Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1900-02-01

joyed the prospect of seeing her de-
posed. But Ethel would not allow this
girl to triumph over her.
Miss Digby resolved that no effort
should be wanting on her part to win
Ethels affection. She could under
stand the girl petulance at her disap-
pointment, and resolved TO bear pa
tiently with it. She said to herself
that she would never resent it, that
she would never reply to EthePs bitter
little speeches, but would do her best
to win her by gentleness, by affection
and kindness.
When the two young girls appeared
Ethel, with a proud, naughty car
riage, and calm, almost scornful face;
Laura, flushed and somewhat discom-
fited-she wondered greatly. Resolved
to put her quite at her ease, Miss Digby
went up to her.
Have you been admiring the
roses?" she asked. They are consid-
cred very fine
The proud eyes looked her through,
the proud lips opened slightly, and
then Miss Gordon made some half-in-
audible reply, and passed on.
Ethel" said Miss Digby, gently, If
you can give me few minutes, shall
be so pleased. / want you to listen to
something that l have to say"
Ethel turned. 1t was no part Of her
duty as yet, she thought, to listen to
Miss Digby. The beautiful, mutinous
face was a study as she half turned
round, the better to hear what her
companion had to say.
Ethel" repeated Miss Digby, Il
wish you would learn to know me and
to like me-"
You think the one would be the Sc
quel to the other" replied Ethel; Il
do not. l have no doubht that in time
l may know you; but liking you is a
dimei'c ut matter"
She spoke so frankly, so fearlessly,
that it was impossible not to admire
her.
IF I study your wishes, Ethel-if
do all that l can to make you happy,
surely you will like me then"
Not then, or ever, / think" replied
Ethel. In the first place, Miss Digby,
you take my dead mothers, Lady An
gela's place; and you will pardon me
if say that, in my opinion, no one on
earth is fitted to take that place"
1T is only natural, ethel, that you
should think SO. ] admire you for it.
loved my own mother after that
fashion,"
Then" interrupted Ethel, quickly,
you would not have liked to see any
one in your mothers place."
Perhaps not" admitted Miss Digby.
But you love your father too, Ethel.
Now, If can contribute to his happi-
ness, surely you would love me all the
better for it?"
Ethel looked up at her with clear,
dauntless eyes.
II do not think that l should" she
replied. Now that my mother is dead,
my fathers love belongs by right to
me alone"
THAT is a selfish view of the mat
ter" said Miss Digby, gently. "Sir
Leonard has right to be happy in his
own way, as you have to be in yours"
''It is a question that we need not
argue" interrupted Ethel, proudly. 'If
my father links you will add to his
happiness, l have no more to say; but
there is a second reason which makes
the contemplation of such a marriage
very displeasing to me. l have been
accustomed to rule in my fathers
house; no one ever has disputed my
sway. The servants have been accus-
toned to obey my orders, and, frankly
speaking, it will seem very hard for me
to yield my authority to stranger"
Miss Digby looked compassionately
on the beautiful, imperious face, with
its flashes of tenderness and defiance.
1T is hard for YOU" she said, with
grave gentleness; "but it will most GER
tainly be for your ultimate good"
"All disagreeable things are for our
good" remarked Ethel, brusquely.
will you explain, Miss Digby, why
you say SOP"
The lady smiled at the petulant
words.
Il shall be in greater disgrace than
ever she said; but since you ask me
frankly, l will answer you frankly. 1t
will be for your benefit, because you
are too young to have so heavy a
charge upon you as the care and di-
rection of Fountayne Hall. If you do
it, and do it we'll. then your own edu-
cation and culture must suffer You
cannot attend to both"
MY education is finished" said
Ethel, with great dignity.
Pardon me, it has not even begun.
| mean the truest, brightest part of
your education-learn. to control
and govern ourselves; that is its true
end Ethel"
Il have fulfilled my duties" argued
the girl; mo one can do more"
Miss Digby looked at her sadly.
Then you will not promise even to
try to like me?'
No" was the lingering reply "I
am very frank, Miss Digby, and it
would be cruelty false to say Yes II
cannot like you. II I possibly can, l
shall persuade mana evnn now ~ ohop