Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-07-26


the friendship CT this other very
sweet. only that 1t would be better to
refuse ii now than, having once en-
joyed il, to feel it withdrawn from
her forever.
Presently she heard Colonel Seyern's
footstep on the stairs. then passing
along the hail. Some one opened the
outside door for him. and closed it.
He was gone-gone without word
OF farewell, Was this the first fruits
Of her mad confession? she asked her
self.
Heart-sore and weary Of the endless
struggle to act for the best, Ellen
burst into tears, weeping more VIC.
lently from the effort to stifie the
sounds of her grief.
Mrs. Priolo entered noiselessly. For
awhile she stood looking down at her
pitilessly. How could such a. wretch
expect mercy? thought Mrs. Priolo.
mr.. Bowyer is waiting for you to
say goodnight she said at last,
sharply. Are you coming?"
fouS utlSu uei EYES at Outt. anu SUt
up, strangling the sob that rose re-
belliously in her throat.
II will go now did not know that
ii was SO late" said Ellen.
Not with that face, should hope
unless you wish 10 work on Mr.. Bow
yer's sympathy. For my part. | think
such repining downright wicked, es-
pecially when ones as well off. Jas you
are now. 1t looks as II you had some
thing on your mind" said Mrs. Priolo.
Perhaps have" said Ellen, wear
lily, as she put away her work.
Then take my advice, and don't
show it 50 plainly Curiosity is
aroused already by your strange be-
havlor; don't let it become an actual
suspicion unless, of course"-with
sneer-"your past life will bear look
ing into
Not waiting for reply, or giving
the other time to get out of the room,
she turned out the gas, and both were
left in darkness.
Was it Ellens excited fancy, or did
she really hear whisper-three words
muttered in low malicious tone that
the prevailing silence rendered clear
and cruelty distinct-"Her own sis
ter?"
TO open ones eyes on pleasant
sunny morning, when a balmy breeze
is blowing and birds are singing in
the trees, gives curious sense Of un-
reality when the preceding night has
been a wakeful one and terrible with
dire forebodings. All seems like 9
dream, and in the first reaction one is
inclined to underrate the dangers that
may have been exaggerated the day
before.
So it was with Ellen Warde.
She was aware of the housekeeper's
eagerness to drive her away, and
came to the conclusion that this was
only ruse to effect her purpose. She
had seen the effect of her former
chance allusion, and was harping on
the same string. Ellen's natural'cour-
age reasserted itself. Mrs. Priolo had
declared war-well, she would find the
challenge taken up,
When the breakfast bell rang. Ellen
went down stairs singing softly to
herself, fastened crimson rose into
her belt as she entered the room,
which relieved her from the necessity
of encountering the housekeeper's first
glance Of startled surprise.
Bless my heart, you're looking fine
and gay this morning. Have you
heard good newsy was asked bluntly.
NO; but have received some good
advice, and mean to profit by it. As
you say, it is OF no use grieving for
ever" said Ellen, seating herself at
the table.
"Humph It's we'll for those who
can forget. There's some who have
no right to be happy and contented
like Other folk"
Il hope you don't mean yourself.
Mrs. Priolo. l should be sorry to
think you were one OF those"
The retort goaded the elderly wom-
an almost to madness. She crossed
over to Ellen's side and bent down
till their faces nearly touched.
I'll tell you who isl she cried,
with spiteful emphasis; but, before
another word could leave her lips, Mr..
Bowers entrance created a diver
sion.
What is this? he asked testify.
rs breakfast not ready? The bell
rang some time ago"
Ellen jumped up lightly and urew
his chair to the table. Mrs. Priolo
was just going to tell me a story.
She must reserve it for some other
time" she explained, then, turning
to the housekeeper, who was white
with rage-"If you will go and hurry
them in the kitchen, will make the
tea for my uncle
When she returned Ellen was re-
failing little bits Of news that she had
heard from Colonel Severn the night
before, and Mr. Bowyer was talking
more brightly than he had done for
some time.
How bonny you look, child! You
must come and read to me this morn
Ing. l have been afraid to ask you
to do so lately, you have seemed SO