Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1903-05-18

A Broken Wedding Ring

By Bcntba N. Clay.

that was most costly and magnificent
For Hettie there was position, AMI
there was luxury, but her fortune
would by no means be 50 extensive.
Sir Arthur had soon made up his
mind as 70 what he would be able 10
give Hettie for her dover; and the
interest on it was To be her own, 10
spend as she liked. All these arrange
meuts were made in detail during
their stay In London. IL was evident
10 all who knew them that the gen.
eral did not intend the two sisters
TO be on an equal footing. Leah was
TO be mistress and heiress; Hettie,
the newcomer. was to be subordinate
10 her. Ii was evident to all that he
loved Leah best
Before they left London for Brent
wood a better understanding was ar
rived at between HetUie and her
uncle. They we're alike in many
respects-in simple honesty and
sincerity. in a certain unworldliness
of character that was beautiful in it.
self. in a certain sense of honor and
loyalty that both held NEST sacred.
When HetUie recovered her spirits,
AMI began 10 talk more freely TO the
general, he was charmed with her
sweet, quaint wisdom; she knew so
much. she was so helpful, so self
reliant, and she excused herself so
simply when he taxed her with much
learning or scholarship. She had
been Obliged 20 read. she said, in
order TO converse with her father.
Such was the love this girl had borne
him. so tender, so devoted so true,
that the general could not forbid all
mention Of his name; and, though
Hettie seldom referred TO her father,
when she did so she was listened TO
in silence, If not with respect
Leah seemed much happier. Her
love and her lover were 10 her far
too sacred to lie lightly discussed as
they drove from shop 10 shop in
search of elegancies and novelties Ii
the way of dress.
~Hettie." she said, one morning, Il
cannot tell you much while we are
here. amid the noise and hustle OF
London. but when we reach Brent
wood shall have something 10 say 10
you"
In the mean time. they were most
happy together. Leah was far too
noble for jealousy. She delighted ~
see her uncle lavish kindness,
valuable presents, and attentions on
Hettie. She was far more pleased
than when the like were lavished on
herself: and Sir Arther was proud OF
her generosity. During these ten
days she had heard repeatedly from
Sir Basil. Why she said nothing about
him she could scarcely have Teen
explained, except on the ground that
she intended TO tell Hettie all the
story Of her love when they were al
Brentwood. The general had said to
her one day that Ii would be better
for her 20 say nothing OF Hettie 10
Sir Basil az present; she could tell
him. however, that he would finj
another inmate at Brentwood, one
whom he would be compelled 10 like
very much. and that Sir Arthur had
a communication to make TO him
when they met again.
He viii think I am married. -
laughed the general How surprised
he viii be!"
Uncle" asked Leah suddenly, dc
you think that Basil viii like
Hettie?"
He locked at her uneasily for a
short time, and then he replied
4 should think that he is sure to
Ike her. I do not see how he car
help it. The difference between you
two sisters Is this-you take ones
heart by storm; Hettie creeps into il
unawares."
The real question" laughed Leah
is. which is likely to remain the
iOnger?"
You would. Loving yOu, Leah
would be a fever which no man could
shake OF. Make yourself quite easy
about that. Basil is sure to like
Hettie."
But for a few minutes after he hao
spoken the words the general did not
seem quite like himself.
They returned to Brentwood: but
Sir Basil was not there to meet them
He had gone TO Glasgow on some
sudden and unforeseen business, and
was uncertain as 70 the precise day
81 his return. He had written Ia
Leah. and prOfessei to be most
curious about the new inmate" and
the communication that Sir Arthur
had to make. II was a very kind, af.
feCtiOnate letter. and Leah read II
with a flush on her face and tears IN
her eyes. She kissed ID when she
had mastered every word in IL, an
thought. with a glow OF warmth In
her heart. what a happy life lay be
fore them. And Basil would be sure
20 like Hettie. Had not her uncle
said so2-and he was clear of sight
and keen OF judgment. She had no
fear; the happy future for which she
had lOnged and hoped was sure to be
hers What Of that curse, the
memory OF which han haunted her