Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1903-01-15

first, for you will find me a very boo
performer sfter Lady Kildonan," sal
she as they started.
This YVES true. Though she skate,
very fairly, Alma he'd neither tn
grace, the speed, the daring, nor tn
robust health of the beautiful blond,
who was 20 anxious to pose as an in
valid. The touch CT her hand through
her glove was cold and almost damp
and the clasp of her fingers, after tn,
firm, feverish grip of Lady Kildonan's
was pitifully weak and clingirg.
Come" he said gently, lookine
down at the pale face to which excite
ment was already bringing a sheIl-likt
hush, give me your other hand too
and step out boldly. l won't let YOU
! fall"
She was weak and nervous at first
afraid 70 trust her own little feet; but
gradually the firm, helpful touch OF
his hand, the feeling that she was
safe with him gave her confidence
and by the time they had gone half
the distance he had reached with his
first partner, she looked as fresh and
as fair as an opening rose, and her
soft brown eyes looked up at him with
a plaintive yet innocent allurement.
as che told him that he and Lord Kill
dopan and the skating had made her
feel a different yoman.
take you to The Crags as soon as the
snow came,' Sid Armathwaite. look
ing up and receiving on his face two
or three of the flakes which now be-
gan to fall fast. 81 think we had
better be turning back thst way now"
mo, no." said Alma quickly; 81
don't want to go to The Crags. 1 never
have been there, ard 1 never will 60"
He hesitated few moments, and
then suggested diffidently:
DOM you think, perhaps it would
be wise to 90 just once, even at the
sacrifice of your own inclination? For
give me for sug6 estipS this, but you
have been kind enough to treat me
with SO much confidence that 1 feel |
may venture to advise you, in the alb
sence ri your older friend and coun-
sellor. 1t is best tc be conciliatory
when one can
"Conciliatory! Or, you don't under
stand. | am more than conCiliatory-
| am broken-spirited," answered Alma
bitterly. Nobody wants me at The
Crags hut deaf old Lord Kildonan.'
"But is it not true that Lady Kill
DOMAIN las often asked you there.?"
Yes, because she knew l should
not come. And l have more than
fapcy-I have a conviction that there
is nothing my husband desires less
than that should accept any of the
numerous invitations l get to call
there. I don't know his reason; there
is some mystery about it,
will you on this occasion sacrifice
your owl feelings, end BRAY displeas-
ure by accepting the invitation? My
reason for asking you is simply this:
If there is a mystery it will be the best
step you can take towards clearing it
up"
She grew excited nervous at the
suggestion and chung tremblingly to
his har6s as he guided her steps to-
wards the marquee, in front of which
the skaters were now busily taking
off their sixties before hurrying tow
ards the private road which led by a
gradual ascent to The Gags. 1t was
quite paint symptom CT that weak
ening Of her own will of which Alma
had previously complained that, al
though her agitation went on increas-
ing as thcy neared the shore, she ut
tered no single word in protest. It was
difficult to pursue his plan in face of
this silent, helpless suffering; but
Arme tn waite felt sure that there was
a coil which must be attacked boldly
and at spy 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, neIveless 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 dead person.
thought she was going
to faint, and, Fastening her last two
steps ashore, he put his aim 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
little while. You arc ill.," he said
gently.
She shook her head, and still
walked on.
IF you are going to The Crags you
are going the wong way" he sug-
gested. glancing back at the few re-
guests who were hurrying in
the opposite direction, marshalled by
Lord Kildonan, who stood at the foot
OF the private road end babe welcome
to them ell rs they passed him.
Alma listened in a puzzled and