Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-12-23
" by Florence, approach the smoking

boldly to the front. Ringing VIDE open
the door, she bursts upon the astonish-
ed company within.
where is he?" she asks, with a dig
nifty that only heightens the attractions
of cap and gown. Have you secured
him? Sir Adrian, where is the consta-
BILE? Have you sent for him?"
Sir Adrian, whose gaze is fixed upon
the fair vision in the trailing white
gown standing timidly in the door
way, forgetS to answer his lnterroga-
tor, and the others taken by surprise,
maintain q solemn silence.
why this mystery?" demands Lady
FitZ-Almont sternly. where is the
miscreant? Where is the man that
fired that shot?"
Here, madame" replies the surgeon
dryly. indicating Arthur Dynecourt by
a motion Of the hand.
"He-who? Mr. Dynecourt?" ejacu-
lates her ladyship in a disappointed
tone. ut was all mistake, then? /
must say, Mr.. Dynecourt," continues
the old lady in an indignant tone, that
[ think you might find more suitable
time in which to play off your jokes, or
to practice target-shooting than in the
middle of the night. when every re-
spectacle household ought to be wrap
ped in slumber"
II assure you" begins Arthur Dyne-
court, who is strangely pale and discom-
posed, 1T was all an accident-an-"
Accident! Nonsense, sir; | don't
believe there was any accident whatso-
eyer!"
AS these words pass the lips of the
iraScible old lady, several men in the
room exchange significant glances. Is
it that old Lady FitzAlmOnt has just
put their own thoughts into words?
Let me explain to your ladyShip,"
says Sir Adrian cOurteouSly. 1--WE were
just talking about that unfortunate
affair OF the Stewards, and Maitland
was showing us how it might have oc-
CURED. / had the revolver i'll my hand
so"-pointing the weapon toward him
self.
''Put down that abominable weapon
at once, sir!" commands Lady FitZAl-
mont, in menacing tone, largely min
gled with abject fear. AS she speaks she
retreats precipitately behind Florence,
thus pushing that young lady to the
fore.
"When my cousin unhappily Stun
bled against me, and the revolver went
off," goes on Sir Adrian. I'm deeply
grieved, Lady FitzAlmont, that this
should have occurred to disturb the
household; but, really, it was pure
accident"
"A pure accident" repeats Arthur,
from between his colorless lips.
He looks far more distressed by this
occurrence than Sir Adrian. who had
narrowly escaped being wounded. This
only showed his tenderness and proper
feeling, as almost all the women pre-
sent mutually agreed. Almost all, but
not quite. Dora Talbot, for example,
grows deadly pale as she listens to the
explanation and watches Arthur's
CHASTITY face. What is it like? The face
OF murderer?
ooh, no, no." she gasps inwardly;
surely not that!'
ut was the purest accident, I assure
you," protests Arthur again, as though
anxious to impress this conviction up
on his own mind.
ut might have been very serious
One," says the surgeon gravely, regard
ing him with keen glance. 1T might
have meant death to Sir Adrianl"
Florence changes color and chances
at her host with parted lips. Dora Tai
bot, pressing her way through the
group in the doorway, goes straight up
to him as it impulsiYely, and takes his
hand in both hers.
Dear Sir Adrian, how can we be
thankful enough for your escaped" she
says sWeetly, tears standing in her
bright blue eyes. She presses his hand
warmly, and even raises it to her lips
in a transport of emotion. Standing
there in the pretty pink dressing gown
that shows off her complexion to per-
lection, Dora Talbot looks lovely.
You are very good-yery kind" re-
turns Sir Adrian, really touched by
hn1, POncnJ,T1 hIIt- cf-i11 with puac on Vt
for the white vision in the doorway;
but you make too much of nothing. |
am sorry [ have been the unhappy
cause Of rOusing you from your rosy
dreams; you will not thank me to-mor-
row when there will be only lilies in
your cheeks"
The word lily brings back to him his
last interview with Florence. He CLAN
ces hurriedly at her right hand; yes,
the same lily is clasped in her fingers.
Has she sat ever since with his gift be-
fore her, in her silent chamber? Alone
in grief perhaps. But why has she
kept his flower? What can it all mean?
1--WE shall mind nothing, now you are
SAFE" Dora assures him TREMENDOUSLY.
II think [ might be shown some con-
sideration," puts in Arthur, trying by
a violent effort to assert himself, and
W Sp0Ch 1lSuUIy 1Iettl ctlIJ UulllS udp-
pened, surely [ should have been tie
one to be pitied. 1t would have been
my fault, and, Mrs. Talbot, I think you
might show some pity for me-" He
holds out his hand, and mechanically
Dora lays her own in it.
But it is only for an instant, and she
shudders violently as his touch meets
hers. Her eyes are on the ground, and
she can not bring herself to look at
him. Drawing her fingers hurriedly
from his, she goes to the door and dis
appears from view.
In the meantime, Sir Adrian, having
made his way to Florence, points to the
you have held it ever since?" he
asks, in a low tone. II hardly hoped
for SO much. But you have not con-
graduated me, you alone have said
nothing"
"Why need [ speak? have seen you
with my own eyes. You are safe. Be
lieve me, Sir Adrian, I congratulate
you most sincerely upon your escape"
Her words are cold, her eyes are
downcast. She is deeply annoyed with
herself for having carried the lily into
his presence here. The very fact Of
having noticed it and spoken to her
about it has shown her how much i'm
49, L. l. - Il b 10, l~sy