Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-09-12

but with a string of costly pearls
clasped round her thick throat.
Something for me, George?" she
repeated.
Eyes, something for you to look
AFTER he said quietly, as he laid his
burden ON the mattress, and drew
back the cloak.
The old woman's face dropped
"A grill" she exclaimed.
"a lady" answered Count Jura,
"and as such you must treat her,
or you will have to tell me the reason
why"
what have you brought her here
for?'' demanded Dame Burden sui
lenly.
That's my business, and not
yours. All you have to do is to
wait on her and see that she gets all
she wants. Myra can help you
The old woman said nothing. She
only stopped over the girl.
you've drugged her!" she ex-
claimed.
GLOW long is she to stay here?"
GAS long as I find it convenient.
Now watch her carefully. I expect
she will wake in a few minutes. Give
her some water, and put the light out
of her eyes; she may go off to sleep
again. I must go back to Paul, bring
in the swag, and close up the en-
trance. You shall have something
for your pains"
"Diamonds?" whispered the old
woman eagerly. "You promised me
diamonds the next job, George"
''You shall have them. Now re-
member, look after her. I think she
is moving Where is Myra?"
asleep in the next place"
'sKeep her there for tonight
The count moved out quickly, and
Dame Burden stood alone looking at
Alice.
The man was right. There was
sign of returning animation in the
still young form. The small hands
trembled slightly; the breast moved
softly. Dame Burden crept towards
a cask and filled dainty Venetian
glass with water She was step
ping back from this task when a
voice fell on her ear.
Mother, who is this?"
She looked up and saw, just en-
tering a narrow doorway from the
adjoining vault, girl. A young,
fine, splendidly handsome girl, with
flashing black eyes, name of blue
black hair, and skin as brown as a
berry. The girl was wrapped in a
loose garment of brilliant scarlet, and
the contrast of the vivid color with
her own dusky beauty would have
gratiied the soul of an artist.
The old woman frowned.
''Get back to your bed, Myra," she
answered GROSSLY. George and
Paul are returned, and they don't
seem in the best of humor neither"
''Who is this?" repeated Myra, still
pointing at Alice's form.
That's a girl, as you can see for
yourself" retorted Dame Burden,
moving the candles as the count had
hidden her.
Answer me at once-at once; do
you hear?" muttered Myra, grasp
slender, brown hand. (Which of
them brought her here, and who is
she?''
Dame Burden hesitated only one
second.
(Which of them brought herr"
she chuckled. |'Why Paul, of course
AS to who she is, I don't know more
than the babe unborn. She looks a
lady"
"She is very beautiful" Myra said
gloomily. ''You swear you are speak
ing the truth, mother? It was
Paul who brought herr"
''Deary-deary me! Of course I
spoke the TRUTH" exclaimed the old
woman testify. 'What should I tell
you. lie for?"
For gold or diamonds" the girl
answered significantly.
Dame Burden took no notice of the
remark. She was bending over the
white face on the pillows.
''She is waking" she whispered.
Myra leaned against the stone wall
and watched Alice with a dull re-
sentful glow in her black eyes. The
wonderful glory of that golden hair,
the delicate white skin and graceful
limbs filled her heart with tumult
of maddening pain and jealousy.
''She lies as easily as she drinks
Myra unused modify, as she glanced
at Dame Burden. ''She thinks to
deceive meas if my ears were deaf
when George returns! She is my
own mother, and yet she tortures me
and tells me lies. The promise of
diamonds is more to her than my
peace and happiness. What has he
brought this girl here for, with her
white skin and beautiful face? He is
tired of me. Yes, I know it; but I
won't stand it for long. She shall
be in my power If he does love
her I will torture her till she dies"
Alice was moaning now. Her