Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-07-12
t'nder tGe Cloud.
By E. s. WILLIAMSON.

was glad on Charles account. not on
his own.
And 3d." she went on, hurriedly, Il
want you to say all this 10 Miss
Featherstone without offending Der or
arousing her suspicion. mean l
should not ike her TO think that there
was any reason for our strict seciu-
sion
"Your recent loss Will be sufficient
excuse BY and by. when the first
violence OF your grief is past. she may
hope to make your acquaintance, even
IL you win not accord her your friend
ship"
1T Is not a recent loss Ii happened
nearly year ago; and nothing can
alter my resolution can never make
a friend nor even en- acquaintance" she
broke out, petulantlv at last.
Not a recent loss: Then it must
have been some one very dear He
stopped, awed by the pain and passion
in the eyes that for moment met his
own and seemed to beg his silence.
Forgive me- he said humbly. and
dared say no more on the subject.
II will leave Ii to you to say what
you think best, only let 1t be definite.
And now will you 90 on and join the
othersf Tell Mr. Bowyer that l am
tired. | dare say that he will over.
take me-"
II will always do what / can for
YOU" he said, abruptly, then turned
and, walking away rapidly, left her
standing there.
1t was growing dusk, but she scarcely
noticed the frightening shadows as
She reused herself and went in the
house.
There were lights III iii the T0oHIs,
and as she approached a shadow
moved across the blind of her win
dow. The gate she held escaped from
her grasp, and swung to with creak-
ing sound The figure Immediately
disappeared. She reached her room.
no one was there.
Had 1t been her imagination, which
only the servant lighting the candles
On this occasion her fears had not
been without foundation.
Directly she and Mr.. Bower had
left the house. Mrs. Priolo, slipped up
stairs, having told the maid that she
Ing. This was soon finished. and then
she was at leisure to prosecute her
search.
She did not hope much from 1.-THE
girl would scarcely keep anything
knowingly in her possession which
could prove anything against her; but
IL she could only obtain a clew. 1t
would be easy to follow it up-a labor
of love with her.
Her doubt of Ellen Warde had been
verified on that first night Of their ar
rival when she listened at the door,
and had caught something of what
was said as the voices rose and fell
She had heard nothiHg clearly, only
enough to tell her. that this girl who
had sHppiaated her had escaped by
flight from the consequences Of some
crime, and vas now in hiding 10 eS-
cape the law
If she could only discover whence she
came where Mr.. Bowyer had met her,
and why he had taken her under his
protection! Drawer after drawer was
caefully examined; but nothing re-
warded her exertions. Once she
thought she was on the threshold of
discovery She had come upon a
round tin box with a patent paddock
on 1t; and her quick sight instantly
detected that, though apparently so
securely fastened, the pin OF the hinge
being loose. the box could in reality
pin was the work OF moment; but
the housekeeper uttered an ejaculation
of disgust as she saw its contents. 1t
was nothing but a dried bouquet. with
the lace and pale blue ribbons yet
on It.
She was destined, however to gather
something from her stolen visit
A large portfolio stood upright
against the wall 1t was locked and
she felt no hope of being able 70 find
ont anything from il; but as she lifted
II she saw Il paper projecting a little
way beyond the leather, and as she
shook Il vigorously several others
huttered down, She picked them up
eagerly. The first she looked Mt was
photograph of Ellen Warde herself
as Galatea.
Another photograph Elaine and
Ada together, their arms interlaced,
the two golden heads touching. The
resemblance was 50 striking that Mrs.
Prilolo comprehended the relationship
at once. There had been a sister;
where was she now2 The housekeeper
scented a mystery here, but had not
time then to follow 1t up.
Several slstcltes remained 10 be-
seen bits of scenery that were con
temptuously put aside and designated
as "daubs.' then a head, only roughly
outline of young man Of about
twenty five. with dark eyes set rather
near together. well-shaped nose,
dark close-croppei hair, and 4 small
pointed mustathe Who was this?
Rut the next the last Of the sketches,
brought glow Of satisfaction into