The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1896-10-16

around until the gray twilight wrapped
the great city in a gloom more dense
than that of the smoky daytime fog,
until a thousand blinking eyes opened
bright and glittering along the straight
line of the streets humble relief SEN
tres Tor the stars. that had hid them
selves in sullen clouds of black. Then
he sought admittance at Collinwood
House. Owing to the indisposition OF
Lady Annabel, the drawinS-room was
free from visitors. but Eleanor CANE
down Immediately upon receiving his
name. She looked tired and dispirited,
but smiled cheerfully when she saw
him.
81 should not be glad TO see anyone
but you, Walter, for l am somewhat ia
tigued. Mamma has been i'll all day,
and I have been extremely anxious.
But | shall look for you TO omforf me,
as you always used to in the old days.
Sit down and talk, and let me luxuriate
in listening"
He sighed.
Il fear | shall scarcely enliven you. l
am somewhat dull myself, but l will do
my best"
So they strayed off into q converse
ton, commencing with present london
experience, but soon wandsrinSaway 20
the old life. They forgot present grief
and care to recall the wild beauty of
those far-off haunts. They talked OF
the cool green shadow flung by the Hi
discus tree over the grave OF Tom-of
the musical dash of the surf beneath
the coral rock-of the tall palm from
which so long streamed hopelessly
their tattered signal-fiag-cf his faith
er's watchful care-Tom's simple but
noble nature, and his heroic devotion.
Was either aware how utterly had been
fulfilled the prophecy of Mr.. Vernon?
They had gained the world-its prizes
of fame and wealth and honor, and yet
their bruised hearts yeacned wistfully
toward the innocent tranquility, the un-
troubled peace of the retreat beneath
the palm and bread fruit grove.
The time passed rapidly, and they
were startled when a servant entered.
my lady wishes to know if Mr.. Yer
non is with you, and if SO she would like
to see you both in her apartment"
HAS my uncle gomez" asked Flea
nor. 81 left him with her a few mo-
ments ago."
Lord Collinwood has been gone an
hour or more"
"An hour, Have we talked so long?
Come, Walter, let us obey her sum-
MONS"
They found Lady Annabel in an easy
chair, dressed in a snowy Cashmere
wrapper, which set off becomingly the
glittering dark eyes, raven braids and
feverish cheeks of the invalid. She was
evidently somewhat disturbed.
"I sent for you, Mr.. Vernon" said she
at once, " because the admiral has just
related a rumor that came to him on his
way hither, and it has made me very
uneasy. I trust you will contradict it.
Report says there is to be a duel be-
tween my friend Geoffry Dacre and
yourself"
Walters eyes fell-his face showed
Enthusiastically the truth of her suspi-
cion.
SCI am deeply grieved," said she, lean
ing YEARLY against the damask cush-
ion. cat any time it is so revolting-but
for you"
"For me it is as hateful as for any
one else" interrupted Walter, proudly,
"but l am driven into it. l assure you
/ nave no thought Of taking your
friends life. 1 shall not ven fire the
pistol but if he demands a chance to
shoot at me, he is welcome to it. The
consequence matters not to me, and few
will mourn for me-"
Eleanor had listened aghast with
horror. She could restrain herself no
longer, and regardless of her mothers
presence she sprank forward and caught
his hand.
"a duel! Walter, Walter, you will
break my heart. Few to mourn for you?
Do you not know it will kill me to see
you sacrificed in that horrible way?
Promise me quick, Walter-promise
me, that for my sake, this wicked deed
shall not be done"
Eleanor said Lady Annatel, au-
thoritatively, come here, my child;
you forget yourself; leave it with your
mother to demonstrate with Mr.. Yer
non. Now" continued she, when Ell
eanor had mutely obeyed, holding fast
to her daughters hand, may 1 ask, Mr..
Vernon, If my daughter can be any way
connected with this AFFAIR.""
mot at all, your ladyship. Mr.. Da-
cre's anger arises from the fact that ]
refused to be introduced TO his wife
or rather to take her hand after intro
duction."
She looked b~ewildered.
"And why should you be so unrea-
sonable? I do not understand"
81 did not expect you would, nc one
but myself knows the injury and desc
lation that woman has brought to me
through my fathers life. Should need