Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-01-15

Lord kildonan commanded me to
take you to The Crags as soon as the
snow came,'' said Armathwaite, look
ing up and receiving on his face two
o. three Of the fakes which now be-
gan to fall fast. 4 think we had
better be turning back that way now"
No, no." said Alma quickly; Il
don't want to go to The Crags. l never
have been there, and 1 never will 60 -
/ He hesitated a few moments, and
then suggested dif1dently:
/ Don't you think, perhaps, it would
be wise to go just once, even at the
sacrifice of your own inclination? For
give me for suggesting this, but you
| have been kind enough to treat me
with SO much confidence that I feel
may venture 10 advise you, in the alb
sence ri you older friend and coun-
sellor. 1t is best to be conciliatory
when ore can
! "COnclliatOryi Oh, you don't under
stand. | am more than conciliatory-
l am brOken-sp spirited" answered Alma
| bitterly. Nobody wants me at The
| Crags but dear old Lord Kildonan.'
But is it not true that Lady Kill
DOMAIN fas often asked you there.?''
| Yes, because she knew [ should
not cone. And | have more than a
fancy-I have a conviction that there
J is nothing my husband desires less
than that I should accept any Of the
numerous invitations | get to call
there. I don't know his reason; there
is some mystery about it
will you on this occasion sacrifice
your own feelings, and brave displeas-
Ure by accepting the invitation? My
reason Tor asking you is simply this:
If there is mystery, it will be the best
step you can take towards clearing it
up"
She grew excited, nervous at the
suggestion, and chung tremblingIy to
his hands as he guided her steps to-
wards the marquee, in front Of which
the skaters were now busily taking
off their skates before hurrying tow
ards the private road which led by a
gradual ascent to The Crags. 1t was
quite painful symptom of that weak
ening Of her own will of which Alma
had previously complained that, al
though her agitation went on increas-
ing as they neared the shore, she ut
tered no single word in protest. 1t was
difficult to pursue his plan in face of
this silent, helpless suffering; but
ArmathWaite felt sure that there was
coil which must be attacked boldly
and at any open point, so he took off
first her skates, and then his own
very quickly and quietly, and helped
her along the plank which led to the
shore without further discussion. BY
this time, however, all signs Of out
ward agitation in her had given place
to lifeless, nerveless calm; her eyes
had become dull, dreamy, and fixed
and the hand he took to assist her lay
in his own clammy and cold through
her glove like that of a dead person.
Armathwaite thought she was going
to faint, and, fastening her last two
steps ashore, he put his arm under
hers to support her. Scarcely seem
ing to notice his action, she turned to
the left, and began to walk on, draw
ing him with her.
Come into the marquee and rest a
little while. You are ill.," he said
gently.
She shook her head, and still
walked on.
eff you are going to The Crags you
are going the wrong way" he sug-
gested, glancing back at the few re-
naming guests, who were hurrying in
the opposite direction, marshalled by
Lord Kildonan, who stood at the foot
of the private road and babe welcome
to them all as they passed him.
Alma listened in puzzled and
dreamy way, and again shook her head
'This is the way she said quietly
"And I ought to know"
Something in her weak, faint tones,
in her Gull eyes, struck Armathwaite
and without another word he let her
lead him where she would.
To be continued.