Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-08-17

! The one she decided upon at last was
| warning Agatha that the Italian was
learning to love her. If her sister
| did not care for him, all would be
we'll; but if she loved, or was inclined
to love him then she must be warned
Of his treacherOus character. II that
did not suffice, other steps must BE-
taken, even if they were fatal to her
self; but in any case, that golden
haired, gentle sister, whose lover she
had taken from her, must not, should
not be sacrificed. In her own mind
she resolved to save Agatha
On the following day Inez was 60
ing in the evening to a grand concert
given at Lifford House, the residence
of her Grace the Duchess of Silverton
Lord Lynne had asked Rinaldo to ac-
company them, and he had promised
to do so.
1t was under pretence of some ques-
tons about her dress that Lady Lynne
sought her sisters room. She found
Agatha reading, and smiled as her
eyes fell upon the book.
How studious you are" she said.
Tell me, Agatha, have you decided
about your dress for Lifford House?"
NO replied her sister, in some
surprise Il do not know that I have
thought Of it yet Mitchell always
arranges my dress"
Il want you to look very nice" said
Lady Lynne. THE season will soon
my sister. I should like her return
to Lynnewolde the promised bride of
some one worthy Of her. The Mar
quis of Harrington likes you more
than any one else; if you give him a
little encouragement he would soon be
at your feet"
What q new and novel character
for you to appear in, Inez," replied
Agatha, with bright smile. 81 never
knew you to be the least bit Of a
matchmaker before
There was not the least shadow Of
pain on her fair young face as she
spoke the old wound was healed, and
no trace of it remained.
Il do not like the marquis" she
continued; "and Inez dear, if the truth
must be told, may say I do not like
London, or London life, Or its fashions,
or it's gaiety. I am not made for it,
as you are I should be a thousand
times happier at Lynnewolde.
But you must marry some day."
said Inez.
II do not see the necessity" she re-
piled, gaily. eff ever I do marry, it
will be some one with tastes like my
own, who loves the country, and will
not bring me to this wretched London
every year"
Lady Lynne gave sigh of great re-
lief
you would never marry a fashion
able man, them" she said. mo,
never" replied Agatha, honestly. "But
tell me, what has given you this
anxiety about me?"
That was the opening Lady Lynne
waited for.
81 have been thinking a great deal
about you lately, my DEAR" said Inez,
affectionately I cannot help seeing
that Count Montalti is very much in
love with you"
''In love with mel" said Agatha 81
think mott hope not"
Then you do not care for him."
asked Lady Lynne, eagerly.
Care for him!-oh, no." was the
reply. "He is amusing and interest
ing; but I am not quite sure if I like
him. There is something about him,
cannot define what, which gives me
the impression that he is false. I
hope I am not Judging him unkindly."
81 think you are right in your
opinion" said Lady Lynne. And now,
Agatha dear, will you let me give you
a little advice?"
GAS much as you please" she re-
piled.
Then let me ask you to alter your
conduct towards Count Rinaldo," con-
tinued Inez. philip likes him, and
he is often here. He loves you, am
sure; and from your kindness and
amiability he has drawn great hopes.
He does not understand you. He
thinks, because you smile as you listen
to him, and talk to him frankly and
kindly, you return his love. You
must avoid him. | know what the
Italian nature it. If you continue to
give him what he considers encourage
ment, he will propose to you: and
then, if you refuse him, he will say
you have trifed with him. And
! Agatha, Of the few things which
dread, the revenge of an Italian is the
worst If you should accept him,
am convinced you would be wretched
! for life
| 81 should, never dream Of it, replied
Agatha. who had grown pale and ST
lent while her sister spoke. 81 did not
even know that he liked me-"
To be Continued.