Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-06-10
CHAPTER XXI.

row. But MISS Hill heart was set on
this visit, and she returned to the subject
with n pertinacity that irritated Les
telle.
''Why do you press me to do this2
Dear Lettice, cannot"
II know it will be a painful effort,
yet | entreat you to oblige me, and make
it. l have reasons for wishing this,
and it may be the last favor l shall ever
ask from you"
Miss Hill dressed herself on this occa-
sion with studied care. A little head
dress of lace and ribbon, of shade
OF blue that harmonized with her COM
plexon, concealed the streaks of gray
that were to be seen in her brown hair,
while slight touch of rouge lent ANNA
ton to her eyes, and made her look
youthful even beside Lestelle, who moved
languidly, and gave but the curtest re-
plies to Mr.. Paulton's gallant speeches.
He was evidently struck with the APP
pearance of Lettce. Had she always
looked as well, and dressed rs tastefully,
he might have felt reluctant to break
with her; rs it was, he paid her an I'M
usual amount of attention.
As he led them from room to room,
pointing out the perfection of his ar
rangements, it was Miss Hill who play
cd the attentive listener, and praised
his possessions so enthusiastically as to
delight their easily tlattered owner.
Much against Lestelle's WILL they
stayed to dine with him. Mr.. Paulton
was an epicure, and his French cook set
before them repast dainty and delicious
enough to have satisfied the most exact
ing gourmand. 1t was wasted on his
guests, whose tastes were Of the SIM
Nest. He talked with all the pompos-
ity OF crafty, covetous man of the
bargains he had secured, and tho schemes
by which he had obtained is best pictures
for Incredibly low prices.
Presently Lestelle--who had taken no
part in the onversation-started from
revere and rose. Mr.. Paulton was
on his feet directly, and rs he opened
the door, begged that she would try the
new piano in tho drawing room. Les
tclle passed on without replying. She
did not care to exert her talent for his
amusement; but n gesture from Miss
Hill warned her not to offer any objec-
tons to his proposal.
Iettice fingered behind her friend, and
when Mr.. Paulton turned towards her,
she was standing at the sitGboard adj
miring some rare specimens of Bohemian
glass.
Glow beautiful these arev' she said,
as ho came towards her, II commend
you for using such eep-tinted, lily-shap-
cd receptacles."
"You shall pledge me to my future
happiness In n dainty cordial that no
lady would refuse"
Miss Hill put her lips, which were
white and quivering with emotion, to the
glass he handed to her, and then silently
Sl;ded away. He shrugged his shoulders,
smiled little conceitedly, tossed off his
own modicum, and then threw himself
back In his easy chair,
An hour slipped away, and found Les
telle still sitting alone in the gaily fur
nished drawing room. She had opened
the piano, and her fingers strayed idly
over tho keys, whilst her thoughts car
ried her back to those evenings when
she crouched beneath Darcy Lesmere's
window, q rapt listener to tho gay melo-
dies he played, or wept she knew not
why, when the notes took some sadder
strain.
Tho touch of Miss Hills hand on her
shoulder startled her out Of her dream
ing, and she became conscious that her
friend was trembling excessively, whilst
her hurried breathing and wild looks
were proofs that something had seriously
disturbed her.
what is the matter, Lettice? Are
you ill?'
"No, mol Don't ask mo any questions
at least, not now; but play something
anything. Here is duet. Quick! he
must not find us idle"
Though perplexed by her strange be
ha, Tor, Lestelle obeycd, and they were
playing n lively set of quadrillcs together
when Mr. Paulton came into the room.
"Have | been long?" he asked, putting
his hand to his temples.
~ don't know; we have been too busy
to watch the flight of time," Miss Hill
| replied, with forced gaiety
My head is curiously confused" he
| said, staring at her, vacantly. Il think
! | must have been doing; and yet | am
! not in the habit of sleeping after dim
ner."
As soon rs they had driven on, Miss
| Hill went into Mysteries, and her aston
| ished companion had not succeeded IN
| calming her when they reached home. AS
| Iestelle was supporting her across the
| hall, tho servant who had admitted
them appraised his mistress that gentle
man was waiting to see her.
Il cannot see any one" she cried,
hastily. Tell him that the friend who
resides with me has been suddenly taken
| Ill.,"
at Is Mr.. Lcsmere, ma'am. He babe
mo say that his business Is urgent"
! And ut the same moment the door of the
drawing room opened, and Darcy came
to meet her.
Miss Hills sobs had ceased, but she
was still clinging to the young actress,
and shuddering violently every time she
attempted to speak. Darcy saw that her
illness was merely hysteria, and gently
disengaging her hands from Lestelle's
skirt. he led her to q couch.