Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-06-01

gone to meet her son. Perhaps Inc
never suffered greater suspense thai
in those few moments. Her eye
seemed magically attracted to Agatha
face If she should faint when sh
saw Philip again, then he would CUES
ton her, and the whole story mus
come to light; but Agatha showed NJ
signs of fainting.
THAT is my cousin" she said, whe1
the sound of a gentleman's voice wa:
heard. The color did not vary in he
face, her lips did not culver, nor die
her voice tremble. She stood neal
the door when he entered. and his
| first words were addressed to her
Inez watched them so eagerly, she
hardly seemed to draw her breath
Quite frankly and calmly Agatha
held out her hand, and spoke a few
words of kindly greeting - heI
cousin. Just as calmly Philip re-
piled, and then passed on.
| Inez sank back in her chair-the
ordeal was over; they had met, and nc
sign showed that they had ever been
more than friends. Lord Lynne
thought her pale face and quivering
lips were caused by her emouon at
seeing him, and he loved her the bet
ter for it. But she had yet another
ordeal to pass through, even more ter
rible.
When dinner was over, they adj
journed to the large drawing-room.
the six assembled bridemaids, there
was Allan Leigh, who on the NOR
row was to officiate as "best man."
and several other gentlemen, wedding
guests. The evening was warm, and
the large French windows were opened
to admit the sweet, soft breeze Lord
Lynne had established himself by the
Allan we're perhaps the merriest
couple in the room Suddenly
some thought seemed to strike Lord
Lynne, and turning to Agatha he
said, in low voice, RI have some
thing very particular to say to you
Will you come into the conservatory
with me for minute. I will not de-
tain you long"
No one heard his words except Inez,
and the next moment Agatha had gone
towards the conservatory followed by
Lord Lynne.
A clear conscience is the happiest
and greatest blessing that man or
woman can enjoy. There are no
words in which the feeling of that
beautiful girl can be described A
deathlike pallor stole over her face;
her dark eyes had a wild, perplexed
look. She did not speak, nor move,
but sat like an image of despair.
cit is all over" she cried, in the
depth of her heart; there is sure to
be some explanation between them,
and I am lost"
The white hands were tightly
clenched, and she listened in sicken-
ing suspense for the voice of her sister
and still they came not, and despair
took the place of hope in her heart
At length, after what seemed to her
hours of torture, she saw Agatha
slowly approaching her.
"IneZ," said her sister, bending over
her, phillip wants to speak to you;
come with me-"
The last hope died in that proud
passionate heart She rose haughtily,
and walked with the dignity of a
queen through the long drawing-room.
II have fought my fight" she said to
herself, "and have failed. Still, 1
know how to bear defeat"
But when she reached the conserva-
tory instead of the pale stern face she
expected to see, Philip stood before
her smiling and bright as he had been
when he quilted her, and in his hand
he held a large jewel case. In one
moment with her quick unerring in
stinct, she OWNED that she had been
mistaken that she was still safe.
IT am afraid I am very awkward
lover said Lord Lynne, with
smile. 81 wanted to offer you my we'd
ding gift, Inez, and | have been OBJ
liged to consult Agatha as to whether
should do it now or not. She thinks
perhaps you will like to wear my gift
tomorrow, so I offer it to you this
evening""
A low sigh of unutterable relief es-
capped from her lips as Philip opened
the case and she saw the magnificent
parure of diamonds that had driven
half the fashionable ladies in London
wild with envy.
How am I to thank your" she said,
raising her dark eyes to his face.
"By always looking as beautiful
when you wear them as you do now"
was the gallant reply.
Then Agatha kissed her, and wished
her joy and happiness, without one
shade or cloud upon her sweet face,
and went out, leaving the lovers to-
gether.
To be Continued.