Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-07-11
instances Of her stepmother's patience,

instances Of her stepmother's patience,
her cure for every ones comfort. her en-
tire undergraduates, came back to her
mind from dim, bygone days. Her own
vague wonder that Helen never wanted
to 60 anywhere, never sought release from
the wearying attendance on her querulous,
suspicious, invalid husband, her undehn-
ed impression that somehow life was
over for her young stepmother-that she
had nothing left but endurance and kindly
thought for others. What would she her.
self have been had she been reduced to
single-handed struggle with such diff
culties-as existence would have present
ed itself without Helen? How much of
youth would she have enjoyed? How
much of education, of pleasure, or free
dom from the stunning effect of care too
heavy for her years? Yes! She saw it
all clearly. Helen had been more than
mother to her, for she had no claim to
such tender, discriminating care. "And it
l can repay her will" thought Nora, her
heart glowing warm and strong. Moth
ing shall stand between me and woman
to whom I owe so much. Thank God!
she is brighter and stronger now than |
ever remember her. l do hope Bea will
grow up tender, loving daughter! She
has dash of my fathers temper! But
why-why did Helen send Mark Winton
away? l can fancy their whole story
growing into love with each other, almost
from their school days-then his going
away to seek his fortune, some misun-
Outstanding separating them probably.
Helen, left penniless orphan, with no
hope in the future, tempted by chance
of settled home with my father. 1t is
a sad enough story, and l suppose COM
mon one. Well, she shall have peace
now, if can secure it. But-why did
she send Mark Winton away? I am sure
she did; I must not ask her; must not
seem intrusive. Will she ever tell me?"
That evening Nora was more than usu-
ally kind and cheerful she insisted on
Mrs. L'Estrange lying down where her
eyes were shaded from the light, and she
read aloud from picturesque book Of
travels.
When bedtime came and they parted
for the night Mrs. L'Estrange put her arm
round Nora, and kissing her gently, said:
''You are good girl, dear daughter, or
l should say younger sister, to me; you
made my life happier than l ever expected
it to be-" She went quickly upstairs.
leaving Nora touched and surprised, for
neither was a demonstrative woman and
rarely exchanged caresses.
The days went by, however, and Mrs.
l. Estrange did not show any inclination
to tell Nora the story she had promised;
still, her stepdaughter waited with Loyalty
suppressed curiosity, and tidings reached
them that Winton had gone as far as
Florence with some Indian friends out
ward bound to Bombay, and had passed
through London without calling to see
them.
Meantime Lady Darlington hattered
herself that her plans were maturing sue
cessfully. The day after Mrs. Ruthven
had been installed in the principal guest
chamber at Chedworth, Marsden arrived
from town, and made himself charmingly
agreeable to every one, especially to Mrs.
Ruthven. The pretty little widow visbly
revived after his arrival and lost some
thing of the panied, strained look in her
eyes, which had given Lady Darlington
such uneasiness.
''You ought to get out more, my dear
Mrs Ruthven," she said, as that lady was
bidding her hostess good night. '"There
are lots of pretty drives about, and I have
a capital pair of ponies"
''To say nothing of an excellent char
ioteer, in the shape of an unworthy broth
err Pray, allow me to show you the neigh
borhood / am duly qualified for the task
of cicerone," said Marsden.
"Thank you" and Mrs. Ruthven raised
her eyes to his with long, searching
look. IF you really don't mind losing a
days hunting! 1t is tremendous sacri-
fce!'
'.Sacrificev' cried Marsden, laughing.
eff sacrifice and penance always took
such a form, what penitent I'd be!
Then, if fine, we will take our first tour
of inspection Immediately after luncheon"
The weather was all that could be de-
sired, more like late September than early
November, and the excursion was so sue
cessful that another was arranged for the
following day.
Go be continued.)