Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-11-07


continually on the graceful figure and
the beautiful profile; and not one OF
them guessed the rage and fury which
boiled and simmered under his calm
and amiable exterior.
Already, as if some one had told
him, he knew that Una had been out
into the world. Her dress, her man
ner told him that; and while he smiled
lovingly at his mother, he was crying
out inwardly:
Fool fool! to trust Una to her.
He took his cup of tea, his hand as
steady as a rock, and chatted with
Jack, full of the pleasantest interest.
Where had he been, and what had he
been doing? and was he in those &C.
centric but charming rooms of his in
the Temple still? and how was his
friend Leonard Dagle?
He was full of questions, questions
which Jack answered in his curt, brief
fashion. And all the while Stephen
was weighing the situation, realizing
all it's danger and peril, and determin-
ing on course Of action.
''Just one more cup, Miss Rolfe, if
you please Tea is my favorite
beverage am quite an old washer
woman"
Then he took his cup, and sat down
beside her.
eyes," he said, not in a particularly
~ To-, h
eyes, am glad to see that your health
has not suffered in London. | trust
you have been happy?"
Una looked up with faint flush on
her face.
81 have been-I am very, very hap
n.y." she said, and Jacks face flushed
too with the delight at the accent on
81 am"
"That is right" said Stephen, with
the air of an old, old friend, "and I
hope my mother has found some amuse-
ment for you-that she has shown you
something of the great world"
EYES," said Una, and she glanced at
Mrs. Davenant from whose pale face
ali traces of the calm serenity which
had reigned there during the earlier
part of the evening had entirely fled
Eyes, I have been very gays not
that the word? I have been to ball,
and to picnic, and have seen all the
sights"
"And where was the ball?"
cat Lady Earlsley's," said Una.
Stephen opened his eyes and smiled.
''My dear Miss Rolfe, you have
penetrated the most exclusive of social
rings! Lady Earlsley's! Come, that is
very satisfactory; and Jack-Jack is
my cousin-well, very nearly cousin,
you know, I hope he has made him
self useful and agreeable?"
Una glanced shyly and gravely al
Jack-a glance that told everything,
even if Stephen had not seen her in
Jacks arms.
YES she said, in a low voice, fMr
Newcombe has been very-kind"
Stephen smiled and showed all his
teeth.
81 am afraid there will be nothing
left for me to do" he said
Then, in a lower voice, he added:
''You will be glad to hear that l
have news Of your father"
Una looked up breathlessly. The
question had been lowering on her
lips.
Stephen nodded.
Eyes, he wrote me from a place in
Surrey called-tut-tut! The name has
escaped me- They are quite we'll, and
send their fondest love-"
Unas eyes filled.
"Why did they leave the cottage so
suddenly" she said.
Because your father wished for a
change. I told you truth, you see,
when l said that your departure would
be good for him, and wean him from
his seclusion."
"Why does he not come to see me?"
asked Una.
''He is coming, my dear Una," said
Stephen. ''But at present he is very
much engaged, and quite satisfied with
my favorable report of your health and
happiness. But come, l must not
make you homesick. Were you not
playing when | came in?''
Una flushed.
"Jack-Mr. Newcombe- play
ing" she said; 81 was singing"
"Pray don't let me interrupt you, !"
said Stephen, genially, cor I shall feel
like an intruder and walk off again.
Jack, go on with your music. my dear
fellow"
But Jack declined promptly, though
politely.
'I'm afraid ] must be off," he said,
looking at his watch, and then at Una,
wistfully.
''Not yet" said Stephen. 81 have a
whole budget of news to tell you.
dare say you wonder why I haven't
been up before this; but there was so
much to do-a surprising DEAL"
Jack nodded CURLY. He certainly
didn't want to finish up this particu-
1or evening NV hearing Stpnhan'S talk