Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1893-08-10


had heard from Jack Lee Aston OF
poor Nannie's death, and Lady Norton
had come to Badfeld full of kind lnten-
lions toward Perdita. and they were
all disappointed to find that they had
gone. DR.. Schafhaus told them that
he thought they would go very SLOWLY
home. for that Mr.. Lowell was in very
low. weak state And in hope OF over
taking them. they pursued their jour
ney to Bale.
Sir Edward found out privately from
the hotel manager that the Lovels had
cone on to Troyes: and as his mother
and cousin wished to see the sights or
Bale he protested an extreme desire
to visit the old churches at Troyes ana
went off by himself, and promising TO
reioin them at Paris or at Fontalne-
bleau, which they had also wished to
include in their tour.
He travelled sall Monday afternoon,
and arrived at the hotel, walking from
the station with q porter to carry his
portmanteau. 1t was a beautiful moon
light night, and as he came into the
little courtyard, he found all the serv-
ants of the inn sitting round table
eating savory potage aux croutons.
He began by asking for a room, and
was taken into the open gallery up
stairs by the fussy landlady, who never
ceased talking. She showed him a
large room with a slippery waXed floor,
where he deposited his luggage.
eyes, there were some English
here" the landlady informed HIM;
''an old gentleman who was i'll, and his
daughter. They had arrived on Satur-
day, and were to have proceeded on
Monday. but he was not we'll enough to
60"
Sir Edward sent away his hostess. 1t
was too late to disturb the Lovels that
night, being nearly ten o'clock: so he
lit cigar and sat out on the gallery
looking down into the court. The selv-
ants had finished their supper and
withdrawn: the moon shone down from
clear purple sky, throwing the old
wooden staircase and balconies into
strong and picturesque relief. In the
court below white cat glided across,
her velvet paws making not the slight
est sound; far away in the street. a
workman going home sang a gay little
song to his lady-love. Sir Edward lent
his head on his hand. and felt the pro-
found silence as an infinite rest.
Presently one Of the doors opened,
and he saw some one come out and ad-
vance slowly towards him. An instinct
told him who it was before he even
saw the slender figure, the fair head
dropping with sad detection.
He rose to his feet and tossed away
his cigar Dita started when she saw
him and would have passed ON, but he
moved a step forward.
SIT is I, Miss Lowell: do you not know
me-"
She drew back 81 step, putting her
hand to hen brow. and then held it out
to him tromblingly.
"You-you here! The impulse was
almost irresistible to- rush forward to
try to comfort her. to'pour out his story
of love, but he controlled himself with
an effort.
II wish I do SO wish to be of service
to you, if only you VILE let me. I have
Dita withdrew hel" hand.
mo. no, Miss Lowell: dear Dita. do
not be afraid will say nothing about
that. will forget it: think of nothing
to distress yoa1 promise. you must let
me help you as | would Il sister. Oh,
Dita."
For she lcant one hand on the balus-
trade, and covering her face with the
other, could not restrain her tears
With rigid resolve to be fraternal-
paternal even-he made her sit down
on his chair. and half sitting on the
balustrade himself, waited until she
had dried her eyes.
SIT is SUCH q relief to see YOU" she
said.
"Ah, you have NO one with YOU poor
Dita.'
1.-THE courier left us this morning. "
said Dita. raising her eyes and tryinp'
to smile. ''He would have missed an
engagement he had made for a very
long journey if | had kept him any
longer, and of course | could not detain
him against his will
"The BRUTE He, was bound to STAY.
[ will see that he does not escape for
such Il breach Of engagement. Have
you no. one else?"
Only our maid Summers: she is n
great comfort, bat she cannot speak a
word of French. cannot tell YOU the
relief OF seeing some one whom |
know"
And where, is Caliban? What does
he live for, but to be of use to you?"
Ibis letters have not reached him,
| suppose, Tor have not heard q word
from him. | wish he had come abroad
with us.
Tell me about your father-is he
really very ill9''
Il don't understand his condition
On, If ! only had Dr. Grant here fo,
live minutes. The doctor here saws
That he must on no account move at
least for three weeks
II will see about that tomorrow +"
on, thank you-thank you for com
- would do anything" he began,
but abruptly left off. n'
Good night" said Dita, rising. eft
Is very late, and | was going to bed
80 soon. could you not wait a little
longer?" iie'ie
L was up all last night" said n;+a
YEARLY, and I would talk to You # +
could, but | cannot hold up nv head ;,
Poor little Dita," he said, in a tone
OF lnexpresslble tenderness. ..Then 90
TO ped; Tell me, ought any one to St
up With your father to-nighto' %
= II