Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1894-04-19
CHAPTER XX.

The autumn sun was tinglng the land
acape with its red glow. 1t penetrated
into the seclusion Of a bedroom. and
fingered On the wOndrous masses OF
the golden hair that crowned the head
of a lovely girl standing in a passive at
titude by the window. 1t was Alice
frail, white, and delicate.
AS yet she scarcely comprehended
all that had happened.
A dim mist of dreams was in her
mind, mingling pain, horror, anc. fear
with the sense of comfort and peace
she felt now.
She had been i'll for one month-ill
unto death, but she knew nothing of it;
neither did she know one of the loving
faces that hung over her sick bed.
pray ing fervently for her life.
Now she was able to stand, to move
about slowly. and try to recall her scat
tered and bewildered thoughts.
She was awakened from her present
dream by the entrance of Davis.
"Lor' my lady. have you been stand
ing all this time? It's too much, Davis
exclaimed sympathizingly.
Il feel better-stronger. Davis
Alice answered with a faint smile:
"but | am trying to think Of all that
has happened, and it is so difficult so
difficult"
"What's the use in thinking, my
lady? You'll only tire yourself out
Here let me push the chair to the win
dow, and-there. her Iadyship wants
to see you"
''Her ladyship wants to see metre
peated Alice vaguely.
THE Earl mother. She has nursed
you all the time, my lady
"And she is gong to nurse you some
weeks vet spoke 1t voice at the door,
and Roy's mother came in.
Then q sort Of mist cleared away
from Alice's mind-she seemed to see
and know all that this gentle white
HAIRED woman had suffered and done
for her.
She rose feebly and stretched out
her hands, and Lady Darrell drew the
slender form to he" heart.
REST there, my daughter.' she said
tenderly: my poor little darling
Then, still claspin~ her in her arms,
the older woman moved to the chair,
and placed Alice in it.
"You are stronger to-day" she said
-''strong enough: think, to hear all
/ have to say
Tell me quickiy-is anything wrong
is there more trouble?' Alice's pale
cheeks flushed.
mo more trouble. dear, [ trust moth
ing but happiness. See, | am going to
sit beside you. and chat a while. Davis,
you may go, but don't be far away.
shall ring for you presently
Alice gazed at Lady Darrelis face
most anXiously.
"Now. my dear child, [ will tell YOU
all. First let all fear and dread pass
from your mind. The man who did
YOU so great a wrong IS separated from
your path forever. The murder OF
that poor girl and your own sutferings
have been avenged.
''She died. them" breathed Alice
family. And she was SO good to me. >
II was with her when she died, and
I hope and think her end was peace
She had been cruelty treated, but her
nature was pure through it all. We
will not wish her back again, for life,
as she found it, had been very bitter. y
Lady Darrell paused an instant.
'Wnen you were found delirious in
the inn, at first they feared to move
you, but after awhile the doctors
opined that your recovery would be
more certain if brought into purer air.
SO we moved you here, my child. This
is a farm q few miles out of town.
which, | dare say, you cannot remem-
ber."
No" answered Alice: it is all like a
hideous DREAM
''Ah, well, it is gone, And now
dear, let us go further. Do you re-
member when [ asked you once il YOU
could recall nothing OF your childhood
you said you had q faint recollection
of sweet face?"
'Yes-yes."
That lace was your mothers. Lei
me finish my surprise at one. Yor
are the child OF tulke and Margare1
~ 81 rnaEs rs aGe dead has,