Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1904-01-07

varied scene and at strange moments.
He examined the picture thoughtful
ly to see If he could find any name or
mrak which might help him to trace it
to it's original, but there was no name,
either of artist or owner.
The picture was encased in an old
frame of black oak, carved round the
edge of the gilt framework, and PAN
elled at the back, as was usual with
cabinet pictures of value; but there
was nothing to guide him in any
search he might make, and after look
ing at it for some time, he went to
lock it up.
AS he stood with the key of the
bureau in his hand, the dark eyes
seemed almost human, and obeyfng an
inspiration which was irresistible, he
bent and touched the lips of the por-
trait with his own; then, with flush
and half laugh of shame and self
mockery, he put it out Of sight in
the bureau, and carefully locking the
door, put the key in his pocket.
my Sc CdiHS W fSIHOu CTeSC0nL
every day.
Over him a great and marvellous
change had come. 1t was just as If he
had suddenly slipped from shadow
land into warm and dazzling flood of
sunlight. His eyes were bright, his
voice sweeter and happier, and a
smile of expectancy and coming joy
sat upon his lips.
Scarcely day passed but he
brought present in his hand. Some
times it was only bunch of rare
flowers, at others book that she had
happened to say she would like to
read, but now and again it would be a
little morocco case containing some
article of jewelry.
And Joan took them gratefully, but
with something that was almost like
reluc lance
The first night of "a False Love-
near. The first dress rehearsal had
been, so Mr.. Giffard said, very fair
one, and Joan, though nervous and
doubtful at first, had forgotten her
self and played strongly as the
piece went on. Mr. Giffard was per-
fectly satisfied, and told her SO, when
the rehearsal was over
1T is all right" he said. "You go
home and tell yourself that and you'll
find it will come true. Oh, by the
way, you will want some diamonds in
the first act I'll see what | can
find amongst my collection of stage
jewels for you"
Royce was standing near as he
spoke, but he himself said nothing.
The next morning he came to Yer
non Crescent and asked for Joan.
Don't disturb her If she is study
ing" he said; but Emily ran upstairs
with a laugh
AS if girl would consider study
ing more important than love-mak-
ing!" she said She'll be down in
a moment"
Joan came down, and he advanced
to meet her, his eyes frightening at
sight of her beautiful face.
Il am very early this morning." he
said. Il hope l haven't disturbed
you, dearest?"
NO." said Joan, and she gave him
her hand, which he kissed twice or
thrice passionately.
How well you look this morning!"
he continued. with fervent admiration
Il almost envy the house the delight
your appearance will cause them on
Wednesday. | think if you did not
act half so well as you do. "A False
Love would be a success
IF it is not a success" she said. az
shall never dare to face Mr.. Giffard
again"
See here, dearest," he said, and
he took a case from his pocket. Here
is the set of stones Mr. Giffard men.
toned yesterday for the first act"
Joan opened the case. and she ut
tered an exclamation of admiration
womanlike.
How beautiful" she said, land a
complete set. A necklace, and brace
let's, and pendant Are they not
beautiful? Any one would think
they were real diamonds instead of
stage imitations!" and she held them
up to the light, where they shone
like to dragons eyes" 81 must
thank Mr., Giffard. How kind and
thoughtful he Isl"
Mordaunt Royce smiled curiously.
Il have robbed Mr.. Giffard of your
thanks, dearest he said.
Joan looked at him.
you bought these for me?" she
said. They are beautiful: and it
was like you" she AIDED, softly. Then
as she looked at the brilliants, a
thought struck her, and she said, with
little catch in her breath, Are they
real?"
They are diamonds" he replied,
smiling, and speaking carelessly.
To be Continued.