Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-06-21

py q footman who came 70 announce diDr
ner as ready, and then they all quilted
the room together.
All through such parts of the fine, state
~ old mansion as were traversed were
scattered painful evidences Of the mas
ter's mania for improving" The ances-
trail portraits had been taken down from
their time honored places; noble tapes
tries were heaped in corners here and
there: the walls of rooms and corridors
were in an unfinished condition of re-
painting and replastering; unsightly scat
foldings occasionally blocked up the pas
sages; and throughout the entire editice
there crept dusty, stuffy smell, dis
agreeably mingled with that of new paint
and fresh mortar.
The dinner was good. A gay fit had
seized upon Sir Luke, and as both Weems
and Chelmsford were, or pretended to be,
in mood to amuse and be amused, the
repast went off with good deal of eclat
cit is yet but early" said Weems, look
ing at his watch, as the desert was being
taken away, and cigars were produced.
"Only nine o'clock! Why not take run
down to that Mechanics Institute Fair
that was spoken Of a while ago? l like
machinery"
ESPECIALLY Of the clockwork variety, l
suppose" suggested in loud, laughing
tone, Sir Luke.
As they were making their way
through the Uttered hall-passage, foot
man stepped up, and ventured to whisper
something in the masters ear.
mot nowp' exclaimed Sir Luke, repuls-
ing him after an instant's listening.
"What does she mean by coming here at
this hour? Tell her to be GONE will
see her in the morning-any time but
now!"
"But, Luke, it is important that l
should see you now and talk with you,
without delay!'' said a quietly rcsolute
but womanly voice; and then Mrs
Graeme, who had silently followed the
servant into the hall without being per-
ceived, stepped into view. something
strange has happened that it behooyes
you to know of.
'Tll listen to nothing, tell your an
crily exclaimed Sir Luke, and he snatched
his hat and coat from the stand. what
do you mean by coming here! Haven't l
told you again and again that wouldn'
have it!'
Mrs. Graeme had by this time recognize
ed the presence of the other men by a
slight bow, and she returned to the charge
undismayed, and with much composure.
st is important-vitally important, SIT
that should see and converse with you
alone, and without delay" she continued,
speaking very earnestly. Grant my re-
quest, or you may regret the refusal to
the last day of your life"
She even laid her hand upon his arm,
but he scornfully rejected her touch, OPP
ened the door and rushed down the steps
to the carriage that was by this time IN
waiting, followed more leisurely by his
guests.
Then they all hurried into the vehicle
and were driven away.
''Where are they goingT' asked Mrs.
Graeme of the servant, who had remain
ed beside her at the entrance.
II heard them say something OF gong
to the Mechanics Fair, ma'am.'
"What, there? Oh, if there should
come about an encounter, what then!
murmured Mrs Graeme to herself. But
I strove to restrain him-I have done my
BEST"
And then she gathered her cloak and
hood about her and sadly departed in the
direction of her little cottage.
(To be continued.)