Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1890-02-28
A Terrible Love Story.
CHAPTER III.

Vial EN- III.
Tomorrow Clifford would return;
he would begin to make inquiries; and
who would know where she had been
takenp In the loneliness of this strange
retreat she was utterly in the power of
the woman who sat looking into the
fire; and Judith was her agent, her
combination she had not hesitated to
deceive Lena as to the time of their
departure from Faircview. Yes, she
was in their power.
At present the fatigue of her Jour
ney and her passionate resistance
made her feel really i'll, and she was
thanful when Judith came to show
them to their rooms.
al cannot go down again tonight, -
she said YEARLY, as she sank down
into luxurious chair placed in front
of cheerful fire.
II will bring you refreshment. re-
piled the woman, and left her alone.
Lena felt thankful to be able to in
dulge in hearty cry unseen. Her
weeping was violent, but soon over.
and she felt better after it. She
reused herself to examine her room.
1t was fair size, not very lofty, but
having a large low window over
which heavy curtains were drawn. A
the floor; her bed was hung
with handsome curtains of rose
colored tapestry and covered with an
eider-down counterpart of satin; there
was handsome wardrobe and other
bedroom furniture, n writing-tablc
and bookcase. 1t was n luxurious
bedroom; but to Lena it was n prison
out of which there was no escape.
She was faint and tired, but, with
the natural appetite of youth, made a
good meal, went to led, and fell into
a sound and dreamless sleep in spite
of all her troubles.
1t was on Saturday afternoon that
Clifford Peregrinc found himself once
more inside The Blackthorn," and
greeted by Mru. Topping, who was
longing to tell him the news. yet did
not dare to take tho liberty, although
she had guessed the truth
"Here l am. Mrs. Topping" cried
Clifford. al suppose my rooms are
readyP Can have some dinner at
YES, sir, certainly; and your rooms
is quite ready; and what beautiful
day it's been, TO be surer'
The young man looked at her in
some surprise, for the day had been
dull and cold; but he thought the
weather might have been brighter at
Abbotsford, for It seemed so to him in
the prospect Of meeting Lena.
"Ioull have IA fire, sir?" went on
Mrs. Topping, STOPPING down in front
OF the large old.fashioned store. .It's
quite winter all of sudden, as one
may say. Dear. how it hev rained to-
day. to be sure"
Tho good woman busted herself
with the fire; while Clifford stood by
the mantle-s1elf, surprised at the CON
Trajectory character of her remarks.
Surely the uxom landlady of The
B.ackthorn' had not been making too
free at her own beer-tap! BY way of
breaking tho silence, he put the very
question for which Mrs. Topping was
lnxiously waiting.
''ls there any news to give me, Mrs.
Topping anything happened since |
was herepn
Don't ash me, sir exclaimed the
woman, ''for it's only bad news as
ever falls TO my lot to tell, think: but
| d best out with II ct once. The fam
lly at Faireview are gone and the place
shut up and left, every servant paid
oh, horses and dogs sent to livery,
shutters up, gates closed and locked,
and the very lodge-keeper gone. It's
upset the whole village; for we never
heard word till Monday. They do
'ay they're gone to Germany"
Clifford Perogrine appeared to be
with the news; he stood for
,omo minutes trembling with rage and
1ispair; but at last he burst out
''She has been carried off to be fore
~ into marriage with that base prof
iga'o. and l shall lose her forever,
or sho will eooner die than submit
hat | know full WE'LL"
Tho young fellows manner moved
;he heart Of Mrs. Topping AS much as
ais words distressed and puzzled her.
''Bless ye. sir," she cried, sis il as
pad as thatp All, now | know who's
lone oil tho mischief-it's that old mix
drs. judith, for l caught sight of her
n The park the evening as you last
net Miss Lena at the gateway; and |
made 30 bold rs to throw out IA hint,
,ns never dreamed OF anything like
hist"
MRS. Topping" cried Clifford, al |
most beside himself in his agitation,
Il entreat you, If you know anything |
more. to tell me. Do not be afraid to |
ct me know-do not hesitate as being !