Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-08-01

shrubs for-oh, hours! / saw the Wis
itors go away-an old gentleman and
a young one-and 1 saw your shadow
behind the blind" and she pointed to
the window. Il have been outside
waiting, and dreading to knock in case
you should not be alone"
''You-yOu saw my shadow" he said.
with an uneasy smile. did you see-l
mean, what was doing?"
Il did not see distinctly; was
listening for voices. Oh, Stephen, l
am so weary"
He drew a chair for her, and.
motioning her to sit, mixed a glass OF
brandy-and-water, and stood over her
holding her wrist and looking down
at her with an uneasy smile.
Now" he said, taking the glass
from her, tell me all about it-how
you came, and why? Speak in a
whisper"
you don't need to ask me why,
Stephen" she said, leaning forward
and laying her hand upon his arm,
her dark eyes fixed on his half-hidden
ones. why did you leave me so
long without word?"
Il will tell you directly" he an
swered. Tell me hoy you came
alone! Great Heaven!"
alone, yes; why not? was not
afraid. came by the train"
"But-but-" he said, with a lit
tie flush and shifting glance, how
did you know where l WASP"
"You would never guess! You do not
deserve that l should tell you. Well,
followed Slummers!"
Yes, l met him in the street; you
are going to ask me why did not ask
him where you WERE" she broke of
with a smile and shake of her head.
Because l knew he would not tell
me. Stephen, / do not like that
man, and he does not like me. Why
do you trust him so?'
you followed Slummers-well?"
ITO the station. / was behind him
when he took his ticket, and took
one for the same place. l was quite
close behind him, but he did not see
me. / got into the train at the last
moment, and / followed him from the
station here.".
my dear Laura" he murmured,
sOothingly; how rash, how thought
less!"
was it?" she said. Perhaps II
was. | did not stop to think
But now-now what are you going
to do?"
Don't be angry with me, Stephen,
now am here. You must tell me
what / am to do" Then her eyes
wandered round the house. What a
large house! Is it yours Stephen?"
''Eh?" he said, starting slightly. Il
don't know mean it was my
uncle's. | was going to write tonight
and tell you where / was, and why
did not write before"
why didn't you?" she said, with
gentle reproach.
Because" he replied, Il could not
it was impossible. could not leave
the house, and could not trust the let
ter to a servant My uncle has been
very i'll: he-he-lies dead upstairs"
"Up-stairs On, Stephen!"
"You see,' he exclaimed reproach-
fully, that have a good excuse, that
| have not desert-left you without a
word for no cause"
Forgive me, Stephen, dear!" she
murmured, penitently. do not be
angry with me. Say you are glad 70
see me now / have come"
"Of course 1 am glad to see you, but
| am not glad you have come, my dear
Laura. What am to do with you?
l am not alone here, you know. The
house is full of servants; any moment
someone may come in. Think OF the
awkward position in which your pre-
cipitancy has placed me-has placed
both of usi''
81 never thought Of that did not
know. Why did you not tell me you
were with your uncle? Oh, Stephen,
why have you hidden things from me?'
Hidden things?' he echoed, with i'll
concealed impatience. 'T did not
think that it was worth telling. did
not know that l was coming was
fetched suddenly. Now that come
to think of it, l told Summers to
call and tell you"
"And he forgot ton purpose.
hate Slummersl"
Poor Slummers!" murmured
Stephen. Never mind him, however.
must think now of what is to be done
with you. You-you cannot stay here
Can l not? No, suppose not l
can go back" she added, with a touch
Of bitterness.
MY darling he said, coaxingly, Il
am afraid you must go back. There is
an up-train-the last-in half an
hour"
The girl leaned back and clasped
her hands in her lap.
Il am very sorry" he said, grasp
ing her arm; but what can do? You