Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1902-07-12

crosby SGlZGu hugh. he SuOOk 1t OA
nervously and compressed his lips. The
image Of the daughter rose before him,
and the dazzling smile with which she
would welcome the savior of her family's
honor, of her brothers honor.
Hugh's lips were dry. Twice he tried
to speak. At last he said: Il should
feel honored if you would permit me"
The old man broke in, not hearing:
''There is way
Darlington drew a sigh of relief. Had
he been about to proffer his aid? He
was not sure.
"My daughter has the remnant Of her
mothers fortune; it is not much, but 1t
is in quickly marketable condition, bonds
and non-speculative stocks. And now,
Mr.. Darlington, l must explain why
asked you in to hear this. l knew your
father we'll and trusted him implicitly.
l must put the same trust in his son! Sc
crecy is all-important. Not a word must
be breathed to a soul. could think Of
no one to trust except your fathers son.
1t seems strange that / should say this;
for were he in my trouble, how little
trust could be placed in my son. 1t is
a bitter grief to me that it should be so
the bitterest | have known. Yes, it Is
bitterer than the loss of one I loved
better than anything in this life" His
eyes turned towards the painting Of his
wife, and his voice ended in whisper.
"But | don't trust Gen. Tazewell even
in this. How do l know he has not mis-
represented things?- l am too i'll to go
to Chicago and you must do it for me.
Come nearer; my voice fails me-"
Darlington drew his chair to the bed,
and in hoarse, difficult whispers Major
Tazewell gave him his instructions. My
daughter will give you the power of at
torney," he said, finally, his voice almost
gone. "And now, Mr.. Darlington, may
a righteous God reward you for your
goodness to us. Good night. Send my
daughter to me, if you will" The sick
man turned his face to the wall as Hugh
left the room.
The light from the open door of the
parlor served as a beacon to guide him.
At his football on the stairs, Miss Taze-
we'll, bearing lamp, stepped into the
hail.
us father worse?" she whispered, fear
fully.
mo, I think not only tired. He wants
| to see you"
''Will you wait here until l come back?
l don't need the lamp" She ran up the
| dark stairs. Darlington took a chair be-
| fore the fire and poked it absently with
| the tongs. Two soft-eyed retrievers on
| the hearth got up and put their cold
noses against his hands and beSought
| him with plaintive looks to caress them.
| An old clock out in the dim hall licked
away solemnly. Then he heard her step;
| she was coming back. The light foot
| fall was on the floor above, down the
staircase, along the hall, and his pulse
beat faster, though he laughed at HIM
self for it's doing so.
II was not very long" and again that
radiant smile broke upon him uneXpect-
eddy. "Now, Mr. Darlington, l will show
| you your ROOM"
"No," he answered, II am going now.
want to catch the train tomorrow, and
it is long ride home to get the things
l need to take with me-"
81 will get a lantern" He followed
her up the long hall, down a flight Of
brick steps, through cold corridor, and
they were out in the night. A few stars
shone unsteadily among the scudding
clouds.
81 can find my horse" Darlington said,
holding out his hand for the lantern.
II am sure | don't know how. Where
would you look for him?" she asked.
| Hugh laughed. But, Miss Mamie, it's
the middle of the night. Don't let me put
you to this trouble; let me call negro"
Don't be foolish, Mr.. Darlington"
She led the way along the lane to the
stables, and held the lantern high up for
him while he saddled and brdled his
horse, blinking at the light Slipping the
rein over his arm, he walked back to the
house by her side.
Here are the papers," she said, bring
ing them out as he mounted. "Mr. Car
rington," and for the first time Il sob
crept into her voice, Il may not seem to
have appreciated what you are about to
! do for us; but l do, I do.' She sobbed
outright now, leaning against the mares
neck and burying her face in the name.
Darlington mastered a strong impulse.
He could so easily have put his hand on
her hair; he could so easily have thrown
himself from his horse and been by her
side. Even the words he would say start
ed to his lips. His self-centered, calcu-
lating nature, with it's surface veneer
of easy tolerance, was unusually moved.
"My child" he said, holding his voice
by main strength; you over-estimate my
services. Come, say good night"
She lifted her wet face and dim eyes.
Good night" she said, simply.
CTo be continued.l