Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1902-11-24
Continued.

Bible much; but have made a family
register Of it,
He unclaspeu Hettie's arms, and
placed her in a chair, then he went to
the bookshelf, took from it a large
Bible, opened it, and laid it upon the
table before the general. There was
about his action that dignity that
comes from great sorrow
Look" he said, pointing with his
finger. There is the entry of my
marriage with Doris Hatton. Here is
the birth of my first and best-beloved
child Leah, more than sixteen years
ago. Here is the birth of Hettie,
fifteen years ago. Now see. My eldest
child is dead to me; she died today.
1 have but one daughter living"
He took a pen and dipped it in ink,
and through the name Of Leah Ray he
drew a thick black line with steady
fingers.
There is no more to be either said
or DONE" he continued. you have
taken my child from me, General
Hatton. She goes readily-let her
CO. | do not mean to complaint but,
when she passes over the threshold OF
the house, she passes over my heart
General nation bent down, and
looked into the beautiful face so white
and still.
Leah" he said, gently, 81 would
not over-persuade you-and the
choice is for life. Will you take time
to think over it?''
oh 81
could not live the life that is pro-
posed for me. 1t hate it. l prayed to
Heaven to send me deliverance
cannot refuse it now that it has
come"
you need not do So" said the gen
eral. Il wish your sister would come
too"
But Hettie chung to her father.
After few moments Martin raised
his hands.
81 am no prophet" he said; Fbut I
believe in the natural order and the
natural fitness of things. I predict
that over the head Of the child who
has forsaken me dark clouds will
gather; 1 predict for her a sad life in
the midst of wealth, luxury, ana
gayety. For the daughter whose
faithful heart and tender love are my
consolation predict happiness in life
and i'll death. May Heaven confirm
what I say!"
1--WE will have a proper understand
ing" said Sir Arthur Hatton. 81 am
not unreasonable, though I frankly
confess l dislike everything about
yOu--yOur name, your character, your
life, and it's aims. I am implacable
in my resentment against you for
having stolen my sister and bIighted
her life, I will never willingly hold
any communication with you-never.
You and l will be strangers; your
children will be strangers, if one goes
with me and one remains with you
strangers always. | shall require that
they neither write nor speak to each
other, except it is a case Of life and
death. But, if you are i'll or dying,
and send for Leah, she shall come
If Hettie be dying, or i'll, and send
for her. she shall come"
Neither in life nor in death shall
we meet again." declared Martin Ray.
eve shall live our lives; they will
be far apart from hers. To me she
no longer exists. l have touched her
hand, kissed her face, spoken to her
for the last time. She lies in her
coffin now to me, and 1 draw the sheet
over her face-she is dead! Oh,
Hettie, with your mothers eyes, com,
fort mel"
Leah raised her white face to Sir
Arthur's.
''This is dreadful" she said; cit is
killing me. But l cannot follow out
my fathers wishes. Take me away
Then the two sisters looked at each
other. In each face was an unspoken
longing.
mo-" said Martin Ray, sternly,
''you shall not touch her, Hettie! She
has cast us off; let her go her own
way"
Gust once" pleaded Hettie. LET
me kiss her once, father. We are own
sisters, you know; we have loved
each other dearly. Oh, Leah, stay
with us, darling; do not go!"
mo, not once or ever!" cried
Martin Ray, raising his hand. you
shall not even say good-by to her!
Let her leave us in silence-the
silence of death"
And Hettie, whose loving heart was
almost broken, fell upon her knees,
hiding her face in her hands, and
sobbing Win bitter tears and cries.
She dared not raise her head to take
last look at the face she loved so
well.
The general drew Leah near to the
door.
"Good-by, father" she said. 81 am
not cold, unloving, or heartless; but
I could not lead the life you selected
for me. I would rather have died.
will come back if you want me or
send for me-"
She moved towards him, as though
she would fain have kissed his hands
Or biC f9cn. hIt he turned from her