Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-01-28

So Molly proposed to show her new
friend over the house, some parts of
which were very well worth seeing, and
Stella willingly agreed to anything that
her pupil suggested.
Torresmuir was partly an old and part.
~ new building The older portion was
built of thick and solid stone: the tower
at one end was of masonry, which seemed
as If it would defy the fight of time for
centuries, 80 cunningly had the great
stones been welded together. This tower
was little used except by Mr.. Ralph
| kingscott, who, as Molly informed Miss
Raeburn, occupied two rooms, one above
another. in this part of the building.
! 1T is q great shame" said Molly, in
an aggrieved tone, because the tower
would make such q nice little retreat for
Bertie and me. One can't hear q single
sound from these rooms in the new part
OF the house. But Uncle Ralph keeps W
out"
He has grown fond of his rooms,
dare say" said Stella.
Il don't think he il very foud Of any
thing" Molly answered, with a curious
touch of cynicism in her fresh young
voice. but it is convenient for him,
dare say, to be able to go in and out just
as he likes. There Is little door from
his sitting-room into the garden, and
papa never knows whether he is out after
/ midnight or not"
Stella thought this sort Of conversa-
ton undesirable, and changed it by ask
ing the names of certain curiosities which
were ranged in glass cases on some side
tables in the octagon room.
Pretty, aren't they? 2" said Molly, care
lessly, as she ran over the names with
the air of one who had often rehearsed
them previously: 'but this 10 the most Gu
rious thing. Do You see that empty
case"
Stella looked, and observed that a large
morocco case lined with velvet stood
empty under glass shade.
There's story about it," said Molly.
Il remember when it used to hold a stone
"a beautiful crystal, believe, sparkling
with all the colors of the rainbow. It
was in the days before mamma died"
and sudden shadow came over her mer-
ry face.
WAS it stolen?'' Stella asked, to break
the pause that followed.
! That's the odd part of Il. OF course
it was, but there was no way Of finding
out how or why. Just before mamma
died it disappeared. And you have no
idea what fuss the old servants in the
house. and even papa himself, made about
it. 1t was very ridiculous"
'Was it valuable?"
mot bit, believe. Only-do you
remember piece of poetry called The
Luck Of EdenhalrY'
|
the German"
well, there was just such another old
story about this stone and our family. It
was said to have been brought from the
East by one of our ancestors; and as long
as it was in our possession we were to be
lucky in every way, and when it went the
luck was to so too. And now it has
gone!'
"And the luck remains" said Stella.
smiling at the girls half tragic tone
II suppose SO. But don't know. Moth
ing has gone right since-nothing. OF
course, it has nothing to do with the
stone; am not so stupidity supersitious
as poor old Jean, our nurse, used to be;
but still-ever since-we have been un-
happy don't know why"
The tears were filling Molly's beautiful
hazel eyes. Stella looked sympathizingly
at her. and took her hand, meaning to
give the child some gentle advice respect
ing her own share in producing the happi-
ness Of her home, when an interruption
occurred. The inner door of the octagon
room, leading to the staircase, few open,
and Mr.. Kingscott made his appearance.
He paused, as if in surprise, at the sight
of the two girls. Molly pouted, frowned,
| n ROT hno IL -hor ofr dy hat
and did not seem inclined to speak.
II must introduce myself, as my niece
does not seem inclined to perform the
Office for me-" said Ralph Kingscott.
showing his white teeth in smile which
Stella found singularly unpleasant. my
name is Kingscott, Miss Raeburn-I
think have the pleasure of speaking to
Miss Raeburn ?-and Rave the honor to
be Miss Molly's uncle, as well as the
tutor Of my nephew. BERTHE. Our office
should bring US together. We must have
something in common, must we not 2"
Stella only bowed; the mans manner
did not attract her, and she felt it impos-
sble to do anything but look serious and
dignifed
$50 you have been looking at our poor
little curiosities?" said Mr.. Kingscott,
easily. "And has Molly been explaining
to you the loss of the luck Of the house?'
! 1T can't be explained" said Molly, al
most rudely. Nobody knows"
And nobody ever will know" said her
uncle. in mocking tone. "Nobody will
ever know--unless the luck of the house
comes back again, and that will not be
in your time or mine. Gone is the luck
fof EdenhaIl,' as the poem says"
II believe you've got it!' cried Molly,
50 savasely that Stella stood aghast, 'sthat