Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-08-16
cHAPTE RXIn.

A dull fcggy morning. The damp
seemed to cling to and envelope every
thing, while the cold was 50 piercing
and penetrating that even in his thtk
overcoat Colonel Severn shiyered as
be rode on quickly toward Greathaven,
IT was business, not pleasure that took
him out that morning; afterward be
was half Inclined to call it fate.
Presently, few PAGES before him
for the fog prevented his seeing
further than that ahead-he saw girl
struggling ON under the weight OF a
heavy bag, her saturated skirts cling
ing round her feet and impeding her
progress.
Something familiar struck him in
the gait, and he hurried on till he
came nearly to her side. She was
dressed In black. and a thick Grape
veil hid her features; but CLEAN Of
light golden hair and IA involuntary
shrinking away as she turned and saw
him assured him Of her identity,
though her presence there at such an
our and in snch plight seemed i'm
possible.
Miss Warie, Is 1t you:"
She threw back her veil, disclosing a
face pale and sad, bat Infinitely lovely.
Yes. it is l." she said
But what are you doing here at
this timer
II might ask the same Of you," she
returned, with an attempt at gayety
which completely failed TO deceive
him.
THAT is different thing altogether
You are walking, and have a travel
ing-bag You are going way where Z?
"Where:" she repeated vaguely.
"Ah, If / only knew
Severn had got down from his horse:
the bride was over his arm, and the
bag that she held he had taken from
har; with his other hand he touched
her lightly on the sleeve
let me tell you. Trust yourself 10
my guidance" be entreated.
There is no one would sooner
listen to-
Then turn back with me now Mr..
Bower is your natural protector. Be-
l.eve me, it Is very, very hard for a
woman 10 face the world alone. Don't
try it, don't"
If You knew all, she began.
MY advice would still be the same.
In every phase Of life there are trials
to be borne: but woman is always
safer and happier In her own nome. :
"Mr Bowyer is not my uncle"
Colonel Severn expressed 60 sur
prise. He had suspected for some
time that the tie between them was
not that Of relationship.
"Still he has adopted you; and that
he Il really fond of you am sure
Have you any one nearer to you than
he isl"
She shook her head sadly.
Then take my advice, aud 90 back. Z
With movement he indicated the
way that she should 20; but she still
hung back. hesitating.
First listen 10 my story
Again he interrupted her, this time
with an accent Of authority.
i will listen as we walk back %
gether. Come on now"
When their faces were turned 70
ward Littlehaven. Ellen hlurted out
her story. the events of the day be
fore.
Put into plain words, and told IN the
light OF day. the consciousness Of IN
nocerce prevailing the recital, the
whole thing sounded ridiculous and
far-fetched. She was not surprised
when the colonel laughed aloud rs she
finished.
why, the woman must be mad a
well as wicked. to imagine you capable
AZ such 4 crimel Pshaw-it Is too alb
surdr'
And vet to any one who did not
believe in me the case would seem .
very strong one. II was ! who sus-
gested having the poison 70 Kill the
rats. instead or trap and | who
made the ten III which the poison
/ must have been"
/ III Is too absurd he repeated II
wonder you allowed yourself So p
/ frightened 81"
To be continued