Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-11-19
CHAPTER XIV.
,ssSybiI Saw LISTER Ayrton Standing
Under The Tree"

>StSyhiI Saw LISTER Ayrton standing
Under The Tree"
Captain Lyster Ayrton had not the
least intention of tamely resigning the
richest prize fortune had ever placed
within his reach. He never for one
moment believed the kindly, indulgent
odd squire would keep his word. Once
married, the mischief really done, he
would pardon his daughter, and the
gallant captain have nothing to do
save enjoy what he had so boldly won.
He laid his plans with great skill
and GOODNESS, resolving that, in order
TO disarm all suspicion, he would not
gC near Glynn for two months at least
His long absence would also have
another advantage. The fair, passion
ate child, whose pure, loving heart he
had so completely won, would have
found out what his absence cost her.
She would have discovered what life
was without him, and he would be able
then to mold her to his wishes. All
this he knew and felt certain Of.
When the two months we're over he
did not go near Glynn or Ling, but
took apartments in a farmhouse near
Woodale, where his retreat was safe,
and he would be hidden from all eyes.
One day after dinner the squire
asked her. to sing, and she went to the
piano. There with the first notes of
her song, it came to her with sudden
dush she was deceiving these dear
ones, who loved her so we'll; that she
must leave them if she wanted to be
happy; that her father, had he known
the truth, would have wept rather than
have laughed. For the first time in
her life, she had a secret, and, despite
the glamour, despite the kisses that
still burned on her lips, she knew it
was a shameful secret.
In one rush Of sorrow, all these
thoughts came to her. The clear
voice faltered, the lips grew white, a
sudden darkness came over her eyes.
She rose, and stretched out her hands
with a great cry, then fell, as one
stricken with death, upon the ground
Loving hands raised her; and while
she lay unconscious, the three spoke
with bated breath, and wondered what
Shad made her i'll.
1--WE have deceived ourselves" said
Irene, quietly. "She has never been
really better, papa. She tried to make
us think so, but the effort was too
great for her. We must take her
away from here. She is dying by
5uches-my poor Sybil! Let us take
her abroad, papa. She may recover
@hen.''
I'VE will start the day after to-mor
row." cried the squire, who was dread
fully alarmed
Then the violet eyes opened; and
7the girl, looking up tried to smile.
But when her father bent over her,
and would have touched the lips where
-Lyster Ayrton's kisses still burned,
She shrunk back, shuddering, rom
min, and hid her facesin her hands.
Leave her to me-" said Irene; "she
is worn out and tired"
He bade her goodnight Oh, dear
Heaven. had he known what the next
might would bring! He laid his hands
ON her bowed head, and blessed her;
but the squire could not forget that
gesture. What had he done that his
darling should shrink away from him
Before she left the room, he came
back to her.
<FDo you know what we are going TO
do with you, Sybil?" he asked Irene
proposes that we go abroad at once,
and | think it will be the wisest thing
ITO do"
She almost sickened with terror
She must see him again; they should
not take her anywhere without that.
The squire had expected a pleased
smile, but the face she raised to his
had in it nothing but despair.
Abroad" he repeated; edo you
near that, my darling? We will start
Che day after tomorrow. Now cheer
ZIP; week in Paris cures everything.
Let me see one smile before you 60"
She smiled, but he could better have
borne her tears; then, with Irene, she
left the drawing-room, and went up to
1er own chamber.
The squire detained Violet and Irene
Late that night; he was planning their