Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-30
NUMBER a..

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The handsome sympathetic face was
so like Lionel's own that her heart
seemed to rise IN her throat and choke
her; but Margie's clear voice came to
| the rescue.
She said. raising her pretty head
proudly:
'Sir, your decision does you honor,
and thank you in my sisters name
Still, if it were not her right, she should
not touch the money. l could have
taken care of her. We are not penni-
less.n
Clare laid her soft hand on Margie's
arm deprecatingly as she turned to Mr..
kincaid:
my little sister has come into a
small property lately, and she intended
it to be as much at my service as her
own"
The young man bowed and glanced
at Margie. A slight smile curved his
lips as he noticed the sudden crimson
that flushed her cheeks, and the
naughty poise OF her graceful head as
she turned away. impatient of his mo-
mentary scrutiny.
"a mixture of frost and fire." he
thought. Not a loving gentle little
thing like my cousins wife. Poor
Lionel! to die so young. and with
everything to live for.n
But nothing of this feeling could be
read in his face as he courteously took
his leave.
As was natural, Richmond Kincaid
often found his way to Mrs Wyndham's
| pleasant home after this interview; and
| being a kinsman, was received ON q
footing accorded to no other gentleman
guest
Two years soon passed away. Clare's
beautiful face lost Its look of haunting
sadness, and she entered again into the
society of the gay world of fashion; but
it was for the sake of chaperoning her
young sister, who was considered one
of its "bright particular" stars.
Her girlish promise had been more
than fulfilled. Besides being exquisite
| ly lovely, there was Il naiUete and
sprightliness in her manner which gave
her charm peculiarly her own.
She was, however, an enigma to Rich
mond Kincaid. While in her liveliest
moods his approach would freeze her
!
| ly to conquer what seemed to be I'M
reasonable aversion to him, but in
vain; and at last he ceased to make the
effort Though seeing each other daily,
they met and parted with the most
formal greetings. Clare said to her one
morning:
why is it. Margie, that you hate
Richmond so intensely? 1t really
makes me uncomfortable to see you to-
gether. think he is noble-hearted
man. and deserving of better treatment
at your hands"
Margie turned and looked at Clare a
moment, strange expression clouding
her eyes. Then she said coldly:
what is honey to one is often gall to
another Sisters seldom see with the
same eyes"
yet" said Clare gently. you and l
think alike upon almost every other
subject. 1t is very near my heart, dear
Margie, to have you whom love so
dearly show some kindness to one
who has proved himself such a true
friend"
An odd little culver came into Mar
gie's voice as she said:
81 will try to treat him differently for
your sake, Clare.
Thanks. That's my own darling
sister," And Clare put her arms about
her and kissed her tenderly.
What would have been her surprise
could she have penetrated into Margie's
room an hour later, to have seen the
girl who had ever seemed SO bright and
happy, upon her Bonded knees, weep
ing her heart out in bitter tears.
But the door was locked and bolted.
Margie's secret was guarded against
any possible intrusion, even from her
dearly beloved Clare.
The next morning dawned bright
and clear. The sisters were making
their plans for the day. when sharp
ring at the bell was followed by the en-
trance of Nora.
''Oh. missus" she gasped, 1.-THE fine
young gintleman is Killed intirely. His
man is at the door, and says as how his
horse has played him trick, and sint
him flying over his head, and how he's
sinseleSs the day"
Clare rose from her chair, white to
the lips when a low cry from Margie
drew her thoughts into new direction.
She had also risen to her feet, but in
another moment had fallen limp and
| lifeless to the floor
Clare flew for water and dashed il
into her face. Then she knelt beside
her and chafed her cold hands, calling
frantically:
"Margie, Margie, wake up"'
/ To nil 80 e. Ix.or
ed, and Richmond Kincaid came in.
As Clare saw him she exclaimed inco'
herently:
who'd have Thought Margie, of all
others. would have taken it to heart so
But how is it you are here? We just
heard you were dead or dying"
II know" said Richmond hastily. 'It
was mere scratch, and was stunned.
| came TO my senses Just after Pierre
rushed off, like blockhead as he is, to
brighten you to death, and hurried af-
ter him to undo the mischief"
| His pallor, however. and a freshly
dressed wound on his forehead told a
different story; but Just then a shiver
ran through Margie's frame, and Glare
whispered nervously:
| DOA lOf AtlG WOIiu Itb NldI2lt
that you have seen her in this state.
She'd never forgive me. Go to the re.
ception room, and will come to you. y
Margie opened her eyes. at first un.
comprehendingly. Then memory re.
turned, and she struggled to her feet.
''We will 60 to HIM, Clare. No one
will talk. You are my kinswoman, you
know, and I-I-must beg his pardon.
l have been SO hateful to him, and-and
he may die, and never know the
truthr'
Yes, DEAR said Glare soothingly.
You shall 90 to him. Wait for me in
the reception-room. will join you
there presently"
As she entered the room Richmond
Kincaid came forward to meet her
looking very pale. She stopped in 9
dazed sort of way, her eyes resting upon
the disfiguring patch on his forehead
Then she shuddered and turned away
Il will call my sister," she said.
"Oh, Margier' Richmond exclaimed
passionately. do not call Clare. L
is you | want. Why will you always
turn from me? Do you not know thai
| love you-that my life's sunshine i:
conferred in your eyes?''
Margie stood, her slight form drawn
proudly up, her eyes flashing, and hel
lips curling in infinite scorn.
Not another word, sir, unless you
~. L.