Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-08-08
THE HEIRESS OF ARNE
BY Author of Dora Thorne."

w ueu saw LIS ldte. L hutN Ull1I 4lS
had received a terrible blow; his usual
rudy color had died away, his lips
Were white and trembling. Something
in his face told Of a shock that had
oyermastered him. He went straight
up to Beatrice and passed one arm
around her.
what tireSome visitor have you had,
uncle:" she asked, gently. How
weary and worn you look! Come and
have some wine. Never mind dress
ing"
But he held her in his arms and made
no reply, only looking with Wistful
eyes at her beautiful face.
Il have been SO proud of you, my
darling" he said, at last.
And always will be-" returned Bea-
trice with a saucy smile; but it faded
when she saw that her uncleS gravity
continued. 'What is it," she asked,
earnestly. what is wrong? Ten me-"
Beatrice" he said, slowly, I'VE STU
arts of Arne have never been a brave
race; some Of our men have died
deaths of agony, yet have made no
sign, some of our women have borne
iife'S pain in silence. l do not think
you will be the first coward of the
race"
Il am no coward" declared Beatrice,
coloring. TRY me, uncle; you shall
find me brave and strong
For me it does not matter said the
old man mOurnfully. MY life has not
been a very happy one, and it will soon
be ended; but you, my bright, beauti-
full birdie"
What is it, uncle?" she interrupted,
quietly. Tell me in a few words what
has happened"
In few words, my darling, then let
1t be. l am no longer master of the
hall, Beatrice. The visitor was no
other than my brother Ralph's SONNY
brother Ralph, whom we thought dead
long years ago. This is his only son,
and he has returned to his fathers
home"
rs that all, uncle?" asked Beatrice,
gravely.
''That is all, my darling" said the
old man; land it means that you are
no longer helreSS Of Arne."
The proud face never quivered, the
sweet voice never faltered.
Nothing can take my name from
me- she said, simply, land / never
cared greatly for money. Where is
this new cousin, uncle? Let us make
him welcome"
lie lis not like Ralph" remarked the
old man. Ralph was passionate and
unforgiVing, yet he was a gentleman;
but his son, this last of the Stuart's of
Arne, is not a gentleman, Beatrice"
Not a gentleman! she said, wonder
1ngly. What do you mean, uncle?"
L mean that he las narrow soul,
that he is ungenerous and crafty, that
he has mean instincts and cruel
thoughts. He does not resemble us.
Beatrice; he is not ike Stuart"
I'VE must make the best of him. -
said Beatrice, cheerfully. DO not be
frightened, uncle. The worst he can
DO will not affect lis much. Fetch
him, and let us bid him welcome to
Arne." When Hugh Stuart left the
room we remained fOI' some moments
in profound silence. | never loved
Beatrice more than then, and was lost
IN admiration for the high-born spirit
that never quailed, even under this
heavy blow.
WHAT will Lord Hardley Say?' was
the first thought that came into nv
mind, but there was no time for
speech; for almost immediately the
squire returned, followed by the
stranger
Il am rather an intruder, | hear" he
said, with a forbidding smile. Per
haps, seeing every one so comfortable
/ ought to apologize for turning up;
but, having done so, l feel | must seek
my own
The smile of welcome died away
from the proud, beautiful face of Bea-
trice Stuart; the gracious words that
had risen to her lips were never 1T
tered; there could be nothing in con-
mon between the refined lady who had
been mistress of Arne and the vulgar
interloper whose rude glances filed
me with anger.
You are my cousin, | Suppose?' said
the young man to her. I'm sure I'm
very luchy. You never expected ME to
turn up did you:'
NO" answered Beatrice. quietly:
TROUBLES and blessings alike cone IN
disguise. Uncle" she continued, turn
ing to Mr.. Stuart, 1T is long past :be
dinner-hour, and you look tired; shah
we go to the dining-room:''
She placed her arm in his, and
walked with the dignity of an empress
into the dining-rOom. | followed VIII.
Ralph Stuart, the new master If
Arne
''She seems rather nigh and naughty"
he said, looking toward Beatrice Il
suppose she will not like giving up the
hall. She is so beautiful that | feel
rather inclined to ask her to stay here
l never saw a Calcutta beue to equal
her"
Miss Stuart is engaged to Lord
Hardley," l said; and then | WINGED
at having had to speak the words.
He looked surprised.
You think so much of a lord in Eng
land" he remarked. Now, l would
not mind laying you a wager that IN
three months l distance the lord and
win the beauty myself. What do you
say"
Il respect Miss Stuart too highly to
make her the subject o. a light CONVEX