Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-08-23

turned to the attack with renewed
vigor, while Elaine, whose really sweet
temper had somewhat suffered from
the constant strain, retorted more fire.
quently than she had done before.
Mr.. Bowyer was always kind TO her
even affectionate and pitiful at
times, when his better feelings had
the ascendency; yet she could not but
notice that he avoided being with her,
and grew more dependent on the
housekeeper for everything he wanted
And oh it had been so different.
That she owed this to Mrs Priolo she
knew we'll, and dared not hope that
her malice would rest satisfied with
this Yet what was she to do:
On this subject Mrs. Priolo was also
undecided. But one thing she had de-
termined-the same roof should not
shelter both.
For some time she gave only little
hints and innuendoes which he could
hot fail to understand. yet to which
there was absolutely nothing he could
reply; then at last she decided that it
was time to say something definite and
to the point.
She had come into the sitting-room
and found him with his body bent to-
ward the fire and his head buried in
his hands. When, hearing footsteps,
there, he pulled himself together in
stantly, and began to talk of fndiffer-
ent matters, till, finding that he was
receiving no answers, he lapsed as
suddenly into silence.
Then it was Mrs. Priolo's turn.
Il wish you would let me speak, -
she said, gravely.
Gould I prevent you?''-with an I'M
easy smile ITO stop the flow of a
woman's eloquence is beyond the
power of any man, and certainly be-
yond mine''
You know what I mean"
do I?'
You will never DE happy and con-
tented so long as that girl remains
here
Then I shall remain discontinued,
for | have no intention Of altering
present arrangements"
TT is killing you by inches" she
declared.
For a moment he looked startled.
IF I am In danger, the doctor will
probably warn me of it. You are my
housekeeper, rot my medical adviser"
II am your own brothers widow, the
trusted companion of the last ten
years. Till Ellen Warde came we
never had a disagreement. It is my
loyalty to you that makes me brave
your displeasure by saying what I
think
"You have done what you believe to
be your duty, dare say. Let that con-
tent you"
Further than that I have done no
good by speaking
You have certainly not shaken my
resolution in the very slightest. Miss
Warde is my niece by adoption, if not
by blood. l did not act unadvisedly
or without due considerat ton when [
brought her to my house"
But surely you will never trust her
after what has happened?'
II will trust her implicitly he said,
more with the air Of one who was
making a VOW to himself than in de-
fance of the warning given.
well, you know best, Of course.
You have known the young lady longer
and you know her much better than |,
and probably you have some good
reason to believe her to be truthful
and more trustworthy than late events
would imply; you have some knowl-
edge of her past-her home life-and
can Judge"
BE silentr' he cried, in an angry
quavering voice. Leave the poor
girl in peace. At least she never
harmed you"
81 spoke for your sake" she OBJ
served.
Then for my sake be silent for the
FUTURE he said, with cynical smile.
These discussions do me no good and
give me unnecessary pain. Pray spare
me any more
'It is as you wish, of course
Sac had said all that she had in
tended; and, even if she had contem-
plated any further innuendoes, it
would have been impossible to speak
them then, for the door opened and
Elaine entered.
To Be Continued.