Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1894-02-08
CHAPTER IX.

ting away the cleaning satin her
young mistress had worn, and, that
done, approached the table to replace
the magnificent Darrell jewels in their
case.
Alice, who had been standing lost in
q delicious reyerie, woke from her
dream.
She had donned the long white pcig-
noir, and her masses OF golden hair
hung unbound over her shoulders.
''You are tired out, Davis. Go to
bed, she said kindly. Leave me to
put away the diamonds | am not the
least Sleepy
Davis looked up gratefully.
''Arc you sure you are not tired, my
LADY," she demanded.
"Ouite," answered Alice. go at
once-it Is very late.
~ was thinking perhaps it would be
better to take the diamonds to the but
lcr's room. He alwhys has the plate
with him after one Of these festivals,
and he sleeps with his revolver near at
hand. in case Of robbers
'RObbers' laughed Alice. though
slight fear crossed her mind. "Why,
who would dare attack the Castle,
Davis? | am not afraid.
''Then, goodnight, my lady, and
many thanks.
Alice waited till the maid with
drew, then locked the door
She was not nervous, although she
slept in wing away from the rest of
the Castle.
She returned to the table and took
up the diamonds.
She gazed at each with q tender
look rs she replaced them on their vel
vet beds.
'His jewels" she murmurcd. His
hand has touched them
She lifted a bracelet to her lips as
She spoke, then, blushing at the ac-
ton, hurriedly put it in its case. re-
placed the leathcr-coverGd case in the
small iron safe standing on the table,
and locked it,
she pat down the key, and walked
to the window.
II was dark night, no moon shonc:
yet 90 Allie it seemed as if she were
gazing on the taircst picture.
why am ] SO happy" she muir
murcd, wandering slowly up and down.
why does my heart thrill? He spoke
kindly; but it may be gone tomorrow
or icrhaps | only dreamed he was SO
kind 4"
She passed her hand over her eyes.
then a smile OF gladncss came to her
face.
mo, no; it was real it is real; he
has asked me to meet him tomorrow.
oh, how long it seems till then. Some
thing tells me that his contempt and
scorn are dcad-that he no longer
wishes. nue. away. If-if it could be
that he is beginning to like me? But
that is too great happiness. All has
gone we'll Tonight. His mother kissed
me. and gave me her blessing: every
one was kind all except Valerie and
Count ,iuI'a, she shuddcrcd. How |
dread that man, If only | dared had
sold Roy what he had said. But it was
TOO soon. | must be brave: and should
he dare to insult me again, | will APP
peal to Lady Darrell for protection.
Valerie, too-Why does she hate me:
she could have married Roy in the
bygOnc days. have heard her say so
with her own lips to her brother: and
now, when he is my-my husband she
is jealous, and hates me. | do not like
her, Hut | am stronger now-now |
know he is kind and does not despisG
me. will lSneel and thank God for
all His goodness TO me-.
She sank beside her dainty bed. and
buried her face in her hands.
All was silent, save for the moaning
of the trees IN the gentle autumn
breeze. when, to break the silence,
there came a decided tap AT the door
Alice rose surprised. but not fright
cncd: her prayers always soothed her
She opened the door. and was
amazed to sec Valerie Ross III the cor
rjdor.
- am sorry to disturb YOU" said
Valerie gently, and smiling kindly,
bat am rather distressed. [ have
dropped one Of my ruby and diamond
SCARS, and &ricve to lose any OF that
set; il belonged to my mother
Can help you 10 look for it," eN-
claimed Alice in genuine sympathy.
She remembered now. in that con-
versation with her brother Valerie
had mentioned she had no valuables
left but these Jewels.
''Oh, thank. My maid ana | have
searched everywhere: and then she
suddenly remembered that she heard
Davis say she had picked up an orna-
mont belonging to some one, and
thought she might have brought it
hcEc, "
Let us look: it may be in the
room.
Alice at once lit an extra candle and
Valerie, who was attired in a long.
loose pei9noir of crimson silk, stood
gazing at the girlish figure as Il moved
from her with an expression Of deepest
nalignity.
X sn sure it is not with the Darrell
diamonds, FOR put them away my
self" Alice said. shaking back her
masses OF hair and preparing to search
the room.
How beautiful they are, and how