Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-09-25
CHAPTER, XIV.

Toward midsummer Il charming scene
was depicted, one perfect morning, be-
nea'h nr l'aIch.> Of sprL' ing b.A'i
That flung it's shade broadcast over the
lawn hemmed by the world-famed cluffs
of Newport.
Clad in Il flowing peignoir of faintest
violet cashmere, her luxurious golden
bronze hair Hoped at the back of her
charming head with silver pin, Claire
reclned in deep Chinese chair, an open
book upon her lap. With both his chubby
hands spread upon the page, stood little
Leon, attired in rollicking sailors suit
of snowy duck, his great black eyes fixed
upon his foster-mother's face with sol
emn intcntness. At that moment the cid
err Mrs. Courtlandt, Madame" Court
landt they called her to distinguish her
from her daughter-in- law, swept down
the steps of the vine-draped villa and APP
preached the pair.
us it quite prudent for you to sit
here my dear?" she inquired of Claire.
THE grass must be damp after the dense
fog of last night"
Camille has attended to that" said
Claire; do you not see he has given
me rug for my feet? But, mother,
speaking of the fog, do you know | lay
awake listening to hear the Sound boat
from New York beat and throb up the
channel, but | did not hear It, Lucian
was to be on board. What If some ac'
cident has happened?'
1T has been merely delayed" was the
comforting reply; lit came in while we
were Mt breakfast"
And Lucian--"
lis herc!' cried CHEEKY voice, and
Courtlandt stepped to his wife's side.
With low cry Claire started to her
feet, the rosy tint of the seashell mant-
ling cheeks mad brow.
'Lucian"
"Claire"
He caught her involuntarily out
stretched hands in his, and drawing her
towards him, imprinted a kiss upon her
brow.
Claire" he said, his voice vibrant,
how well you look! Thank heaven, this
venture has proved II success
She withdrew out Of his clasp, every
vestige of color dying out of her face,
and sank upon her chair. Madame Court
landt alone noted the morbid change in
Claire and frowned.
As a fortunate relief to the tense stua-
ton, Camille suddenly appeared crossing
the lawn with tray upon which rested
a goblet filled with colorless fluid.
"Madam's potion" he said, placing his
burden upon rustic table at Claire's
side: then, as he turned to retMee his
steps, he muttered under his breath, lone
more step towards my farm!"
Mother and SON failed to note either
the sinister glance upon the lackey's face,
or the brief. shuddering glance with
which Claire contemplated her draught,
for the former had turned towards the
house, while the latter rose hastily, press
ing her handkerchief to her lips.
Ought you not to take your potion =
Courtlandt asked, solicitously, pointing
towards the table.
There Is no hurry" she answered,
with sad ahake of the head; "its
strength will not lessen by keeping. Later
81 win take 1t
With these words she received little
Icons hand and led him away towards
the fragrant garden that fringed the sen.
In silence mother and son watched the
pair depart. and not until they were out
al ear-shot did Mrs. Courtlandt exclaim
with ominous menace IN every word:
"Lucian, are you mad? Why do YOU
stay away from us in New York? DO
you seek 30 shun Claire !"
Yes! DO you not see that cannot
remain with her without loving herr She
has stolen my heart out of my keeping.
/ grant you that the honda which bound