Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1894-02-01
WOMAN AGAINSY WOMAN.
BY MRS. M. E. HOLMES.

Il do remember it, answered his
mother gently. land for the future she
shall be welcome to me as my daugh-
ter: my pride has been against her all
this time. but tonight she stands re-
vealed lady in every sense of the
word. and YOU have no need to blush
for your wife"
Il shall seek or send to the Browns
to make every inquiry about her birth.
I am certain she has proud blood in her
veins, mother. and does not belong to
them
Valerie was just behind him as he
exclaimed this.
''Discussing my Lady Alice, she OBJ
served, with an effort to keep her
Sneering temper down. "She has
really astonished me. What a born
actress the girl ISL
'Actress.' repeated the Earl, vexed
beyond measure at the words: ut IS
not acting, Valerie: it is nature
Valerie bit her lip, her worst fears
were confirmed. She altered her mood.
Il congratulate you, she said softly,
Just CHANGING at him with her lustrous
eyes: lit has been a severe test, and no
one among your friends is more
pleased at the success than / am, Roy"
Roy's face softened
THANK you, Valerie; it is like you to
be so kind. | am anxious that you
I should be friends with my-my-the
! Countess. You are SO clever, you can
help her"
MY Lady Alice does not need my
aid, Roy; but since you wish it [ will be
her friend, first for your sake and then
for hers
The words were spoken bravely.
None knew what an agony of pain
was living beneath that smiling ex-
terror.
| Lady Darrell overheard her sons re-
| quest and her face was puzzled.
| Roy is like all men-clumsy, she
said to herself. ''Valerie will never be
a friend to his wife"
| Alice, meanwhile, walked away with
| Count Jura She scarcely heard what
he was saying. All the evening her
memory had gone back with thrill to
her husband and his request. To-mor-
row they were to meet and walk to-
gether.
1t was like a beautiful dream to her,
and unconsciously brought her happi-
| ness.
Count Jura led the way to a ma"ble
anterOOm.
Statues cleaned white amid the
foliage of rare tropical plants, dim
lamps were hung about. ana a fountain
played in the center.
LET us sit here awhile he said as
he led her towards a velvet couch,
placed close to the fountain; ''We have
had no time for a chat, Lady Darrell. :"
Nor shall [ have any now" said
| Alice hurriedly. forcing herself to
| c,,,i 10 ..Nc,, forrat ('nl0t I have NV
guests to attend to-"
And an | not one?" he asked quiet
Alice opened her fan and moved it
to and fro, but did not answer.
80 you were frightened in the ruins
to-day" went on the Count, drinking
in the fair loneliness of her face with
passionate avidity.
Yes: but it was very stupid OF me.
Please do not think me coward,
! Count
And if you are afraid in broad day
| light, how can you have the courage
to sleep in room with all these glor-
ious jewels?"
He touched a glittering bracelet as
he spoke.
| Il am not frightened in my own
apartments Alice said, wondering just
little at the way in which he always
discussed the diamonds.
The Court noticed her surprise; he
adroitly changed the conversation.
"Ah, you should see the wonderful
caves and weird hooks | have beheld
in my travels. Ghosts and spirits dWelt
in them, indeed.'
Il should be glad to travel and see
other lands"
iinn smoke 1paa1nItV
| ''You would?" broke in the Count.
| ''Ah how would you like to leave this
cold desolate place, and see nothing
but blue sky, sunshine, and flowers?
Fancy garden. with orange groves
seeming the air, with terraces leading
down to bay as blue-as blue as your
starlike eyes. One can be happy in q
home like that
"Do you know of such a place. the
girl asked eager to continue this CON-
versation.
Yes, know Of such a paradise. Tt
is mine-all mine. Now it stands
empty and deserted: it only waits for a
mistress "a mistress fair, lovely as the
sun, with gentle grace and maddenimg
eyes-such as yours. Yes, you are -'
"Count :"
Alice rose quickly but his arm stole
round her slender waist.
Yes, yes-you are the only woman
in the wide world that could bring
happiness in such a home. Have not
my eyes spoken clearly? Did you not
understand? Alchemy Lady Alice
listen viii take you away from all
this gilded misery: you are wretched
here. l can give you more-love.
Yes, girl: you cannot understand what
passion is devouring my heart. For
you live alone, for love you.''
" Let me 60" breathed Alice,
wrenching herself from his grasp.
''How dare you? How dare you insult
me like this"
Insult" The man laughed. What.
YOU pretend you have not seen my
! love-
Your love-" repeated the girl with
! deepest scorn. Il have seen nothing;
if had, should come here to bear
your insults? Go-go-at once. You
are coward | scorn you I hate
YOU