Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-09-11

well, aren't we as fine as fine can
be-" exclaimed the former, with a glance
thrilling with pride upon his charming
domain.
Zine, very fine indeedw was the crisp,
businers-like reply; "but I have some
thing of the utmost Importance to say
to you, and as we are alone for the mo-
ment, no time could be more opportune
"Oh, then, you need not hesitate!"
his old friend by the arm and led him
to the farthest corner of the wide piazza,
out of earshot of the windows NOW
then" he continued, "as tomorrow is the
wedding day, I should like to know how
Claire has accepted the conditioner
"Conditions-what conditions 2" inquir-
ed Philip Burgess in a puzzled way"
"Why, the child, Of course"
The old man started and paled guiitily.
Il haven't said a word to her about the
childr'
rs it possible?" exclaimed the doctor,
in wild dismay; she's got to know about
it."
"Of course she has! Now that you are
here, why don't you tell her yourself?"
While they stood conversing they had
failed to notice that Claire had been grad
ually approaching the house, with her
hands filled with dewy, fragrant roses;
in fact, they were not aware of her pres
ence until she was close upon them, and
her CHEEKY greeting disturbed the awk-
ward silence that had fallen.
''Were you speaking Of me?" she ask
ed, earnestly.
YES" answered Gresham; "we were
speaking of you and your approaching
marriage"
With desperate effort that was really
pitiful to behold, the father began:
Claire, have something to gay to
you before your marriage. Listen, my
child; it is q matter Of serious import
to you"
"Is it something about Luciano" she
asked.
Yes"
than the present" AS he spoke he took
she exclaimed, Frightening; anything
you have to say of him | shall be only
too happy to hear. | can never tell you
how content l am at the prospect Of be-
coming his wife,
With one despairng glance at Gre1h-
am, Philip Burgess turned away, men
tally calculating:
Il can't, can't tell her. for it may kill
her"
Fortunately, ut this moment Martha
came out upon the piazza, and announc-
ed that her mistress was ready to see
the DOCTOR if he would kindly come in.
Il will go with you" whispered the
old man in Gresham's ear; 'her mother
can tell her better; women can weep to-
gether."
| And they entered the house, leaving
| Claire standing there, with an express
sion of dazed bewilderment upon her fair
face. One by one the fragrant roses i'll
tered through her fingers, and fell I'M
needed and whiting to the ground; and
though she was scarcely conscious of the
impression. it seemed as though tiny
cloud, no bigger than a mans hand, had
risen upon the horizon of that perfect
day.
At last the roll of carriage wheels upon
the avenue beyond the lawn arrested her
attention, and, raising her eyes, she de-
serted the Courtlandt livery rapidly APP
preaching the house through the trees.
Her heart stood still with a dizzy
throb, but when the equipage drew up
and the widow Courtlandt slighted alone
it was with a heart heavy with disap-
pointment that she crossed the piazza to
greet the lady.
Mrs. Courtandt took the girl in her
arms, and disposed a light kiss upon her
brow; then linking her arm in Claire's,
she led her to retired nook, where stood
a rustic seat screened by dense vineg.
that lent an agreeable twilight against
the brilliant glare that reigned around.
Being seated, the lady took Claire's hand
in hers and said:
This is just the opportunity I have
been seeking; l have wanted to talk with
you, my dear. Lucian will be here in
an hour, and this is the last time that
we shall be together before your mar
riage First of all, l wish to thank you
for the sacrifice you have made, and
! the noble sentiments which have prompt
ed it."
Sacrifice. Noble sentimentsr' muir
INJURED Claire, in establishment; indeed,
madam. l deserve no praise. My action
in the matter has been prompted by pure
ly selfish motives
"Oh 1 know that devotion has become
second nature with you," replied the
lady, patting Claire's cheek; but your
self denial cannot escape our gratitude.
But you shall be rewarded, my child; we
will WOO you back to health, and, ere
long, you will be reconcled to Lucian.
Yes, yes, l hope that some day my son
will love you"
Love me. love me, do you say?" fall
tered poor Claire, like one in dream;
''he is going to marry me-
What credit is there in his giving
his hand?" were the next paarlyzing
words; ARE you not thousand times
more generous in giving his child a
name?"
His child" ~muttered the girl, in a
stupefed way; then suddenly seizing the
widows hand, she exclaimed violently,
Ibis child
Listen, Claire: if 1t is your will, we
will unite our forces, set up our batteries
against our common enemy, against this
woman whom | hate, as you ought to
/ hate"
At this revelation Claire fell back
against the seat, while through her dazed
brain darted with lightning-like rapidity