Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-04-09
11G Evil Genius,
ADOMESTIC STORY.
BY wILKIK COLLINS.
BY WILKIK COLLINS,

w ILil SLOW StcpS lJilicf CIOoctu LILO ldWu,
his mind gloomily absorbed in thoughts which
had never before troubled his easy nature
thoughts heavily laden with burden of self
reproach.
Arrived at the limits Of the lawn, two paths
opened before him. One led into a quantity
pretty Enclosure, cultivated on the plan OF
the old gardens at Versailles, and called the
French garden. The other path led to q
grassy walk, winding Its way capriciously
through thick shrubbery. Careless In what
direction be turned his steps, Linley entered
the shrubbery because it happened to be
nearest TO him.
Except at certain points, where the moon
light found its way through open spaces in
the vcrdure, the grassy path which he was
now following wound onward in shadow.
How far he had advanced he had not noticed
when he heard a momentary rustling OF
leaves at some little distance in advance of
him The faint breeze had died away; the
movement among the leaves had been no
doubt produced by the creeping or the flying
OF some creature of the night Looking up
at the moment when he was disturbed by
this triiiing incident he noticed bright patch
OF moonlight ahead as he advanced to q new
turn in the path.
hO iliotftlIl hLtSI Hdlh ilC Nslo oboi lioo W
the appearance OF figure emerging into the
moonlight from the farther end Of the shrub
berry and rapidly approaching him. He was
near enough to see that 1t was the figure of
woman. Was 1t one of the female servants
hurrying back to the house after an inter
view with sweetheart? In his black even
ing dress he was in all probability, complete
Iy hidden by the deep shadow in which he
stood. Would he be less likely to frighten
tho woman IL he called to her than II he al
lowed her TO come close up to him in the
dark? lie decided on calling To her.
who is out so late?" he asked.
A cry Of alarm answered him. The figure
stood still for a moment, and then turned
back as If 10 escape him by flight
"D0n't be frightened" he said. Surely
you know my yoice~
The figure stood still again. He showed
himself in the moonlight, and discovered
Sydney Westerfield.
"YOuW he exclaimed.
She trembled; the words in which she an
swered him were words In fragments.
THE garden was so quiet and pretty
thought there would be no harm-pleaSe let
me go back-Tm afraid | shall be shut out"
She Sled to pass him. MY poor child"
he said, what is there to be frightened
about? have been tempted out by the love
~ night, like you. Take my arm. 1t is so
close In here among the trees. If we go back
TO the lawn the air will come to you freely"
She took his arm; he could feel her heart
throbbing against It. Kindly silent, he led
her back to the open space. Some garden
chairs were placed here and there; he sug-
gested that she should rest for awhile.
Pm afraid | shall be shut out" she re-
pcated. Pray let me get back"
He yielded at once to the wish that she ex-
pressed. you must let me take you back"
he exclaimed. They are all asleep at the
house by this time. No! mol don't be fright
encd again. have got the key of the door.
The moment have opened 1t you shall go in
by yourself"
She looked at him gratefully. you are
not offended with me now, Mr.. Linley," she
said. You are like your kind self again"
They assembled the steps which led to the
door. Linley took the key from his pocket
II acted perfectly In drawing back the lock,
but the door, when he pushed 1t, resisted
him. lie put his shoulder against it, and OK
ertcd his strength, helped by his weight The
door remained immOvable.
Had one OF tho servants-stting up later
than usual after the party, and not aware
that MIR Linley had gone into the garden
noticed the door, and carefully fastened the
bolts on the inner side? That was exactly
what had happened.
There was nothing for 1t but to submit to
circumstances. Linley led the way down
the steps again. 1--WE are shut out he said.
Sydney listened In silent dismay lie
seemed 10 be merely amused; no treated their
common misfortune as lightly rs if it had
been a joke.
There's nothing SO very terrible In our
situation" he reminded her. Tho serv-
ants offices will be opened between and 7
O'Clock; the weather is perfect; and the sum
MGR house in the French garden has one
easy-chair in it to my certain knowledge in
which you may rest and sleep. I'm sure you
must be tired-lct me take you there"
She drew back and looked up Mt the house
Cant we mako them hear us?" she asked.
quite impossible. Besides" lie was
about 10 remind her OF the evil construction
which might be placed on their appearance
together, returning from the garden at IN
advanced hour OF the night; but her innocence
pleaded with him TO be silent lie only said:
You forget that we all sleep at the top of
our old castle. There is no knocker to the
door and no bell that rings upstairs. Come
10 tllN summer mousse. IN an llOuT or Two
more we shall sec the sun rise"
She took his arm in silence. They reached
the French garden without another word
having passed between them.
The summer house had been designed. In
harmony with tho French taste of the last
century, from classical model. Ii was a
rough copy in wood of the temple of Vesta
at Rome. Opening the door for his compan-
ion, Llnloy paused before he followed her in.
A girl brought up by n careful mother would
have understood and appreciated his heSita-
ton; she would have concealed any little
feeling OF embarrassment that might have
troubled her at the moment and would have
asked him to come back and let her know
when the rising of the sun began. Neglect
Ell by her mother. worse than neglected by
her aunt, Syduey's fearless ignorance put q
question which would have lowered the poo,
XIII cruelty III the estimation of stranger
Are YOU going TO leave me here by myself?"
she asked. why don't you come imp
Linley thought of his visit to the school,
and remembered the detestable mistress. He
excrscd Sydney; he felt for her. She held
the door open for him. Sure of himself, he
entered the summer house.
As mark of respect on her part, she OF.
fered the armchair 10 him; il was the one
comfortable seat in the neglected place He
insisted that she should take 1t; and. search.
ing the summer house, found wooden stool
for himself. The small circular room re.
celved but little OF the dim outer light-they
were near each other-they were silent sgd
ney burst suddenly into nervous little
laugh.
why do you laugh?' he asked, good-hu.
moredy.
1t seems so strange Mr.. Linley for us to
be out here" In the moment when she
made that reply her merrImept vanished; she
looked out sadly, through the open door, at
the stiffness of the night What should !
have done,' she wondered, "if had been
shut out of the house by myselfp' Her eyes
rested on him timidly; there was some
thought in her which she shrank from ex.
pressing. She only said: II wish knew
how TO be worthy of your kindness"
Her voice warned him that she was strug-
Cling with strong emotion. In one respect
men are all alike; they hate to see woman
In tears. Linley treated her like child; he
smiled, and patted her on the shoulder.
'Nonsensev' he said, gayly. There is no
merit in being kind to my good little govern.
eSs"
She took that comforting hand-it was q
harmless impulse that she was unable to re-
sist-she bent over it and kissed 1t gratefully.
HN drew biS hand a..