Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-08-23
Under fife Cloud.
By E. 8. WILLIAMSON.
Continued

Is a secret--something thai happened
long ago. which she has discovered,
something which it would ruin me
were she to tell. IL was that with
which she threatened me"
my poor little girI.'
The words broke from his lips In ir-
repressible pity.
She looked up gratefully into his
face. She saw that no doubt existed
In his mind as 10 her innocence, and
felt 1t very sweet 10 meet with such
sympathy.
HAS sfr. Bowyer any idea of-this
secret, Miss WardeY'
"Oh, yes, he knows 1t very welle'
Then surely he has some influence
with his hoIsekeeper 10 prevent her
speaking against his wish?'
but would he use that Influence
Tow? Last night he looked at me
with conyulslve 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,
doubt asIailed him whether he had
done well in inducing her TO return.
IL Mr. Bowyer was ready to combine
with Mrs. Priolo against her, Ellen
warde's position might be dangerous
one and he-Severn, would have
placed her In 1t. His only course
would be to leave her at the Abbey
while he went and saw how the land
lay.
The same idea seemed 10 have struck
Elaine, for she suggested timidly-
HAD we not better discover whether
Mr. Bowyer is willing to receive me
back before / go thereT
'@rhat 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
hen Elisa entered
They s'Ways make il so badly--l
thought | sould see II could rcmem.
Der how we used to manage 1t in
camp"
Let me do It." she begged; and de-
iightedly he assented. watching her
with 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
When the meal was oyer-to Severn
II seemed the shortest to which he had
ever sat down Ellen rose and went
over 10 the mantel-plece. Two photo
graph frames were on 1t: 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 II
was, and felt 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 ayerted
hers, feeling embarrassed and sud
denly becoming selfconscious,
He noticed her confusion. and,
though he did not guess by what Il
was engcndercd, lie fastened to set
her At ease,
Now | will 80 and enterylew Mr..
BOwyer." lie said. Here is an easy
chair. 1.-The easiest In the room; take my
word Tor II, Miss Warde-and here are
some new magazines. Mind the sery.
ants keep up good fire, and ask for
anything you want"
When he had left the room, Ellen
jumped mp and watched him from the
window. How strong and stalwart he
looked as he walked away with rapid
strides "A man to trust IA all things,
to lean upon aud look to for advice and
aid, u faithful friend, a true lover!
She as all alone IN the house that
was her lovers. She forgot the trou.
blcs 81 the present IN day-dreams Of Il
possible future, Till presently she fell
asleep and, sleeping. ireamed.
There was no surprise in her express
sion, only nnalioyed pleasure, when.
more than an hour later, she awokc
and found Severn 1T her side
Il have come from Mr. Bowyer lie
IS ready TO receive you back. WIN sou
come with me now, or will you rest
a little longerT
~ am quito ready when you are.
she had risen 10 her feet, and the
dazed dreamy look was finding from
her face A. slowly she remembered
whore she was aud why.
what did he sayY she asked.
eagerly,
He Is i'll and fanciful," lntcrposed
the colonel, not allowing her to flush;
"and that horrid woman had evidently
poisoned his mind against you But
that he loves you stll, | am certain;
and when he sees YOU lie absurd sus-
ii.