The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-05-18
UNDER THE CLOUD.

I r n ri n i - - - 49, WIS
N ,. .. wrtzi<,fspr
SQ0 -
Asd asked for his AID. Hed. ~ i a1y
way fallen in his estimstlohf DID 81 sus-
pet anything, or IVES u ttmrIr o|aincli-
nationP Only Charlie Sewers seemed to
take sny pleasure IN her socisty now 20
no wonder she greeted him 90 cordially,
end that such sweet regret shone from her
eyes when she said gocd-by.
But, self-engrossed e she was, she had
not been utterly blind TO Mrs. Priolo's
machinations. At last she resolved to
act boldly and demonstrate with her.
II that had no effect, she would appeal to
Mr.. Bowyer, and ask II 1t was By his
wish that they were never together now
never aloneas they used to be. One
pay Ellen managed to intercept her
while on the stairs.
Mrs. Priolo," she said, In her sweet
low-toled voice, ''why do you try to come
between Mr.. Bowyer and me n
"Ig Why. don't understand Why
should do such thing ~
Yes, why r. repeated Ellen, firmly.
. It's some nonsense Of yours, Miss
Ellen. You were always given to
dreaming. y
" But | am not dreaming now. can
see plainly that you are taking advantage
Of Mr.. Bowyer's illness to usurp my
place.
And, II 1 am Hereby" who
usurped mine? had served him for
more than nine years, and he was always
satisfied with me and wanted no one else
until you came, scheming after his money"
scheme after his money! cried
Ellen, scornfully. You may have every
farthing he possesses If you will only
leave me In peace and let him like me as
much as he used to do.
Mrs. Priolo smiled a slow, comprehen-
sive smile full Of unbelief.
Cant you trust me? "-impatiently.
I'd sooner make things certain for
myself, thank you, Miss Ellen"
Then shall go at once to Mr.. Bow
yer and tell him what has passed be-
tween us. shall beg him to leave me
nothing. shall tell him that want
only his affection, not his money.
Her decided attitude and evident
determination to carry out her threat
made the housekeeper grow red, then
pale, with apprehension. She would
never have shown her hand so reck-
lessly had she thought Ellen would dare
resist her will.
don't see what good that would do
to either Of usand he SO III too, !"
she remarked hastily.
Then promise me you will do as !
wish,r insisted Ellen. /" Let us be to.
\ gether alone in the morning and even.
ing as We used to be. II you want to
attack, let me ct least defend myself"
i Indeed, miss, l don't want to do
you any harm; and hope you'll not harm
me. have the best right to his money,
you'll admit, having been with him so long
and been married to his only brother
why, I'm the only connection he hasl"
! told you" haughtily. that had
no wish for his money"
9 | am almost his sister, Miss Ellen,
you see. /" Then, abandoning the cring-
ing manner she had adopted, and leaning
forward, SO that she might see II her
random shot would tell, she added mean
fngly, Had you ever sister?n
But she was not prepared for 80
immediate or SO decisive q result Ellen
Warde fell back against balusters.
breathing heavily, as though her heart
were affected by some sudden shock.
With widely opened eyes she stared
blankly at the speaker, her lips as
white as chalk.
She was evidently in deadly fear, and
Mrs. Priolo was careful to say nothing
to reassure her.
You leave me alone, and I'll leave
you alone" she observed; and, nodding
ner head triumphantly, she went toward
the room where Mr.. Bowyer was seated,
feeling that she had won the game with
points to spare.
Two or three months had passed
since Colonel Severn's last visit to the
Dover house; nor had he seen Ellen in
the interval. Charlie had always asked
for his company at first, and expressed
himself injured at the somewhat curt
refusals he received but latterly he had
evidently preferred going thither alone.
One day, as he was starting of as usual,
his father stopped him in the hall.
Come into my den moment.
Charlie, want to speak to you" he said.
The young fellow went with him at
once, and sat on the edge of the table,
waiting for what was to follow. He had
clear conscience, Or he might have been
disturbed by his unexpected summons.
g You are of to the Bower House, l
suppose ?" inquired the Colonel.
Yes, sir,n answered Charlie, with
his usual frankness. Can take any
message 2"
Have you ever thought, Charlie,
to what these daily visits may commit
your Itisnot fair to Miss Warde, making
her conspicuous by your attentions, un.
less you really mean to ask her to be
your wife,
And, If did, sir, should have your
approval ?" interrupted the boy, eagerly.