The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1888-11-22


! agnes rose to her feet, with glow Of re-
sentiment on her hitherto pale face And
bathurst, feeling that courtesy was now
wholly unnecessary, exclaimed:
Miss Norcross, you have said quite as
much as was proper for a young girl to hear
your ewn cheeks, / presume, are proof
against any indelicate surprise. Let me ask
you to stop, before"
SBefore what, sira And what is this high
and-mighty innocence abouts To be sure,
sne does not like to be exposed-that is, the
woh doesn't--though the lamb shouldn't be
angry. A pretty lamb it is, too"
Agnes gradually drew away from Oak.
bursts side, turning her glances from one to
the other Of the combatants. She had never
seen such confidence. such readiness of invec-
tve, Joined with such apparent sincerity
and ease ct manner; and the evident effect of
the attack upon Oakhurst puzzled her not a
little; IN this brief colloquy there was opened
new fields FOX dark conjecture. The wo.
mans words had been barbed arrows to her
ears.
Oakhurst's perplexity increased momen-
tarily. He dared not go away now; and he
know not how, in Miss Norcross' presence. to
counteract the impression she might make.
1t he could get rid of her or shut her wicked
ly-beautiful mouth, he might answer all she
had SO artfully thrown out But as Agnes
had not given any token Of returning affec-
ton, he could not presume upon his good
standing with her and remain silent. Grow
ing desperate, he ventured once more.
Miss Norcross, l know very well the
depth of your hate towards me, as well as
your capacity for Misrepresentation. If you
desire 20 have the history of our intimacy
dragged to the light, I, for my part, am un-
willing But don't think your sex will screen
you, n you continue the calumnies you have
begun You, Agnes, must judge between us.
And in almost every point, Mrs Norcross,
your friend and her sister-in-law, will be able
to support my statements"
| The servant returned to say that "Mrs.
Norcross must be excused"
| Oakhurst turned upon his adversary with
, triumphant glance.
| "a palpabie trick" she exclaimed. "You
! gave the servant a signal; you were unwill-
! ing to have us confronted. You have filed
her ears with scandal about me-"
SHOT a word; she can hear plenty about
you IN any circle where you are known,
without coming to me. And SO far from civ.
Ing any signal, I should be reioiced to show
Agnes how easy an honest woman's testi.
nony will put your monstrous eff ontery q
shame"
Agnes here interposed-her resolute spirit
manifest in spite Of her trembling voice:
II have heard this too long already.
don't wish to be the subject Of this lady's
jests, and don't desire her advice Your
quarrel does not concern meat least not so
deeply that wish to have it repeated in my
presence. Mr.. Oakhurst, let me bid you
good-morning.
She moved away with simple dignity,
bowling with marked GOODNESS to the former
rival
"Stay, Agnes" said Oakhurst. 3Let me
not be thrust aside In this way. Miss Nor
cross, now that she has done what mischief
she can, will go away and enjoy the triumph.
l beg of you stay and let me set myself
right"
Miss Norcross laughed heartily laugh
that made Oakhurst SILVER
"Not to-day, Mr.. 0akhurst," she answered.
81 have need of rest and reflection I am
not used to scenes like this, and my brain is
in whirl"
| The first flush Of excitement was over, and
1t was with difficulty that she found her way
| through the hall. Palette was coming down,
and saw her hesitating step and her tremu-
lous grasp upon the rail; he sprang down
four steps at time, caught her before she
fell, and carried her in his arms like a child
up to Mrs. Norcross' room.
| Oakhurst was 50 completely absorbed by
the danger of losing the last hold upon Agnes
that he forgot his most excusable anger
| ho WY ,lo
| fingered, enjoying her victory He sank in
to chair, buried his face in his hands, and
for some time neither looked up nor replied
to her taunts.
"Come, now" said she, "don't take it so
hard. Is my handsome sister-in-law obdu-
rate? Never mind; don't be desolate; other
! women will be kind-for you are just the
man to attract sentimental damsels. Cheer
up! you will find new affinity before night,
haven't a doubt"
Reused at length, Oakhurst stood up before
the hooking fend, so radiant in her evil
Smiles and said:
"You enemy of all that is good, what
brought you here's Keep in your own sphere,
II there is one for you in this world"
Il came to see my sister, as you know. It
was most unexpected pleasure to meet you,
came to tell her that her brother William
has either run away or killed himself, it
doesn't matter which"
spray follow him T assure you we shall
mourn your absence as bitterly as you do
his"
"We1l, goodbye" she said, still laughing
in the same terrible tone. "Better luck next
time"
The door closed upon her and Oakhurst
drew a long breath with a sense of infinite re-
lief
"Come," said Palette, entering a moment
later, --"come, let us go. We have done quite
enough for one day. You wouldn't take my
advice, and pretty mess you have made
of it,"
CONTINUED.
Eureka.
The motto of California means, T have found