The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1896-12-26
CHAPTER NJ.

appearance; the other was tall, sineWy
and Notwithstanding little altered from
the man to whom Stella Raeburn had
once given her maiden heart.
His companion, Ralph Kinscott, was
leaning back in a large armchair, with Il
cigar between his lips. His small features
were lighted up with an expression Of the
kecnest amusement.
80 she had little love affair before
she came to Dunkeldr' he was eXclaim-
ing. This is most interesting.
thought she looked too innocent for this
wicked world"
She's innocent enough" Harrington
was beginning sulkily. but kingscott in
terrupted him with a hooking laugh.
"Oh, she's a lady, snowflake, a pearl
we all know that; Moncrieff's besotted
on her baby face already. She's just
the style he's likely to go mad about
fair. gentle, blue-eyed, golden-haired,
and all the rest of it-as great a contrast
10 his first wife as could possibly be
imagined
What was the first Mrs. Moncrieff
like, them"
she was my half-sistcr, you know.
Well, she was like Molly, only there was
little more red IN her hair and the tint
of her eye Marie and | had different
mothers; there was Basque blood in hers.
| don't know how she would have lived
with Moncrief as long a. she did if l
had not been there to calm the two down
when they had their little disputes That
| managed well, you may conclude from
the fact that | have had free quarters
ut TorTesmuir ever since
The new Mrs. Moncrieff will have
something to say to that, | imagine" said
Harrington. dryly.
'Yrs-confound her He looked as if
he would like to use a stronger word.
Does she like you much? '-Hauning-
tons tone was malicious.
Hates me like poison, | believe No.
| suppose | shall have 10 90, bag and
baggage. and make myself comfortable
somewhere else. Not at once; but in six
months or 50, if nothing destroys her in
tlucncc in the mcantime'
What would destroy her influence"
"WeI-I have an idea or two
Lets hear them"
Are you on my side, Huntington?
The girl behaved stability to you, You
say
Cut me in the presence Of half dozen
of my friends. Yes. She made it rather
awkward for me. Iou know Lady Va
lencia Gilderoy an old friend Of mine.
She made up her mind that l had given
the girl good cause for offense, and has
turned the cold shoulder to me ever since
done me a good deal of mischief, | can
tell you"
Miss Stella must be a Spitcful little
mink You would not object to see her
pride have a fall. them
NO. | shouldn't
And it is, of course my interest to
lessen her influence as much as possible.
Well, there are two ways III which to do
it,"
"TwoE'
cone I'll keep to myself" said Kings
colt, with an ugly smile. The other de
ponds somewhat on you. You say you
have letters from her.
Hannington's face flushed
What if you let Monerieff have n
glance at them
Il don't see the use Of that"
"Why, don't You know that Alan Mon
crieff is the most jealous. the most sus-
picious man alive: If | know anything
Of women, my dear Jack, she won't have
told him Il word about You. or only what
she pleaseS; and she will be mortally
afraid Of his getting TO know the true
state of the case"
We'll" growled Harrington. "the way
to punish her, then, will be a good fright.
| shouldn't mind doing that"
molly will have a fair fortune" said
Mouy's uncle. she has her mothers
money-com into il al her marriage, or
when she is twenty-one."
Kngscott thought that he caught sight
Of an odd glitter in John Hann;ngton's
black eyes. But he went on discreetly.
"Moncrieff has the idea that he ought
to tie her up very tight think he's mar
riei pretty Stella with the idea of get
ting a jajler for his poor child. Alan will
find a model husband, some worthy.
proSy. neiShhoring laird. who will keep
her in the Highlands nine months in the
year. and that will be poor Molly's future
fate"
Not a Bit" said Harrington. abruptly.
shed not stand it, my dear fellow. She
would bolt
she had better bolt before marriage
than after" was KngScott cynical re
Spouse. To which his friend made no
answer, but sat with his foot moving
medta;ively to and fro.
kingseorC nodded and smiled If you
say "n'F' ~" are Tor ne next ha!f
nI"s I'h ".i see your old fame most
'N''!, "F".rva ,Ltr open "arrl8Ee 70 be
SEM ,,'Wh- ~" / mus - and ma my
Cl' nope lac AL riSht. lett nm IN
ne par
NlneS'vl, We Ut downstairs 10 SEEK Der
| " ...- " -.'',. III. '',e".,' % 20 10 me ran
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