Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1903-04-27
CHAPTER XxxVIII.


and over the earth had fallen the
white robe of winter. Glen was still
in the hands Of the workpeople, and
Sir Basil was busted with the coming
election, his marriage, and his estate.
Leah was also engrossed in prepare
tons; while the general rejoiced TO
see his niece so active and happy.
A sudden interruption came to
this state of Inlngs.
One morning the general came
down full of bright plans and antici-
pations. His favorite Leverage was a
cup of coffee, made from the fragrant
freshly-ground berries; Leah, on the
contrary, preferred drinking orange
pekoe from a cup of priceless Sevres.
Sir Arthur discussed mis- breakfast,
talked about the party of visitors
whom he would like TO gather under
his roof for Christmas, about Sir
Basil, and how much better ne had
seemed 10 be on the previous even
ing. and finally walked TO a table in
another part of the room, on which
the post-bag was lying.
1t was one of the rules of the
household at Brentwood that the
letters should never be opened until
after breakfast, the generals idea
being that, if they contained bad
news, it was better to delay it, if
good, it would be the better for keep
ing. He took the bag in his hands,
all unconscious that it held for him
and for others certain doom.
I'VE have numerous correspond
ents this morning" he said, turning
out the contents.
Some of the letters contained in
vitations and news from friends;
others were circulars and charitable
appeals. At last the general came TO
one envelope that seemed to puzzle
him. He looked at the post-mark,
and saw the word, "Southwood." Who
could have written 10 him from
Southwood? That was the little
town on the slope of the great green
hill near Dene lucy. He had driven
through it once or twice; but he was
not aware tina he knew any one liv-
ing there.
Leah" he cried, here is a strange
thing-a letter from SOuthwood?
That is the place by the sea, is it
not?"
YES" she replied; but 1 have
never been there. I did not know
that you had any correspondents in
that part of the country, uncle"
Nor did /, he said. This letter
is written by a lady, I am sure. 1t is
an easy, elegant, flowing hand"
"The quickest way to see from
whom it comes is to open il and look
at the signature" laughed Leah.
You do not seem to have thought of
that, uncle"
He Joined in her laughter, then
opened the envelope, drew out the
letter, and read it. AS he did so,
all the color died from his face and
the smile from his lips. He peruseo
it slowly and carefully, then looked
at Leah. Alarmed by the expression
of his eyes, she rose from her seat
by the fire and went over to him.
This concerns you, Leah" he said.
cit is written by your sister Hettie "
by Hettie." she cried. "Oh,
uncle, what is it? May | read it?"
But, when she held the letter in
her hands, here agitation was 50
great that she could not see the
words.
Tell me what it is about" she
cried, in distress. Il cannot read
cannot see! What is it about
Iuncle?"
The general locked at her with
plying eyes.
let me keep it until you can read
it, Leah. Garry your mind back. my
dear. TO the afternoon when 1 frs
saw you-to the little gloomy room
where the bars of yellow sunlight fel
upon me floor. Do you remember it
lLeah?"
YES" she cried, with a shudder
but why do you speak of 1t-vhy re
mind me of it?"
You will hear my dear. This
letter is from HeJtie; and she say:
that your father is very III, ant
wishes to see you"
Leah clasped her hands in dismay
"Oh, uncle" she cried, 7 had 81
nearly forgotten that terrible past
that dreadful life!"
Il know. my dear" he said, sooth
lingly. 1--WE have kept to our com
pact we'll; the name OF Ray has no
been mentioned between us. Blu
this letter is the result of my words
/ said-Heaven forgive me If SPOKE
too harshly!-that in life l woulC
have nothing to do with him. bu
that. if, when he came 10 die. h
wanted you. you should so TO him
You remember"
Yes" she replied. shuddering. g
remember il. You said: If you are
dying. and send for her, she shall
come"
Those were my words" said the
general, land I must carry them out
Your father Is diving. Leah. and he