Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-04-19

ing, I suppose. Nothing can be more
contemplate than a thief"
She opened the door of the room
where Miss Digby generally spent the
morning with Lady Station. Both were
there-Lady Station looking unusually
excited, Miss Digby occupied with a
piece Of fancy work; and Ethel could
not help seeing that the hands of the
latter trembled. Helen looked up from
her work at the beautiful lushed face
of the girl.
Ethel" she asked where have you
been? l do not wish to seem hard,
but, I must say, my dear, that do not
think it is quite right of you to absent
yourself for so many hours without
saying anything to me. You must re-
member that you are in my charge;
and you make me anxious"
Ethel laughed low, sweet musical
laugh. How soon, how very soon the
enemy of hers would be crushed-how
soon she herself would triumph. 1t
was the last time she would dare to
ask such questions
Where have you been, Ethel?" Miss
Digby repeated.
you will know quite soon enough, >
replied Ethel.
Her eyes fell on the ormolu clock;
| it was nearly half-past eleven Where
was her husband-strong, handsome
Laurie Nugent? He was to take her
hand and tell Helen Digby that they
were married. 1t was a fitting time and
opportunity for such a scene! Why did
he not come?
You know, my dear Ethel" pursued
Helen, that 1 never interfere with
your actions needlessly. I know there
is no real cause for anxiety; this place
is so quiet that you might be out for
hours together and not see any one:
but, for the future if you intend TAX
ing long ramble, you will please
mention it to me, that I may feel quite
at ease"
Ethel laughed again; there was SO
little need for such a promise. She,
with her husband, would soon be far
away. Helen Digby's reign was almost
over; a few minutes more and the tri-
umph would come.
But where was her husband?
He must be here soon," she thought
10 herself. I am glad that Lady Staf-
ton is present; she will see my tri-
umph."
She looked at Helen Digby's calm,
kind face; how soon it's expression
would be changed-how soon she
would cease to have any place among
them!
Where was Laurie? E,ael was grow
ing impatient; this triumph of hers
seemed very sweet now that it was
near at hand. What qualification 70
be able to look at her rival and say, Il
was left in your charge, given irto
your care, and you have failed COM
pletely. I am married, and am going
straight to see my father"
The desire to make her disclosure
increased. When she had humbled her
rival, when she had taken from her
her fathers love and chance of ever
reigning at Fountayne, she would be
friendly with her, and kind enough.
Ethel laughed again as she thought of
the thunderbolt that was so soon to
fall among them.
"You seem greatly amused. Ethel"
said Helen Digby. Have you seen
anything that pleased you?"
No; but | expect to be very much
amused, Miss Digby, and I am laugh
ing in anticipation
Then she became silent, and the
ladies went on talking together. She
heard the words dreadful affair."" sad
disgrace repeated over and over
again, but did not feel sufficient inter-
est to inquire what they meant
Time was passing-it was now half
past eleven. Where was Laurie? She
rose impatiently from her seat, she felt
warm and flushed. Surely the room or
the morning must be very close. She
pushed the hair back from her brow.
and Helen Digby, catching a glimpse
of her, said:
Ethel, you look so strange-not at
all like yourself"
To be Continued.