Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-07-26
Nothing, 80 far as l can remem-

Nothing, 80 far as 1 can remem-
ber'
Then don't tell her now, be- and
implore you,'' was the reply, in which
intense relief and earnest entreaty
were eXcellently simulated.
Il am at loss to understand your
motive for speaking So" remarked Mr..
Bawyer, rather stitfiy.
L have no motive. We women have
very little judgment, and no logic; but
we have weapon of our own to de-
fend ourselves and-and those dear
TO US. Instinct prompted me to say
what [ did. Even to myself it seems
absurd and uncalled for. But" with
a little catch in her voice which might
have made her fortune had the stage
been her profession-"don't disregard
my warning"
Mr. Bowyer opened his mouth to
speak, but no words came. He was so
deeply agitated that he could not even
affect composure any longer.
Forgive mer' she said impulSiyely.
Il have frightened myself and need
lessly, l am sure. Forget all I have
said, or disbelieve it,
1T is nothing. 1 often have these
attacks he said family, trying to
reassure her. But without success.
You are looking better now. The
! doctors here don't seem to understand
your case. Why not go to Australia y
Il wish to Heaven 1 couldr' he
cried, too utterly broken down to pre-
serve his usual caution.
''Why should you not?'
Because there is such a thing as
honor, which gentlemen are bound tc
consider; because a promise must be
kept at all hazards, all risks; because
[ have made a mistake and must abide
by it."
You know best, of course" she
! observed demurely, reseating herself
But remember there is a duty one
owes to ones self, as well as that
! claimed by others
Nh. Bowyer did not reply. Look
! ing UP furtively now and then, Mrs
| Priolo saw that he was in deep and
/ anxious thought. She would have
given much to discover what was
i passing through his brain at that time
much to know how far he would sue
! cumb to the fear that evidently pos
Sessed him.
How changed he was! A year age
! she would never have dared to speak
to him so, for fear of bringing upon
| herself the fate she was preparing
| for another; but now he was a differ
ent man-so weak in mind and body
that he was at the mercy of those
| that if she obtained her desire she
would not have long to wait for the
money she coveted SO strongly.
Ellen Warde's voice was heard out
side, and he shrunk back nervously.
! you are not we'll enough to be dis
! turbed now. Shall I tell Miss Warde
not to come in just yet?" asked the
housekeeper, divining his thoughts.
He looked up with eager gratitude
: for her help and made a gesture OF
assent.
Yet when she left the room to carry
out her suggestion, he felt ashamed
and regretful-he scarcely knew why
Ellen's voice had somehow reminded
/ him of Ellen's face-the sad gray
eyes and patient mouth which were
SO like those Of the only woman he
had ever loved and whose life he ha(
spoiled by mean suspicious. Was i
=, hio uaturc to doubt, was 1t his un
happy fate to meet only with those
unworthy Of trust?
The problem was a hard one-to(
hard for him to solve in his present
weak, excited state; and he relin
pushed the effort with a sigh.
When Mrs Priolo returned, she
found that, utterly exhausted by the
mental conflict through which she hai
caused him to pass, he had fallen II
a deep sleep.