Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-08-23
Continued.


were she to tell. 1t was that with
which she threatened me-"
MY poor little girl.'
The words broke from his lips in IT,
repressible pity.
She looked up gratefully into his
face She saw that no doubt existed
in his mind as to her innocence, and
felt it very sweet to meet with such
sympathy.
HAS Mr.. Bowyer any idea of-this
secret, Miss Warde?"
oh, yes, he knows it very WeIIv'
Then surely he has some influence
with his housekeeper to prevent her
speaking against his wish?"
But would he use that influence
now? Last night he looked at me
with a convulsiye SILVER that was not
caused by damp or cold-as though
he really believed me capable Of try
ing to harm him"
Colonel Severn looked grave. A
doubt ag1ailed him whether he had
done well In inducing her to return.
If Mr. Bower was ready to combine
with Mrs. Priolo against her, Ellen
Wardes position might be dangerous
one and he-Seyern, would have
placed her in it. His only course
would be to leave her at the Abbey
while he went and saw how the land
lay.
The same idea seemed to have struck
Elaine, for she suggested timidly-
Had we not better discover whether
Mr.. BoWyer is willing to receive me
back before | go there?"
THAT would be the best plan. | will
go myself and find out. But first we
must have some breakfast You look
quite pale and tired"
A few minutes more brought them
TO the Abbey.
There Ellen dried her clothes as
best she could and brushed the wet
from her hair; then she went to the
breakfast-room. where Colonel Severn
was waiting. He was preparing the
coffee, and looked little abashed
when Elisa entered.
They s'Ways make it so badly
Aought you'd see if l could remem-
Der how we used to manage it in
camp"
Let me do it." she begged; and de-
lightedly he assented, watching her
with a half smile and just a tinge of
sadness while she fitted about so
naturally and without gene as though
she was in her own home.
yXI,,, ~, y,no1 ,roc nyrn,s to GAun1.r1
it seemed the shortest to which he had
ever sat doWn-Ellen rose and went
over to the mantel-piece. Two photo
graph frames were on it; one con
tanned a portrait of Charlie, looking
very bright and handsome in cricket
irg flannel. and the other that of a
girl with soft blue eyes and fair hair,
something like him in feature, but
dressed in the style of some twenty
years before. She guessed who it
was, and felt a vague sense of jealousy.
THAT is my poor wife," said Colonel
Severn, who had followed the direc-
ton of her gaze.
There was just the proper amount of
regret in his tones, yet Ellen knew at
once-such freemasonry is there in
love-She need have no fear.
Their eyes met, and she averted
hers, feeling embarrassed and sud
denly becoming self-conscious.
He noticed her confusion, and,
though he did not guess by what it
was engendered, he FASTENED to set
her 1t ease,
Now | will go and enteryiew Mr..
Bowyer." he said. Here is an easy
CHART easiest in the room; take my
word Tor it, Miss Warde-and here are
some new magazines. Mind the serv-
ants keep up good fire, and ask fol
anything you want"
When he had left the room, Ellen
jumped up and watched him from the
window How strong and stalwart he
looked as he walked away with rapid
strideS-a man to trust in all things
to lean upon and look to for advice and
aid, a faithful friend, a true lover.
She as all alone in the house that
was her levers. She forgot the trou-
bles of the present in day-dreams of a
possible future, till presently she fell
asleep, and, sleeping, dreamed.
There was no surprise il her express
sion, only unalloyed pleasure, when
more than an hour later, she awoke
and found Severn at her side.
Il have come from Mr. Bowyer. He
is ready to receive you back. Will you
come with me now, or will you rest
a little longer?"
Il am quite ready when you are"
She had risen to her feet, and the
dazed dreamy look was fading from
her face as slowly she remembered
where she was and why.
what did he say" she asked
eagerly.
He is i'll and fanciful," intorposet
the colonel, not allowing her to finish
land that horrid woman had evidentl!
poisoned his mind against you. Blu
that he loves you still, | am certain
and when he sees you the absurd suS
picion will soon die natural DEATH
She stood with clasped hands gains
hopelessly before her.
But we will not wait for that" h
went on quickly. II will find out whC
really did it, so that you may be ex
onerated and happy. l will start al
inquiry today, and will not rest,
promise you, till it is completed"
"How good you are to mer' sh.
murmured.
'If you only knew what a pleasur,
It is to me to befriend you. you would
not have broken your promise to com