Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-08-27
Tle Evil Genius.
A ESTlC STORY.
BY WILKIE COLLINS.

She looked at him, hardly able to under
stand-or as it might have been, perhaps,
afraid to understand him. lie spoke to her
more plainly
Il have kept II concealed from yOu," he
continued, ''for why should lay my load of
suffering on friend SO young as you are, so
cruelty tried already? Let me only say
that am in great distress. If you were
with me, my child, / might be better able 20
bear it"
Still encouraging her to see new hopes and
new interests in the future, the good captain
spoke Of the share which she might take in
the management of the home if she would
like to be his secretary. With this view he
showed her s1Mt written reports relating 10
the institution which had been sent 10 him
during the time OF his residence at Sydcn-
ham. She read them with an interest and
attention which amply Justified his conf
.Ience in her capacity.
These reports he explained to her, ARE
kept for reference; but, as a means Of saving
time, the substance of them is entered ia the
daily journal Of our proceedings. Come,
Sydney venture on Il first experiment in
your new character. ! see pen, ink, and pa
pr on tie table; try If you can shorten one
OF thereports without leaving out anything
the writer gives reasons for making his
statement Very we'll expressed, no doubt,
but We don't want reasons. Then again, lie
offers his own opinion on the right course to
take Very crcditabIa to him; but | don't
want his opinion want his facts. Take
the pen. my secretary, and set down his
facts Never mind his reflections"
Proud ami pleased. Sydney obcyed him.
She had made her little abstract, and WAS
reading II 10 lin at his request while lie
compared it with the report when they were
interrupted by a visitor. Randall LiuIcv
came in and noticed the papers on the table
with surprise. Us ID possible that | am in
tefruptuy business he asked.
Bcuuydcck answered with an assumed air
Of importance which was in itself compl-
meut to ovdury: You find me engaged on
the business OF the home with my new Sec
reiary'
You good fe.Iowr - he said add to yow
kiudnrs- bl rNrusns me if / ask for word
with lou III private
sydney rose to retire. After having en-
couraged her by word Of praise the cap
tain proposed that she should get ready to
"a out, and should accompany him on a
visit to the home. He opened the door for
her as respectfully as if the poor girl had
been one of the highest ladies in the land
II lave seen my friend SmTazn," Randall
began and have persuaded him to trust
me with GATHERINGS present address. / can
send Herbert there at once if you viii only
help me-
"llow can / help YOU"
"NiN You allow me to tell my brother that
yoHr engagement is broken OFF,
EruHydcrl ~lsrlub from the painful aIlu-
sion, and showed it.
rs this nrrct aly2' g asked.
Most ucct@etry. Herbert lett Sydcnham
Hrmy persuaded that YOU were to marry
MI Ounrud; and let me add in justice to
INN. resigned to That event"
IL Igncd after what he said to me when
We met"
Yes. lie had not then spoken with Cath
crime be- had not been asked to read the
confession which she addressed to you.
There were rcmcmhancr5 in him which
felt that appeal; his conscience told him
that Hou were worthy of her. am grjrycd
BrTuldcCk to distress YOU by referring to
this But II my brother is left under the
impression Chat your engagement will he fol
lowed by your marriage, hc VIII refuse to
utiudc ldu,rii on the lady who WAS once
bs wife. There are the circumstances
What Is Your reply 10 my request yc, or
ne
Frankly and LARRY the captain answered:
lc4"