The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1897-07-24
CHAPTER XIV.-(Continued.)

kildonan to put on her skates for her and
to be her first partner. She had told off
Ned Crosmont to do duty at the feet OF
the Croydon girls, much to the disgust of
their mother. who loathed him and never
spoke 70 him without affecting to have
forgotten his name.
I'VE poor women shall be dreadtuliy
short of partners to-day, 50 | mustn
monopolze you long" she said, as she held
out slim foot in laced boot that fitted
like a glove. Il have had a lot of disap
pontments. Thank you very much. Now
put on your own skates, while | take d
preliminary canter and feel my feet.
She " heeed about gracefully for a fe"
moments, until he was ready to join her;
then, giving him her hand, she glded
away wi(h him down the frozen surface
of the lake, chatterng and laughing gay
~ enough, though all the while she gave
him the impression that she was in state
of high nervous excitement, to which the
active exercise gave a welcome vent. They
exchanged very few words as they sped
over the ice on their way back TO the mar
quee, where Lord klidonan broke off in
a kindly talk with Alma Crosmont, 20
fetch a warm velvet mantle which with
his own hands he wrapped tendery round
his wife
Il see YOU are quite tirstrate perform
err he said to Armathwaite. Nov take
Mrs. Crosmont a little way. She looks
as if she wanted warming terribly. And
then. when the snow comes down. which
will be within ten minutes if | am judge
of the weather. you bring her up to The
Crags whether she likes it or not-mind,
| say whether she likes il or not
You ought to have skated with me
first. for you will find me very poor
performer after Lady kildonan," said
Alma. IS they started
This was true Though she skated very
fairly, Alma had neither the grace the
speed, the daring, nor the robust health Of
the beautiful blonde who was SO anxious
to pose as an invalid The touch of her
hand through her glove was cold and al
most damp. and the clasp of her fingers.
after the firm, feyerish grip of Lady XII
domains. was pitifully weak and clinging.
Come he said. gently, looking down
at the pale face which excitement was al
ready bringing a shell-like flush. give
me your other hand, too. and step out
boldly. ! won't let you fall
She was weak and nervous at first
afraid TO trust her own little feet; but
gradually the firm. helpful touch Of his
hand, the feeling that she was safe with
him gave her confidence. and by the time
they had gone half the distance he had
reached with his first partner. she looked
fresh and as fair as an opening rose
and her soft brown eyes looked up ut him
with 4 plaintve Yet innocent allurement
as she told him that he and Lord Kilio-
nan and the skating had made her feel q
different woman.
Lord NidOman commanded me to TAX"
you to The crass soon rs the snow
came. said Armathwaite looking M and
receiving on his face two or three IF the
fakes which now began To fail fast. Il
think we had better be turning back that
way now.
NO, no. said Alma, quickly; Il don't
want to 9" to The Crags. | never have
been there, and ! never will GO
He llesitated few moments. and then
suggested. dlfidentlv:
Don't You think. perhaps - would be
wise To go just once. even at the sacrifice
Of your own inclination: Forgive me for
suggesting this. but you have been kind
enough to treat ne with 50 much conf
dence that | feel | may venture to advise
and counsellor. II is best to be concilia-
tory when one can
"Conciliatory. Oh. You don't under
stand. l am more than conciliatory
am broken-sp spirited" answered Alma bit
terly. Nobody wants me at The Crass
but dear old Lord Kldonan."
But is it not true that Lady KildoDan
has often asked you there"
'NpS bop,rc,
come. And have more than a fancy
| haze conviction that there is nothing
my husband desires less than that
should accept any of the numerous invi-
tations | get to call there. | don't know
ms reason; there Is some mystery about
il
VIII YOU on this occasion sacrifice
your own feelings. and brave diSp,ea SIRE
by accepting the invitation: Nv reason
for asking You is simply this: If there
IS a mystery, it will be the best step YOU
can take towards clearing il up."
Hhe grew excited, nervous at the SIG
sestlon. aud chung tremblingly to his
hands - he guided her steps toward The
marquee, III front Of which the skaters
"er" no" husi'y taking off their skates
before hurrylng towards the private road
winch led by gradual ascent to The
rags. 1t was quite painful symptom
"t mat weakening Of her own will of
which Alma had previously romnIoined
that. although her agitation went on in
creasins as they naared the shore sha
uttered no single word in protest. II was
difficult 70 pursue his plan in faca az ,b;s
silent, helpless suffering: but Armathwaite
teit sure that here was coil which INNS,
- tsE al l,g,3yf ',- !
so he took off first her skates. and th.n
his own very quickly and quietly. and
helped her along the plank which led IN
the sh re without further discussion n
this time, however. all signs OF outward
agitation in her had given place 10 III
less, nerveles> calm: her eyes had become
lHli. dreamy ami fixed and tAe hand he
took - assist her Ivy in his own clamp,v
and "old through her glove like that Of q
dead person. Armathwaite Thought she
was going to faint. and. Fastening her las
tW" steps ashore. he pat his arm under
hers 20 support her. Scarcely seeming
. motto" his action. she turned 10 the left,
aud began - Walk ON. drawing him with
her
'ton1" into rhe marquee and rest little
VII. . You are IL" h. said gently.
she shook her head. and still walked
on
If YOU are going TO The CraGS You are
going The wrong way" he suggested
EianCinE hack a the few remaining
guests. Who were hurrying in the opposite
direction. mar>haIed by Lord kildouan.
who stood at the foot of the private road
and babe welcome +" them al as they
PASSED him.
Alma listened in 4 puzzled AMI dreamy