The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1900-12-15

stood Tor q moment silently before the
fire. She was q slight, pale woman
with atures which mi ght once have
been plea sing but they were marred
by sleepy, stealthy expression, which
had caused Herbert, in a fit Of childish.
anger, to aptly, though irreyerently,
compare her to a doing cat. # III
She always wore a cap with snowy,
foat1ng tabs, and q pair Of black lace
mittens: Her widows garb was, in all
other respects. strictly neat and CON
Ventional Her soft, clinging robes.
never rustled: cher soft slippers never
creaked. She moved about the house
as gently, as noiselessly, and, it
seemed, as tharmlessly as a shadow. l3s
si But the servants knew. full well the
faintest whisper, of that low voice.
must be obeyed. They had all felt the
iron strength Of will which controlled
and directed every portion Of the do
nestle machinery at Give Towers, and
they feared, hated, but respected, the
slight, pale woman who was so surely
mistress there. ,- %.= zs
Towards the son and daughter Of the
house she was always gentle and af-
fectionate; to the master, respectful
and submissive; to the guests, silent
and reserved. H. <a - -.
In short, she was a model house
keeper, and under her able manage
ment and wise supervision Give Tow
erS was a model house. y:I5,. :
Yet, strange to say, Sybil had from
the first felt an ineXplicable dislike for
this quiet woman. Some magnetic
chord Of her being seemed to thrill
warning at her approach, as if an en-
envy were near. More than once she
had detected watchful glance cast
upon her by those sleepy blue eyes;
more than once shuddered to find them
suddenly and noiselessly, at her side.
Tonight the girls overwrought emo
tons were scarcely within control.
nameless oppression which the house
her letter to read-the letter still
crushed in her bosom, resting on her
throbbing heart. She must be alone.
- trust, Miss Wraye, that you feel
no serious Inconvenience from your
late walk this evening"" said the low,
clear voice, at last. +.
II was little chilled; that was ALL"
answered Sybi1, hastily. "Fannie, in
her friendly anxiety, exaggerated a
mere passing sensat on into an ailment.
There is really nothing the matter
with me, Mrs. Wyllis, and should be
sorry to detain you from duties that
are, no doubt, far more urgent than
any slight attention Fannie imagines 1
require at your hands,"
"My duties are SO regulated that l
never find them urgent" was the COM
posed reply. II always have sufficient
time to attend to the wants and re-
quirements. of Mr. or Miss Gives
guests. If I might venture a sugges-
ton, Miss Wraye, think you will find
q little valerian and ammonia service
able as a harmless nervine-one that
will insure you pleasant nights rest.
The late Mrs Give, in her last illness,
used it frequently"
'"Thank you, no." answered Sybil,
with an irrepressible shudder. II re-
ruire nothing, really nothing, but quiet
and rest"
You find your room perfectly COM
Portable !" said the housekeeper, with
strange information on the closing word.
+ Perfectly replied Sybil; comfort
able i'll every respect - .gs S89s.ss. &
n II am glad to hear it, answered
Mrs, Wylls, smoothing her mittens
with a stealthy gesture peculiar to her
self. II feared it might be little
little gloomy for a young person, I am
glad you find it comfortable Miss
Wraye-very glad. indeed! And since
you will not accept any assistance
from me, will bid you good-night-a
very goodnight"
And. with a little stiff bow, the
housekeeper turned away, stopping on
the threshold to cast one Of her swift,
furtive glances at the slight figure
that, with. it's golden hair still falling
around it like veil, stood beneath the
dark, frowning portrait of old Basil
Give. A.
AS the door closed behind Mrs Wyl-
lis, Sybil drew the letter from her
bosom ard glanced hastily over it's few
cramped lines.
There was neither address nor sigma
ture. Only these :hasty, authoritative
words: "a
81 must see you tonight in the grave
yard by the river. My time is short,
and my path is perilous, as you know;
so do not fail me. Be sure to come. ]
will be therew - r%.:s
800 Ito be Continued) ,.A.,