Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1898-12-24

mother OF his heir. Now, II you please,
we will change the subject. This storm
has affected me strangely, terrified me
out OF my self-possession and reticence;
but / repose perfect confidence In your
womanly honor and delicacy of feeling"
"Of course you may" responded Win
ME, sorrowfully, fearing that she had Of
Tended her.
II know | may" said Lady Mountrevor,
quietly; and then, as Winnie moved from
her side to the window to her
anxious watching and listening, she put
her arm around her, drew her towards
her, and kissed her with a gentle cordiality
that made Winnie's heart beat fast with
pleasure.
IL think u could make a friend of a
woman like you," the wealthy peeress
said, with thoughtful sadness; "be that as
1t may. you a never be but an object of
interest and liking to me, Winnie, at all
events-whatever l am TO ~you-after what
you told me this night" Her voice sank
low and trembled audibly rs she struggled
passionately for control of her feelings. II
can never forget 1t, Winnie-I never shall;
and ] may be able YETI she whispered,
laying her cheek to Winnie's, and wetting
It with her tears, Ito give you some days
of happiness--some years OF happiness. l
hope--for the hours of regret and the tears
you gave to his, Albert Gardeners, mem
ory."
She buried her face in her handkerchief
for several minutes, and in the aus
there again came across the monotonous
roaring OF the waters the short, sharply
defined booming sound. A terrible thought
ApnGn In NNfnnfnto hnnNf Cha xx.A,,l1 fnt,
have rushed to open doors or windows and
braved the storm, to look or listen for the
news that she dreaded; but she was un.
willing to disturb Lady Mountrevor Mt the
moment.
Dear Winnie" Lady Mouutrevor said,
looking up with a calmer face, aud n little
Of Mildred Tredennick's old caressing
smile cleaning from her tear-wet eyes,
II have talked too much OF myself, my
life, my past. 1t is all over, all its bright.
ness is gone, nil its hopes were buried long
ago. Now for a change, dear Winnie
Caerlyon, Ishall talk Of the future--your
future, my future, as far as | can hope
for one; the future when Stephen Treden.
nick comes home, and--Hark! what is
thatl'
Again across the laundering of the
surgcs came the sharp booming sound.
II have heard 1t twice BEFORE Winnie
cried, clasping her hands. "Oh, Lady Mil.
dred, II is a wreck ! was afraid Of thi;
all night"
"A wreck!' Lady Mountrevor echoed,
awe-struck; "a wreck near us here? oh,
what can we dor What can we do to HELP
tbemf"
Nothing" said Winnie, white with de
spair. mo vessel can hold out for an hour
II she once gets near Tregarthen Bay. ]
often heard father say that no boat can
get alongside. Sailors have no chance OF
life unless they are washed ashore on
spars. We can do nothing but stand to
see them die. There is the gun againl Oh
poor souls!"
Let us wake up the servants, let us go
and see-offer rewards, or do something!'
Lady Mountrevor broke out, energetically
The sudden excitement OF her quick
~sympathies was as u countcr-irritant, re
lieving and strengthening her unstrunl
fevered nerves.
"They are awake, / think" Winnie
said, listening; Il hear footsteps on tn,
stairs"
The footsteps INIT nearer, and a tremu
lous knock sounded at the outer door o
Lady Mildred's rooms. Presently OLE
Llanyou's white head appeared against thu
dark background Of velvet drapery.
CONTINUED Next Weekly