Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-12-11
CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XII.
Victor Raymond could not find repose
on the first night of the day of the accu-
sation and was unable to leave his bed in
the morning. Symptoms of typhoid fever
were apparent, and the family physician
did his best to restore the broken vitality
of his exhausted body.
Beatrice had not answered his nor his
mothers letters, who repeatedly wrote
her of her sons illness and urgently ask
ed her to show some sign of their receipt.
Every morning Victor gazed with the
same interrogative expression upon his
mother, but her answers We're only a
negative shake of the head.
VictoT's letters arrived at Stratmore
Castle we'll enough, but were returned to
the bank-to Herbert Marsden, and that
worthy consigned them to the tender
mercies of the flames.
"'Who laughs last laughs best my
dear boy" muttered the banker, looking
into the fire. you will hardly dare to
play in the future with a man of my dis
position"
Then as he passed through the hall
way he noticed a peasant woman, who
acted as if she wanted something or
some one. He called for Toilet, who had
now taken Victor's place, and inquired as
to what the woman desired. Toilet did
not know her, but, by chance had heard
she had asked one of the clerks as to
Victor Raymond's whereabouts.
please keep an eye on that woman,
Toilet" requested the banker abruptly.
Her face seems familiar to me-"
The lady, who was Mrs. Lathrop, had
already heard that Victor had left the
bank and perhaps the town. She stood
there until Marsden's arrival drove her
away, without being able to hand Bea-
trices letter to Victor personally, as she
had been instructed.
Mrs. Lathrop Immediately sent a let
ter to Beatrice, asking for further advice,
but the message had so excited Miss Al
benson that she became bound to sick
bed. In case, she argued, Victor and
her step-father had quarreled and had
left the town, how could she ascertain
his whereabouts?
Victor Raymond resolved to visit
Countess Stratmore, hoping thereby to
meet Beatrice, although his parents urg-
ed him to abstain from making the jour
ney while yet in an enfeebled condition.
The trip. however, seemed to restore him.
Gen. Raymond was slightly acquainted
with the count and, after having sent up
their cards, they were. readily admitted
Beg pardon, if | intrude on your
time" began the old general, approach
ing Count Edmund Stratmore, who with
his wife and three lovely daughters were
assembled in the drawing room. May L
take the liberty of having conversation
upon an important matter with the young
lady who recently visited you! l nave
reference to Miss Beatrice Albenson."
although we have never been honored
with the pleasure of your personal ac-
ouaintance. your name has often been
q ffectionately mentioned in our family
circle" said Countess Stratmore, with
rnnHIe amiableness. please be seated.
This is your son, presume? l am well
pleased to make your acquaintance
However. | am sorry to say, your inquiry
must he erroneous. OF course, we had
exnected the young lady to VISIT us here,
hnt she has not arrived. Mr.. Marsden,
her step-father, withdrew his consent
which action has certainly lowered my es-
timation of him"
Miss Albenson not he1e?' cried Vic
for dunfounded. ''She mentioned her
IL.
intended journey to me and she surely
believed Mr.. Marsden had sent a con-
munication to that effect
..yerv singular, indeed. And more IN
oxnlicable are the numerous letters Whlch
have come here for her from Easfon.
Victor could hardly understand the
meaning of the lady's last sentence; the
room seemed to swing around him, the
blood congealed in his veins. and, with
moan no sank senseless to the floor
| When he slowly opened his eyes, ne
cow Countess Stratmore bathing his tenn
niles while his father anxiously knelt at
his side. Constance, one of the tnree
danubters hastily called physician.
| This doctor had deep affection Tor the
gtrl which was recprocated on her part
but they only dared to meet clandeStlhe
" owing to Count Sratmore, VINO was
,I,.ond of his nobility and would not give
IL annsant RI what he called an unequal
hntuatboI DIR RalStton was in the act OF
,.;si,i,r natient when he noticed Con
stance and greeted her most cheerIul!y.
..,xrhoro n and in such haste, Miss
| Constance! e,.I,r With
..To Won" she replied frankly Wien
| III. additianal tribute of sweet s1liie'
| land am Eiau l. CdnAAS -
-. 90 ~ onr account. but stranger, VINO
~, ,ras snddanIy taken Ill at our house,
thought best to call in person 1a'ne1
wait and instruct servant. .rs
potb entered the carriage ana "eIe
s-;yen 70 Stratmore Castle by the groom.
Quite right. thank k1nu ,, lo :"
for bringing you to me SO uneA ,:sa soft.
You would say 20, she fepAe1'