Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-04-01
I'hG Evil Genius.
A DOMESTIC STORY.

room, Mrs. PreSty had just opened her favor
tie newspaper. Her only companion was
Linley's black poodle, resting at her feet.
On the opening Of the door the dog rose, adj
vanced to CareSs his master, and looked up
in Linley's face. If Mrs. Presty's attention
had happened to be turned that way she
might have seen in the faithful creatures
sudden and silent retreat warning of her
sOn-in-law'S humOr at thatmoment. But she
was, or assumed to be, interested in her read
ing, and she deliberately overlooked Linley's
appearance. After waiting little to attract
her attention he quietly took the newspaper
out of her hand.
''What does this mean?" Mrs. PreSty asked.
sit means, ma am, that have something
90 say to you"
apparently something that can't be said
with common civility? Be as rude as you
please; l am we'll used to it,.
Linley wisely took no notice of this.
"Since you have lived at Mount MOrven,"
he proceeded Il think you have found me,
on the whole, an easy man to get on with.
At the same time, when l do make up my
mind to be master in my own house am
master"
Mrs PreSty crossed her hands placidly Oh
her lap, and asked: Master Of WHAT"
Master of your suspicious of Miss Wester-
field. You are free, of course, to think of
her and of me as you please. What [ forbid
is the expression Of your thoughts-either by
way of hints to my brother or officiouS COM
municatiOns with my wife. Don't suppose
that am afraid Of the truth. Mrs. Linley
shall know more than you think for, and
shall know it tomorrow; not from you, but
from Me-"
Mrs. Presty shook her head compassion
ately. my good sir, surely you know me
too well to think that l am to be disposed of
in that easy way? Must [ remind you that
your wife's mother has the cunning of the
deviP?''
Linley recognized his own words. $50 YOU
were listening among the treeSp' he said.
eyes, was listening; and have only to
regret that didn't hear more. Let us re-
turn to our subject. I don't trust my daugh-
ter's Interestingly much-injured daughters
interests-in your hands, They are not clean
hands, Mr.. Linley. have a duty to do, and
l shall do it tomorrow"
mo, Mrs. Presty, you won't do it to-mor-
row."
who will prevent me?"
Il shall prevent YOU"
I'm what way, if you pleaSe?'
Il don't think it necessary for answer that
question. My servants will have their in
Structions; and [ shall see myself that my
orders are Obeyed."
''Ihank you; begin 10 understand; / am
to be turned out of the house. Very we'll.
We shall see what my daughter says to that"
'YOu know as well as do, Mrs. Presty,
that if your daughter is forced to choose be-
tween lis she will decide for her husband.
You have the night before you for considera-
ton. have no more to say
Among Mrs. PreSty'S merits it is only just
to reckon capacity for making up her mind
rapidly under stress of circumstances. Be-
fore Linley had opened the door, on his way
out, he was called back.
81 am shocked to trouble you again." Mrs
PreSty said, ''but don't propose to interfere
with my nights rest by thinking about you.
My position is perfectly clear to me without
wasting time in consideration. When a man
so completely fOrgets what is due to the
weaker sex as to threaten a woman, the wO-
man has no alternative but to submit You
are aware that | had arranged to see my
daughter to morrow morning. l yield to
brute force, sir. Tell your wife that [ shall
not keep my appointment. Are you salts
fed?''
Quite satisfied LinIey said, and left the
room.
His mOther-m-laW looked after him with
smile of supreme contempt.
You fOOIr'
Only two words, and yet there seemed to
be some hidden meaning in them which gen
thy tickled Mrs. Presty in the region assigned
by phrenOlOgists to the sense of self-esteem.