Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1898-09-22
Vendetta.
BY C. ID. Clark.

y woman with n tattered shawl
wrapped closely about her, and Il face
blue and pinched, as if from cold and
hiIngor stood before the door Of a
stately mansion, which was erected in
Che midst of spacious grounds in the
most aristocratic street of a manufac
turing city-a woman who had once
been comedy, but who was worn down
by care and suffering until only the
shadow of her former self.
The portIy servant, who held the
door partly open. and shielded his ro-
tund form from the cold blast by
shrinking behind it, was endeavoring
to prevail upon the poor woman to go
away.
It's no use, ma'am, / assure you.
I might give your message to Mr..
Stanley, but he wouldn't see you; he
has other things to employ his mind.
You'd better go away, ma'am. indeed"
Il must sec him. said the woman,
in voice rendered sharp by pain.
at is life or death with me now, and
if YOU do not speak to him l must
force my way in, in spite of you"
You are unreasonable" pleaded the
servant. NOW what good can you
get by seeing him? He won't listen to
you for a moment"
The woman pushed by him into the
hall in 4 fierce way, and nearly upset
him by doing so. AS she stood in the
warm hall. brilliantly lighted, a gen
tleman came out of an inner room-a
wcllpreserved, handsome man, of
Cforty or upwards, with a face which
showed at once pride of station and
utter scorn of the lowiy.
What is this woman doing here,
William. and why does she not come
TO the servants door?' he demanded.
II could not keep her out, Mr.. Stan
ley She insists upon seeing YOU"
Very well, madam" said Mr.. Her
bert Stanley, the factory owner, play
ing with the handsome seals pendant
from his watch chain. what is your
business with me, my good woman?
My time is limited, please to remem-
Der"
Il am the wife of James Fenton.
the loom tiXer you ordered discharged
yester1ay,' she said.
All. yes; l remember now. He was
inSolcnt to the superintendent. | be-
lievc,' in drawing, affected tone.
He was not insolent, sir-at least
he did not intend to- be insolent. Mr..
Phelps found fault with him for some
thing which was neglected by another
person"
We'll. we'll. Whit do you want?'
Il came to plead to you to take him
back We have had bad luck. Mr..
Stanley. and l hRve two sick children
ut home, and we must have work or
die"
Il don't want to hear a word in re-
ference to taking him on again." said
the factory owner. quickly. 'Your
husband is a dangerous man, madam.
lie creates diScord between the manu-
fa'&lrers and the employees. Mr..
Phelps was acting under my orders
when | made an issue with your hus-
hand, and | am glad he is gone.
There. not another word. William,
show this woman out. | won't take
her husband back"
Yes, sir" responded the fiunky.
And don't admit her again" -
III be careful. sir. Now, Mrs.
Fenton. YOU are keeping the door
open. Please go out"
Trouble will come of this, Mr.. STAN
ley she said quietly, as she walked
toward the door. There's some gypsy
blood in vninS of tho Rom
any race never forgive an injury. You
may hear from me again. l don't
KNOW when, but I'll remember your
kindness"
The door closed after her. and she
went home through the driving sleet
ana entered her poor house. man
VINO was crouching over a small fire,
rocking baby on his knees, looked
up quickly, and saw no hope in her
face.
He is harder than stone, JAMIE -
she said, softly. "God help us now.
Tor man is against us"
lie quietly put the baby into her
arms rose from his chair, and started
Tor the door, but returned and kissed
her paSSionately, twice.
You've been a good wife to me,
Hada,' he said-"patient, tender and
true. Don't sit up for me tonight.
We something to do. and may be
late"
lie went out. never to enter that
door alive. for next morning he was
found i'll the river. into which he had
thrown himself They buried him
kindly. and his shopnates followed
him to the grave; and Mr.. Stanley sent
William to the house with a present