The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1890-02-01

splendid constitution; they all say that"
She has magnificent physique"
Yes. You express admirably my
meaning. She has magnificent physique
so had her mother. But oh, Mr.. Dud-
ley, step daughter is terrible charge
an almost overwhelming responsibility.
l could not, for the life of me, find a
suitable answer, SO sought refuge in ST.
lence, and sat staring at the fire, wonder
ing what Miss Hargreave thought of the
message" l had sent her. and whether or
not she would deign to show me the light
of her beautiful presence.
Mrs. Hargreaye continued to talk or
rather TO ply me with innumerable ques-
tions, every reply of mine eliciting from
her prosv dissertation, wherein she en-
deavored to expound her own views and
theories. Occasionally, feigned agree
ing with her, because this was easier than
arguing on matters concerning which ut
that moment, l was feeling the most su-
preme indifference.
An hour passed, and l wondered how
much longer this "durance vile" would
last. SO unutterably bored did become
that | was even contemplating flight,
when slight sound at he far end of the
apartment attracted my attention. A
portiere was drawn aside. Miss Har-
greave stepped into the room.
Heavens, how beautiful she looked.
What picture she presented standing
there against the dark tlpestried back
ground. Her dress, of gold -colored bro
cade clinging closely to her. displayed
the exquisite outline of her form. 1 felt
that III her dark eyes, which were fixed on
me, lay an irresistible fascination-a
power that impelled me to go forward to
where she stood.
Il am SO glad to see you, Mr.. Dudley
Do you believe me?" she asked, while |
retained her hand certainly longer than
etiquette required.
Believe you? Yes" I whispered pres
emily. watching the rich color mantle in
her cheeks; her looks, her manner, filling
me with strange, wonderful, pleased
surprise. Then, with q gentle pressure,
she withdrew her hand.
In the meantime Mrs. Hargreave had
risen from her seat. She seemed scared
and nervous.
My dear, she began, Il thought t."
"Ab, you thought | had headache and
could not appear tonight, mother mine!
But am ! not the most contrary creature
in creation? Wasn't | almost sure to
change my mind: My headache has flown,
so has my somber mood. At this mo-
ment | feel the gayest of the gay. Poor
mother! Won't even that assurance make
you smile! All, Mr. Dudley, YOU must
have spent weary, weary hour, Mother
has been trying to Undue you with some
of her dreary ideas of life. Now You
shall hear mine. Oh, what a merry world
it is when all goes WE'LL III dance aud
play-dance and play she warbled, with
the freshness and freedom of a bird.
Then, iinging rside the fan of pea
cock 5 feathers with which she had been
toying, she sat down at the piano, and
without prelude of any kind burst out in
glorious voice with the fine old song,
" Should he upbraid,' Never shall | hear
it to my dying day without associating it
with George Hargreave and remembering
that night.
felt irresistihly impelled to approach
the singer, but Mrs. Hargreave motioned
me back, laying finger on her lips. Did
she mean to ell join silence? No fear,
however, that | should break the spell by
speech. l stood simply entranced with
the bewltcling strains, the complete
a 6aadOn OF the snger-my gaze riveted
on the beautiful glowing face that
seemed all the while trimming over with
fun and mischief
AS the last notes died away, however,
the harmony WAS broken by sharp. sud-
den cry from Mrs Hargreave, who had
sunk back on her chair, and was pressing
one hand 10 her side.
You are i'll again mother" said Miss
Hargreaye, going and bending over her.
Never mind, dea" 1t Will pass off,
gasped the lady, rising with apparent
difficulty. Excuse me, Mr.. Dudley"
she continued, with white face and tren-
bl ng lips. Il am subject to these at
tacks. They are nothing; George will
tell you so. | will return presently"
She then left the room throu. Ii the door
by which her daughter had entered it, |
raising the pcrtiere for her as she did So
My looks must have expressed concern,
for when | turned round NJ IS f!argreave
said lightly, as she threw herself on a
couch:
Don't be alarmed. Mr. dudley. am
quite used to mother little attacks; they
are nothing serious, really, Only catch
ing of the breath. Do pray Sit down and
allow me to thank you for getting me that
copy OF the VIII. | was almost mad on
first reading it, as You may suppose.
Il hardly knew whether to let you have
it or not, II IS Iiargreave, fearing YOU
would be so terribly disappointed,
1t Tas disappointment a cruel blow
at first. But now it does not seem to
all the property that saould by rights be
niue; for ! feel | have game something
that outweighs it far in value" Here
she leaned forward very near to me, with
hands clasped on her knees.
w hat have you gaintd:" | asked.
You she answered: then sat quite
still and silent with dropped eyes.
A very poor substitute for fortune, I
fear" l said, with all the calmness l
could command
No, no, indeed. 1t is more 10 me than
you Il think-than you ever dream of.
Do you forget the dreadful life l lead
SO lonely, desolate-a prisoner, dragged
about from place to place? But oh, the
wonder. the N ryel. that mother allows
me TO be acquainted with YOU | can not
understand her motive. She has one, You
may depend; but [ shall lind ii out :"
Perhaps, after all, We both misjudge
her. Surprising she is only anxious for
your happiness, | sUgges ed vaguely.
How little You know her, All. we'll,
We Will not waste time in talk Of this
kind. | mean to be happy when / can,
IN my own way. Come, my prear cbera-
liey my knight-yoU have done my be-
hest, but as yet not asked for your re-
ward"
Il will not ask but take it, said /, aud
kissed the red lips so temptingly near to
mine.
In q moment she had risen from tbs
couch and was pacing up AMI down the
room. Her features We're strangely agi-
tated; she seemed talking to herself Yes.
as her step-mother had said she certainly
was very cxcitable.
Surely | have not been unfortunate
enough to have offended YOU" said l.