Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-06-11

There was short silence, broken only
by the murmur of the river and the
song of the birds. It was Gertrude
who spoke at last. She stood up alone,
perfect picture, framed by the
boughs of a luxuriant lemon-tree
above her and purple violets at her
feet.
Mamma, I have something I wish
to say. May I say it?" she asked.
Dolores looked up in surprise.
Certainly, my DEAR" she replied;
''say what you will
Dear mamma" Gertrude began, 81
ought to beg your pardon for taking
what Lord Fielder calls the floor of
the house; but want to say some
thing to you, and I wish also to say it
before our best friends"
Then the violet eyes shot a glance
at Harry, which said
II am obliged by courtesy to include
you; but do not think too much of
that-it means nothing"
Harry interrupted the glance cor
rectly, and turned away with another
sigh.
'sYou must not think I am Quixo-
TIC" she continued. elizabeth of
Siberia was not much older than am I
when she began her long journey
Her father, for whom she undertook
so much, was living; mine may be
dead She had his life to save; I have
my fathers memory at least to clear
from stain, L have my mother to re-
store to happiness. No girl living
could ask for higher, nobler task.
l shall devote myself to it, and think
of nothing else"
Harry raised his handsome face de-
spairingly to the bright sky when he
heard that-it was death-blow to
his hopes; then his eyes turned to the
fair, graceful figure standing before
him.
II want you, mamma, dearest-and
ask the favor in presence of Lady
Fielden-to let me go back to Eng
land with her"-Harry would have
cried out, but prudence restrained
him-"and begin the work to which
intend devoting my life. She will
help me; and something tells me that
| shall succeed. Do not say | am too
young. Mamma, dearest, youth has
wisdom sometimes. Lord FieIden"-
and here Gertrude's eyes rested upon
the young nobleman with a softened
light that stirred every pulse in his
strong frame-"will help me. He is
the son of our best friend; my dear
father must have known him when he
was a boy. He is strong and patient;
and no man could do a more noble
work than clear away the shadow that
rests on the fair name of gentleman.
/ am sure Lord Fielder will give me
a few months out of his life
There was faint murmur heard as
Of some one saying that he would give
his life and all it held. It did not
seem extravagant to the young en-
thusiast; to her mind the whole world
must give way to the object she had
in view; it was the one topic of in
terest to her. She was deaf to all
others.
Mamma, she continued even more
earnestly, will you come home to
Scarsdale and help me?"
Dolores shook her head
do not ask me, my dear. I could
not bear it," she replied, hastily.
'sWill you let me go?" she pleaded.
Eyes, if you really wish it. Ger
rude
Il do indeed; and, mamma, you
shall remain here, if you will, until
you receive message from me say
ing The mystery is solved You will
come then?"
A quick flush rose to Dolores face,
a troubled light shone in her eyes.
eff ever you can send me that mes
sage, Gertrude, and it means that
that he is cleared from guilt, I will
come; but, if it means simply that
you have found him. do not ask me
let me stay here until I die
1t was a touching sight to see the
fair young daughter kneel at the feet
of her mother as she said, in clear.
firm tones
ct shall be so, mamma. When
mind, l do not say 'if-when I can
prove my fathers innocence, shall
write to you and ask you to come"
So it was arranged that Gertrude
should go back to England with
Lady Fielden.