hateful side of Miss Beaufoy's char
acter. The curt and harsher tone
would have shown how distasteful the
subject was, but she did not know that
I could also see how the imperial lowell
ness of a gracious woman changed
into cruel ferceness and scorn ut the
mention of her COUSINS name, especial
ly when one evening turned to the
subject of Mary's supposed mental de-
lusions, and enormously opposed the
idea of her want of intellectual balance.
For whole day Miss Beaufoy relapsed
into her coolest vein, and did not
know what harm my advocacy might
have caused to the innocent object Of
my defense.
The tension of the situation was be-
coming too much for me. was play
ing a difficult part-a part Of extreme
self repression, and was daily more
and more consumed with anxiety as tc
the welfare of Mary.
At last my doubts and fears were
destined to be, in some measure, re
lieved =,
One day, about a week aftor Mary
Fortescue's illness had reduced oul
party to four, Mr.. Beaufoy announced
his intention of going to London after
luncheon. Miss Beaufoy. was to &C
company him, She very graciously
asked if they could do anything for me
l sincerely wished she would ask
s sip Of t ESe busy busy life ' Of tn,
outside world would just then have
been very refreshing. So much did
feel this, that was on the verge o.
asking if they would mind my joining
them, when the thought of the tax i
would be upon me to restrain all signl
of eager qualification and curiosity a
beholding once more tho wonderful
pageant life, checked and withheld
me. 1t would never do to jeopardiz
my position in this strange household
Just now.
"You won't come, then, professorp'
said Miss Beaufoy, referring evidentl..
to q previous conversation. -
my dear Miss Beaufoy.'' said Plowitz
smiling largely, ''gallantry and valo
should 20 hand-in-hand. Discretion
as you say, is the better part of valor
Let discretion be the the better par
of gallantry too if / refuse"
"Our friend Plowitz," said Beaufo,
rather icily, sis, I think, far moro dis
tinguished by valor and gallantr.
than by discretion. Pray do not try K
overcome his scruples.'' 81
| If you find it dull alone, remember
I have warned you'll" said Miss Beau
foy. 80 - = #t.~
II can at least amuse myself in tn
park, "said Plowitz, and Mr.. Cople
stone viii perhaps help me to &c
through the hours of your absence
There were meaning smiles on theil
faces which showed significance II
their words. What they said nigh
very we'll have alluded to any littl'
social or domestic mystery. ant
TO such they no. doubt thought
should attribute it. I suddenly fel
very glad that I was not to be out Q
the way that afternoon. "
s'Giulia viii be back early, If an
not" said Mr.. Beaufoy. Then, lower
ing his voice. and CHANGING quickly a
me: dom forget discretion.
':Ah," said Plowitz, throwing on
his hands and Struggling his shoulders
"you are miracle of prudence! Ant
III do not believe iii miracles. - y
At last they were gone, and wa
enjoying-if enjoying it could be calle'
"a period Of solitary and anxious con
sideration.5 sz.-: e.. ....E...