Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-04-19
CHAPTER w.

cottage, this in which Mary Graeme
dwelt alone. She was lettering in the lit
tie garden at the time that her husband
was seen approaching it, but she at once
retired into the cottage, as though desir-
Gus Of avoiding his presence in the angry
mood that she OWNED was in possession
of him. He followed her without cere-
mony, and as she quietly seated herself
in the best room, he confronted her with
lowering looks.
$50, Mary" he exclaimed. "Weems
informs me that you still refuse to enter
tain my proposition"
If you have come to repeat it, pray
understand at once, Luke Dalziel, that
you are, wasting your time" was Mary's
quiet but spirited reply.
What! will you stubbornly, meanly
persevere in standing between me and
my prospects,
II shall persevere in maintaining my
just rights, be sure of that, Luke!' she
said, with renewed firmness. You may
inform me, if you choose, though, in
what way my becoming the Lady Of Dali
ziel Towers can stand between you and
your so-called prospects"
I'm every way, as you know he ex-
claimed. 'You are not fit for such po-
sition.''
I'm more fit than you, sir, so far as
honesty and right feeling are concerned,
that knowv' said Mary. Why, have
you turned foolish, Luke? 1t would be
impossible for you to marry any other
woman, even if I should consent to go
away from you"
who said anything about marrying
any one else?" said Sir Luke, with
guilty flush. ''You don't suspect me Of
any such intention?"
ALAS! / don't know what to suspect
when find you bent on treating me so
meanly and cruelty" murmured Mary.
her voice breaking a little. 'Oh, Luke!
listen, dearie, to me-" and she suddenly
went up to him and made a movement to
put her arms around him, though he an
grily repulsed her. 'Think, Luke, Of the
many sad but faithful years that we have
passed together. Think of our poor child,
that our poverty didn't even permit to
die in our arms! Was / ever other than
a faithful, accomplishing helpmeet to
you, Luke? And now, after all our strug-
giles side by side, is it fair that you should
cast me off from your heart and home
when wealth and comfort and rank have
come to you? Is it manly, or even decent,
Luke?'
But it's question Of pure expediency,
Mary, and as such must be considered"
said Sir Luke, impatiently. Il may en-
ter the Commons; may find fine folks
for guests at the Towers. 1t would never
do for you to be there. You haven't the
style about you, and it's too late for you
to acquire it."
"Ah, we'll! let me remain here as l am,
then, Luke, and will strive not to dis
grace your she presently murmured,
with just a trace of contempt in the en-
phasized word. 81 will give over, at least
for time, the idea of being Lady Dali
ziel.'
"It will never do, tell your cried Sir
Luke, with an oath.
Where, then, would you have me gow
"Look' said Sir Luke, drawing num-
Der Of papers from his pocket, from which
he selected one. Here is memoran-
dunn that Chelmsford gave me the other
day of little cottage and grounds be-
longing to the Dalziel estate in the neigh
borhood Of Greenock, in your own Scot
land. If you will promise to live there,
Mary, will settle the place upon you,
and let you have a hundred a year be-
Sides"
The mingled bitterness and anguish in
the glance that she fixed upon him would
have melted his heart had it been other
than stone.
II will think Of it," said Mary, after
long pause.
Ito be continued.)