Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1903-10-29
CHAPTER x.
A Strange Portrait


Mr.. Craddock," he remarked. 1T is
empty, isn't it. Stop. mat Is that
leaning at the end there? Bring it
out, please?"
Mr.. Craddock entered and took OUT
wooden case, about yard square
and six inches deep. 1t was painted
black, and was fitted with a lock.
Mysterious, by George" said the
colonel, surveying it through his eye
glass; the two girls murmured curl
ously, and Joan, from her place at the
window, turned round to see what had
happened.
rs it locked?" asked Lord Villiars
yes, my lord" replied Mr.. Grad
dock.
Perhaps you have the key on
there"
Tho old man, off his guard for a mo-
ment, shook his head, then went
through the form of searching the
bunch.
No my lord; but could easily
open it; it's plaything of lock-
Lord Vnliars sent for chisel and
handing 1t to Joan, asked her to open
the mysterious box.
Joan did as she was bid, and the
slight lock gave way.
open the DOORS" he said and let
us see what we have found
With a momentary hesitation Joan
drew the doors back and disclosed the
portrait of young girl.
An exclamation of surprise broke
from the group. and was instantly fol
lowed by low murmur of admiration.
The face was of unusual beauty, al
most perfect oval, with soft gray eyes
and delicate mouth mass of rich
chestnut hair fell low in lovely tea
drills upon the white forehead and
seemed to light up the whole frame
Mr. Craddock uttered a croak-it
almost seemed Of .eiief
IT'S the portrait, % ny lady. the
countess be- said
Lord Nilliars stood looking over in
silence for a moment then he started
and his gaze travelled quickly firm the
picture TO Joan's lovely face rapt in
dreamy tboughtfulness
As he did so, the sharp little eyes
of Mr.. Craddock shot In the sane
direction with curious. puzzled and
startled oppression.
Joan became conscious OF their dead
gaze and looked up.
Lord Nilliars smiled gravely.
I'VE have discovered portrait of
the lost countess" he said, land that
of Miss Joan at the same time"
"Joan's!" echoed the two girls, with
dspleased surprise. why" then
they both stopped short. for, looking
from the pictured face to that of the
fair living one opposite. even they
Guild not deny the resemblance.
Joan stood paling and flushing IN
turn, her eyes fixed on the portrait
WAS 1t really like herr" she thought;
then she was Inclined to smile. "She
like that love-, ?lcture!"
ut is Miss Joans reflection" said
Lord Villars. with quiet decision. al
is very strange"
I'm put it back. my lord" said Mr.
Craddock, stretching out his pair OF
claws.
Eyes, put 1t back and lock the door
Mr.. Craddock." said Lord Villiars. III
shall so back into its place in the gal
lery. Give me the key of the door
please"
Yes. my lord" responded Mr.. Grad
dock. and he began to tumble at Tho
ring upon which the geys were strung
Presently will do" said Lord VII
liars. LET us so back into the sun
light. Have these rooms prepared a
once. shall come down in week.
time"
When an earl possessed of two mil
Ions sterling. expresses wish. It &
generally gratided. Within wee
the suite of rooms which Lcrd Villiar
had chosen were made fit for him
and, in addition the great hall an
the corridors were cleaned and mad
rresentable.
At the end OF the week. much to tn
excitement of the people of Dec
combe. the earl came down from Lol
don and took up his abode in tn
house OF his ancestors.
He came without anything in tn
shape of retinue, unless his valet an
couple OF grooms could be so d,
scribed. and without any fuss.
For day or two he remained With
the Void grounds. sometimes voucl
safing to see the visitors who poure
upon him. but more frequently decla
Ing that he was not at home.
Occasionally the stalwart figure ,
the Earl of villiars would be see
ioun sing down the steep villag
streets, or standing on the beac
watching the fishing boats going on
or coming in; but although alway
prompt to return the respectful gree
ines of those who came across hi
path, he did not invite conversation.