The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1890-01-25
A DARK SECRET.
The Story Of a Tragic
Life Drama.
BY e. M. DAVY.
CHAPTER IIl-COntinuoJ

frequently as l dared, without exciting
fingered in the vicinity of a
certain corridor. 1t was all in vain.
Neither message nor note reached me;
than l should have cared to
own.
AS I was about to open my bedroom
door, however, / heard light football
behind me- looked round and there was
Edna.
AT IL tomorrow, in the 'Fernery, y"
she whispered hurriedly; and, without
giving me time to answer, turned and
tlel.
Here was an assi9nation thrust upon
me for the following morning but which
of the two ladies was the originator of it
whether mistress or maid could not
for the life of me determine.
1t might be that Miss Hargreave--
availing herself of this means Of COM
munication-mean Mt to claim on the NOR
row my promised aid. Or equally likely,
Edna Lynton, repenting her strange con-
duet, sought an opportunity to explain
why she had affected not to know me.
The situation was becoming complicated
with vengeance, but | bore it with the
greatest equanim ty, smoked innumera-
bic cigarettes. and while l did SO there
stole over me o feeling Of such pleased
confidence in myself, my appearance and
my prospects as for five long years had
never known.
Next day, Sunday bright. chill Octo-
Der morning-after watchin few strag-
glers set Off for church. among whom was
Mrs Hargreaye, l bent my steps toward
the "Fernery, small grotto situated in
the grounds, close to Glendale House
1t was filled SO full of ferns and green
cry, fish poni and towering palms, tina.
more than two persons moving about in
1t at the same time was imposs BILE. /
reached this spot early, and sat down on
the solit }ry rustic bench the place con-
tanned.
The distant church bells ceased to
chime, II o'clock struck, AMI shortly
afterward | could hear approaching foot
steps.
He has not comet" Miss Hargreave
exclaimed, impulsively.
Hush Then followed few whis-
pered words.
By no means DESTROYS of oyerhearine
anything not intended for my ears, I rose
and showed myself at the entrance Ed
ma Lynton drew back instantly, and
without looking at me, walked away; but
Miss Hargreaye, with slight bow, en-
/
bench as though exhausted.
Il III weak still, she said, family, and
leaning back, she closed her eyes, while
gazed in silent admiration at the dark
curved lashes that dropped on the ius he'd
cheeks, noting also the exquisite figure
set off by the ii !, ht- fitting velvet dress.
Sit down, Mr.. Dudley she said pres
emily: but | declined, and continued to
stand over her, waiting, in n respectful
attitude, till she shoall feel herself sutfi-
GENTLY recovered to say more.
At length, with deep sigh, she reused
herself and looked straight into my face.
This is very humiliating, she said,
with laugh that sounded hysterical;
very humiliating-for me.
With all the eloquence l was master OF
in words, In looks-I besought her to
put aside such an idea now aud forever
She had but to command, would obey
Was | not her chosen knight?
How delightfully."- romantic!" she
cried; her whole face, but above all, hel
glorious eyes, lighting up with that look
of espiegt erie which had SO charmed me
on first seeing her.
i, at least, am in earnest, l remarked,
in tone of pique.
And SO am l. God knows need help
sorely! 1t is with the greatest difficulty
have been able to arrange this meeting
But for that good girl who came with me-
l should have been powerless to do so
must make haste and tell you everything
MIR. Dudley, or you cannot understand
My own mother died before l can remem-
Der. My father married again about
twelve years since-I believe solely on my
account | was charge, a trouble, tt
him. | called his wife mother, and
loved her, for she was very kind I've
years ago my father was thrown from hi:
horse-in the hunting held-and dice
next day. Oh, it was terrible time.'
she said, shudderingly; and for a moment
she covered her face with her hands. q
was i'll after that-so i'll, And ther
mother changed to me. She
became less kind and, later, she turned
severe. unfeeling cruel. She insisted
upon leaving our beautiful home, and
she took me about travelling from plac.
to place. She says it is for my good,
but hate it-oh, how l hate it. Ny
has plenty of money. But Lob, how
am | to tell You for very shame2'
Then springing from the seat and
pushing back the little fur hat she woe
so til It it fell down among the ferns, she
laid her beautiful white hand upon my
sleeve.
Il am not allowed to have even the
smallest coin you would fling to the poor.
est beggart" she whispered, and the
CLEAN of her dark eyes fixed on mine
seemed to exercise magnetic influence
over me.
Fine dresses, jewels, anything that
can be bought, are M ne simply for the
asking, but have no money | have nc
freedom, Mr.. Dudley she con-
tinued, speaking more rapidly and Gag
erly, with both hands now clasped upon
my arm, L am treated like q slave, 8
prisoner dragged about this country, as
| was about the continent last year, from
place to place. We can keep no serv-
ants. If my mother engages a travelin g
maid and like her. she is at once dis
missed The servants mother approves
hate. They are set as spies over me
The girl who was engaged and came from
Wexham yesterd y will be sent away i'm
mediately it is discovered | have made q
friend of her. But a man can help me
best-a man like you. There must surely
DE some English law to protect pool
girl placed as | am. But without money,
how am | TO appeal to law? l want to
know about my fathers will. He must
have left money that l should have. now
| am of age. 1t is not possible he could
be SO unjust SO cruel, as 10 give it all &c
her"
You would like me 10 find out particu-
lars of your fathers will, suppo c, Miss
Harereave?' said /, with difficulty re.
straining all outward manifestation of the
burning indignation | felt against this
dreadful ste2mother.
But can you-will you?'
Most certainly. All you hive to do is
to tell me his name and place of resi-
dence, and date of death.
Lester Hargreave, Whitmore Park
Leieestershire. He died the 3nth of De-
cember ISIS"
Thank you. | viii bring copy OF
your fathers will on Saturday hope
YOU trust me, Miss II lrgreave?"
In whom else should b ave confidence,
II not in sou2 Yes, Indeed, trust you.
But you must be n magician, Mr.. Dudley,
if you can do that.
saw she was totally ignorant of bust
ness affairs and felt the more enchante
at her guilelesspess. Taking one of he,
hands from nv arm where it was still