The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1890-02-15

est ana engcrness lnexplicaDie on any
ground save one? asked myself the
question; but even then was not sure
what answer my sore conscience gave
WAS sure Of nothing but that Dick
said eagerly
"Yes, | was thinking OF her. Irene.
Tell me something OF her past life
her name-all you know about herl
She connded in you. you sayP"
shiyered. and drew my ieecy wrap
around me. though the summer night
was bright and warm; but the chill |
felt WAS at my heart.
"Oh. yes she volunteered the
story the first night OF her home-com-
ing! can tell II, l think, in her own
words, II you take so strong an inter
est in II, Dick
ii am interested strongly, as you
say, In IL and her. Please tell me,
Irene ~
He spoke so simply and earnestly,
was so evidently intent only on hear
ing all he could about the woman who
had surely hewitched him, that
could have cried aloud in the bitter
ness OF my despair. Surely Estelle
Gerard was destined TO be the evil
genius OF my life! / had forgiven
fully and freely the unconscious wrong
she had done in robbing me OF the In
heritance had been taught TO look
upon as my birth frightened she add
TO that wrong now by coming between
me and the man | loved.
Despite the anguish and bitterness
OF my thoughts however, had still
sufficient pride and self-contrOl TO obey
Dicks wish, and tell him the story OF
Estelle's past life--the curious ro-
nance OF her marriage. He listened
with breathless eagerness that did
not make my hard task easier: and,
when | had finished, he looked, /
thought. even more troubled and puz-
zled than before.
Violet Maxwell's daughter-her
life spent as schoolgirl and governess."
| heard him mutter. even before he
thanked me for taking the trouble TO
enlighten him. III cannot understand
IL But, | beg your pardon, Irene
| have been worrying you with my
curiosity and cross-questioning when
you are tired out You do not look
well. dearw
The softened tone, the sudden con-
Germ he showed. tried my nerves as
his wounding Indifference had failed
10 do. was nearer TO breaking down
then than | had been at any time dur
ing the evening; but | shrank back
into my corner and only said, with n
tremuous laugh
"You are curious-and | am little
tired. Perhaps we may us we'll let
Mrs. Gerard and. her autecedents
rest for tonight"
He frowned, as though my words
displeased him, and relapsed into a
moody silence that lasted until the
carriage stopped at our door.
1--WE shall see you early tomorrow
Dick Pr mother questioned, waking
up, quite brisk and bright after her
refreshing nap. Eyes; come TO break
asst. my dear. do not think Irene
has been very cheerful companion
tonight She must make you amends
In the morning.
Dick glanced quickly and keenly at
me as | stood shivering and uncom-
Portable in the brightly-lighted hall;
but could not second the invitation
with any cordially, so | said nothing;
and. after hurried leave-taking he
went.
Directly he had gone, mother began
TO take me TO task.
'What Is the matter with you,
childP" she said quite GROSSLY. as she
followed me into the room-the very
room in which had foolishly tried TO
measure the depth of my happiness
that afternoon-only that afternoon!
As I looked round. | thought that
weeks and months OF misery had pass
cd since then.
1.-The matter? Nothingl" | an
swered recklcssly. ''Whys do you
askpn
"WhyP" mother echoed severely.
because, II you are notill and II you
have not quarrelled, you are treating
Dick Martineau very queerly; and, for
tina, matter. his behavior is little less
remarkable than your own. You two
hardly spoke 10 or looked at each
other all the evening; and when.
thinking you had had lite tiff--as
foolish young folk will gave you an
opportunity OF making friends on the
drive home, you both threw II away. y
1--WE talked then, MOTHER ! re-
turned weakly. feeling my ears Jingle
as discovered how much sharper my
simple mother had been than | had
given her credit for.
"Yes. you did talk she admitted
s,,,,., g,,ilv- stallyad Of Mrs corrardt