Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-05-07

Madeline knew it and felt that Con-
stance meant to wound.
so 1 understand" she said, quietly
Constance's dark eyes flashed. How
do you understand? Who told you?"
Il fancy it is very we'll known said
Madeline, with a smile.
Did Lancelot tell your"
Lady Esler mentioned it to me the
other day" This was strictly true,
but it was not the answer that Con-
stance expected.
Answer my question, please" she
said with cold imperiousness. Did
Lancelot speak of this matter to you?''
He certainly did. But I do not see
why you need to question me about
what he said"
y have very good reason for ques-
tioning you, think"
Madeline locked inquiring Iy; there
was tone of strong meaning in Con
stances voice. But she did not choose
to ask what it was.
- told you I had eyes and ears aid
Constance. with cold insolence. ct see
more than you imagine Besides. it is
perfectly clear to every one in the
house, that you are in love with Lance
lot Vanbrugh yourself"
Madeline sprang to her feet. "This
is my room, Constance Esler, and you
have no right to come into it simply
to insult me-
Il don't see the insult" said Con-
stance, placidly. Il came to say this
very thing-chiefiy because I was sure
you did not know how clearly you
showed it. I consider it a kindness in
such a case to put a girl on her guard. -
''It is not true" said Madeline, now
white and quivering with anger. "You
shall not say such things of me; such
wicked things"
Where is the wickedness? My good
child, [ am older than you and have
been longer in society; in fact, don't
suppose you will ever 90 into society
at all in my sense of the word. There
fore, you do not know the ways Of the
world and have not been instructed that
white by turns when a certain gentle
man comes into the room or look at
him as often as she can from under
her eyelashes, unless she is in love
with him."
81 never do such things
Indeed you do and you need to be
put on your guard. Aunt Selma has
spoken about it several times"
This Madeline did not quite believe,
for Lady Esler was the last person in
the world to think such a thing and
not to put it into words.
and of course you fancy Lancelot
is in love with YOU" continued Con
stance, coolly. "But you may as well
disabuse your mind of that idea. He
likes a little filtration as much as any
body: and a man often chooses to ex-
erc1se his power over a person in an
inferior position-a governess, you
know, or companion.
THAT is quite enough, Constance, %
said Madeline, firmly, ''I may be poor,
but there is no reason why I should
be insulted. You are Lord Esler's
grandniece, I believe; and I am Lady
Esler's grandniece- there is not much
difference in our position in this
house."
"Is there not? Other people do not
see the matter in that light. How
ever" said Constance rising to her feet
and walking to the door, 'there is not
the slightest reason to discuss it. I
only wanted, out of pure kindness of
heart, to put you on your guard.
never like to see a girl make fool of
herself"
eff I did make fool of myself, wnai
would it matter to you in the present
case? You do not care for Mr.. Lance
lot Vanbrugh; if you still care for Rene
de Marsac, why do you not marry
him.
Constance stopped short and her eyes
flashed.
$50 you mean to twit me with what
you saw the other night" she said.
II will not forget it,"
ITO be C0ntinued)