Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-10-31


your aunt am sure, and now there
will be a pretty to-do!" she cried, hur-
rying away.
Hilda did not stir. Aunt Polly might
come if she liked She did not even
try to think of an excuse to offer her.
1t was all the same to her. Then she
heard Frau Kircbner's shrill voice
coming up the stairs: This way,
please; the steps are so high, and-as
| was going to say, she is sitting there
as large as life-she forgot her glove
and"
What! The lovely Spaniard her,
self-tonight?" cried a clear, laughing
woman's voice. Quick, Nelly; if we
should BRING the original instead of
the copy, we should make still
greater sensation"
Hilda started up at the first words,
and her eyes wandered about in
taken two steps toward the door OF
the adjoining room, when the door
opened and two ladies wrapped in furs
and wells, entered the large, dimly
lighted room. The smaller of the two
rushed straight up to Hilda, who
stood gazing he!plessly at the in
!truders, whose appearance here she
could by no means understand
My dear Fraulein," laughed the lit
tie Baroness, our meeting here has
really a rather adventurous aspect,
though it is n reality as harmless as
possible. This is my caunsin, Nelly
Benkin; my name is Irene Erlach, and
we have come to get your picture.
JussnitZ will not let any one see it till
it is exhibited in Berlin. Now, you
must know l am one of those persons
whom contradiction only makes more
determined; so | declared | would
have my way. and offered to lay a
wager that | and all the others should
see the beautiful Spanish girl before
tomorrow morning Then l sent for
the carriage and took myself off quiet
ly with Nelly. We were going to
carry off the picture, and 10! we have
lien,'' she continued, with crimson
cheeks, edo be obliging for once and
come with us yourself. You will be
doing us the greatest favor-it would
be the most delightful surprise"
Hilda measured the speaker who
had grasped her arm, from head to
foot with d long, cool look.
Good Heavens, Nelly, do help to
persuade her!" cried the Baroness, in
a complaining tone. do come, my
dear Fraulein-may l ask your
name?"
Won Sweidorf," said Hilda proudly.
please, dear F'raulein Won Swell
dOrf''-the vicious young woman wore
a rather surprised expression for a
a moment-'come with us: you viii
be under my protection. Only think
how surprised all my friends will be
when I win my wager in such a
delightful fashion"
please, please. Fraulein Won Swell
dorf, joined in the young girl with
the fresh, piquant face, in which
might be plainly read the desire to
carry out the joke which her cousin
had proposed
Il am not prepared for a large com
pany. | am stranger to you all
| -
'Ah, that is nothing there are not
more than thirty persons in all, all
good friends together. You will find
Jussnitz and his wife,
Hilda gave a start. His wife! A
burning desire to meet this wife of his
in his presence overcame her.
But l am not dressed!" she STAN
mered out.
mo matter. We will help you out,
won't we Nelly? Your things will do
we'll enough. 1t is a pity that you
haven't your Spanish costume
ut is here in the next ROOM said
Hilda.
"Oh. that is delightful; we will
have all manner of fun this evening.
&c, quick, and put on your costume!
Nelly" she said, turning eagerly to
her companion, cit will be a capital
joke. Can't we have a little more
light?" And she opened the door and
called out through the deserted house
for another lamp; and then she
pushed Hilda into the next room. RE
member that we have a good long
drive before us and be as quick as you
can. beg of YOU"
The sleepy old French woman
brought her lamp. and Frau Won
Erlach rushed with it into the room
where Hilda was changing her dress
with trembling hands.
To be Continued.