Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-03-15

that her lips should speak to him, and
10 no other man, of love
Yet WithaI he was prudent. He sell
dom spoke to Ethel in the presence of
Lady Station CT Helen Digby; he knew
that it would hardly be safe to do So
that if they perceived any attention on
his part, they would, after the fashion
Of chaperons, begin to make inquiries
as to his position and his fortune-such
inquiries as would not suit him.
So, with skill and adroitness worthy
Of better cause, he continued to keep
the elder ladies quite in ignorance Of
his friendship with Ethel
When Miss Gordon was with them,
he passed with a bow; if he spoke to
them, he contented himself by looking
at her.
When his heart beat, and his pulse
throbbed with Impotence, he COM
forted himself by saying that very
soon she would be his, free from all re-
straints; from all surveillance.
Yet with all his prudence and eau
ton, he had some narrow escapes.
One morning Helen Digby was rest
less, and even before the early dawn
found herself unable to sleep; she had
dreams that frightened her-uneasy
dreams of Ethel Gordon; and she rose,
thinking the morning air would refresh
her and drive the disagreeable phan-
toms away
She went out on to the lawn, and
there saw Ethel talking to Laurie Nh
gent. Ethel held in her hand some
wild roses, round which was entwined
a spray Of blue convolvulus
Miss Digby went up to her She
bowed coldly to Mr. Nugent, and laid
one hand warningiy on the girls shout
der.
Ethel" she said, Il did not know
that you were up and out"
''Did you not?' was the careless re-
joinder. Il am out early every morn
ing"
II thought myself very fortunate in
meeting Miss Gordon" said Laurie Nu-
gent, with a cOldly polite bow. 1t is
ing air to be beneficial"
He passed on, as though he had only
lust stopped to exchange a morning
greeting with EChel, and then Helen
Digby turned gravely to the young girl.
My dearest Ethel she said, Il do
not like to seem oficious, but your
father trusted you entirely to me-so
entirely that j feel bound to see that
you form new friendships unless they
are such as he would sanction
My father never interfered with me
in that way himself" interrupted Ethel,
suickly.
Perhaps not, my dear; but then the
circumstances were different. You had
none but old friends around you; you
were not among strangers, and your
father, of course, could do as he liked :"
Equally of course can l." said Ethel
proudly. 'Will you explain, Miss Dig
by, what you mean, and to what you
are aliuding?"
Certainly l will, Ethel; plain speak
ing suits ms both best. | saw you talk
ing to Mr. Nugent; now [ merely say.
my dear child, be cautious"
Cautious of What?" Mr.. Nugent is
an acquaintance of yours-a friend of
your friends, have heard you say
| grant it; a woman of my age,
Ethel, may form acquaintance that a
young girl had better not form. i say
nothing about Mr. Nugent-nothing
against him, for l know nothing; but |
think you had better avoid him.
You will pardon me if I ask why?'
said Ethel; and Miss Digby saw the
CLEAN OF defiance on her beautiful face.
In the first place we know nothing
sf him, except that he is a friend of
Lady Delamaine; in the second, | tell
You frankly do not like his face"
Why do you not like it," asked
Ethel
u cannot tell. 1t looks to me like a
raise face. 1t is not the face of good
san. There is cunning in the sharp
eyes, and cruelty on the thin lips. ="
You are prejudiced," said Ethel
$oidiy. Il have never heard of any
sensible person disliking a man for the
s0or OF his eyes or the shape of his
kps."
Ethel, you will not understand me
1t is not that. I say the expression oil
me face is bad, and am sure it is moi
she face of a good man. Mind. | know
nothing against Mr.. Nugent; but Ma
Wre never made a mistake in her hand
writing. and she has written Beware!
on his face"
Ethel looked up at Miss Digby. anC
Ae defiance deepened on her face.
Before you fatigue yourself by argu
ing any further, Miss Digby, will yol
seh me in what way Mr.. Nugent con
Germs me?"
mere was such scornful pride in tn
beautiful eyes that Helen Digb,
FASTENED to explain herself more fuIy
u do not suspect that there is any
thing clandestine between YOU. m
dearest Ethel; l have never thought q
such thing. I only wish to warn vo1
You ore very young; Mr. Nugent
very N6@ome-a perfect man of tn
woodland think it best to war
you"
You must be more explicit still
Miss Digby,"
Helen Digby sighed. Her charge Wa
terribly perverse.
Il wish to warn vo,, ,ro,,,- ai+;,,