Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-12-02


"Mr. Dynecourt," says Mrs. Talbot.
suddenly glancing at him and LAYING
her jeweled fingers on his arm, II will
confess to you that am tired of being
alone-dependent on myself, as it were
thrown on my own Judgment for the
answering of every question that
arises. [ would gladly acknowledge a
superior head would have some one
help me now and then with a word of
advice; in short, | would have hus-
band. And"--here she lays her fan
against her lips aDd chances archly at
him-"I confess too that / like Sir Adj
rian aS-Well-as we'll as any man [
know"
"He is very fortunate man"-grave-
ly. Il would he knew his happiness"
"Not for worlds" says Mrs. Talbot,
with well-feigned alarm. "You could
not even hint to him such thing as
as" She stops, confused.
II shall hint nothing-do nothing,
except what you wish. All, Mrs. Tai
bot"-with heavy sigh-"yOu are SUI
premely happy! envy you! With your
destinations and"- fhsinuatingly-
word in season from me, [ see no reason
why you should not claim as your own
the man whom you-well, let us say,
like; while L"
eff can befriend you in any way"
interrupts Dora quickly, command
me-"
She IS indeed quite dazzled by the
picture he has painted before her eyes.
Can it be-iS it-pOSSible, that Sir Ad-
rian may some day be hers? Apart
from his wealth, she regards him with
has been rendered at times absolutely
miserable by the thought that he had
fallen victim to the charms Of Flor
ence.
Now if, by means of this man, her
rival can be kept out of Adrian7S way,
all may yet be well, and her host may
be brought to her feet before her visit
comes to an end.
Of Arthur. Dynecourt's infatuation
for Florence she is fully aware, and is
right in deeming that part of his admit
ration for the beautiful girl has grown
out of his knowledge of her money
bags. Still, she argues to herself, his
love is true and faithful, despite his
knowledge of her dot, and he will in all
probability make her as good a husband
as she is likely to find.
MAY command you?" asks Arthur,
IN his sOftest tones. You know my
secret, I believe. Ever since that
heart Overcame me and made me show
my sentiments openly and in your pres
ence, you have been aware of the hope
less passion that is consuming me. [
may be mad, but [ still think that,
with opportunities and time, [ might
make myself at least tolerated by Miss
Delmaine. viii you help me in this
matter? Will you give me the chance
OF pleading my cause with her alone?
BY so dOing"-With meaning smile
you will also give my cousin the happy
chance of seeing you alone"
Dora only too well understood his in
Florence have been almost inseparable.
To now meet with one whose interest
it is to keep them asumder is very
pleasant to her.
Il will help you," she says in a low
tone.
"Then try to induce Miss Delmaine
to give me private rehearsal to-mor-
row in the north gallery" he whispers
hurriedly, seeing Capt. Ringwood and
Miss Vllliers approaching. Hush! Not
another word? [ rely upon you. Above
all things, remember that what has Oc-
CURED is only between you and me. 1t
is our little plot" he says, with a cur
ious smile that somehow strikes a chill
to Mrs. Talbot'S heart.
She is faithful to her word neyerthe-
less, and late that night, when all have
gone to their rooms, she puts on her
dreSSlng-gOWn, diSmiSSeS her maid, and
crossing the corridor, taps lightly at
the door OF Florence's apartment.
Hearing some one cry Come in" she
opens the door, and, having fastened it
again, goes over to where Florence is
sitting while her maid is brushing her
Ion cnf+ hni 4l@a+ 81. o,,44 -
the ground as she sits
'Let me brush your hair tonight,
Flo" she says gayly. LET me be your
maid for once. Remember how I used
to do it for you sometimes when we
were in Switzerland last year."
very Well--you may" acquiesces
Florence, laughing. "Good-night, Par
kins. Mrs. Talbot has won you your
release"
Parkins having gladly withdrawn,
Dora takes up the iyory-handled brush
and gently begins to brush her cousins
hair.
After some preliminary conversation
leading up to the subject she has in
hand, she says carelessly-
by the by, Flo, you are rather un-
civil to Arthur Dynecourt, don't you
thinkY
"Uncivil?"
"Well-yes. That is the word for
your behavior toward him, [ think. Do
you know, am afraid Sir Adrian has
noticed it, and aren't you afraid he will
think it rather odd of you-rude, I
mean-considering he is his cousin?"
Not very favorite cousin. fancy"
For all that, people don't like seeing
their relations sighted. once knew
a man who used to abuse his brother
all day long, but, if any one else hap
pened to say one disparaging word Of
him in his presence, it put him in a
pretty rage. And, after all, poor Ar
thur has done nothing to deserve actu-
al ill-treatment at your hands,"
Il detest him. And, besides, it is
distinct impertinence to follow any one
about from place tO,place as he has fol-
lowed me. will not submit to it calm
ly. 1t is a positive persecution.
"My dear, you must not blame him if
he has lost his head about you. That
| is rather compliment, if anything"
Il shall always resent such compi-
ments."
He is certainly very unmanly in all
| other ways, and [ must say devoted to
| you. He is handsome too, is he not;
and has quite the air Of one accustomed