Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-12-26

I've frightened him., said Leonard,
smiling. He'll keep clear of you for
day or two. But how did he know
YOU were back? He couldn't have
been keeping watch for all these
months"
81 don't know someone must have
seen me, and told him; don't know
who, Len. I'm going out"
Now, Jack?" said Leonard, fearful
ly
Jack smiled.
mo, Len; I won't cut it again with
out telling you and saying 'good-by.'
I'm only going for walk; and I'll be
back to dinner
Leonard looked after him, still rather
anxiousIy; there was look of deter
mination on the pale, thoughtful face
which alarmed him.
Jack walked to Regent street
please mark that he didn't call han
som; though Len had pressed some
money upon him-and then into Pic
cadilly, and still with the thoughtful
look of determination on his face, into
Park Lane, and ascended the steps OF
Lady Bells villa.
A footman, who knew not Jack,
opened the door, and Jack, who had
not any cards, gave his name, which
the footman gave to Lady Bells maid
as "Mr. Bluecut."
Jack walked into the drawing-room,
every article of which was familiar to
49,, aod cot dovx,y, -, tho chair whi rsI1
he had so often drawn close to Lady
Bells only a few months back; and
yet how long, long ago it seemed.
Presently the door opened, and Lady
Bell came in.
He saw her in the glass before she
saw him.
Tastefully than ever, but not SO
bright and restless; Jack noticed
that. There was an undefnable
change about her, just as if 'she had
gone through some trouble, or had
done battle with some grief.
Suddenly she looked round and saw
him, and stopped; one hand holding a
chair, her face going from white to
crimson.
Jack rose.
Give startled you; I'm very sorry"
Lady Bell recovered herself, and
went to him with outstretched hand
and a look in her dark eyes that she
tried to keep out of them.
Jack" she said, almost involun-
tarily.
eyes it's l; like the bad penny. back
again, Lady Bell"
| And he sat down and laughed.
She sank into chair beside him.
and looked at his careworn face.
"Where have you been?" she asked.
softly.
''To America" said Jack.
"You have been ill?" she said. still
more softly.
Jack nodded.
eyes. I'm all right now. And you?
You don't look quite the thing?"
"Do 1 not?" she said, with a smile.
II am quite WE'LL And is that all you
are going to tell me of your wander
| iags?"
mo I'll tell you everything some
"You are not going away again,
she asked, looking at him, and then
away from him.
Jack flushed.
THAT depends" he said, quietly.
Depends on what?" she asked.
ION you," he said.
Lady Bell started, and the crimson
flush flooded her face and neck. Her
lips trembled. and she looked away.
ION me?" she murmered, family.
"On you," said Jack earnestly.
Lady Bell, have come back to ask
you to be my wife
She was silent; her face turned from
him, so that he could not see the tears
that welled up in her eyes.
Jack took her hand.
Lady Bell, I know that 1 am not
worthy Of you-know it quite well.
There isn't a man in the world who
is: I, least of ALL I know, too, what
the world would say if you should an
swer Yes 1t VIII impute all sorts
of base motives to me. But, as Heaven
is my witness, it is not for your
wealth that I ask you to be my wife.
1 am poor, and in all SORTS of trouble;
but if you were poorer than I am l
would still ask you.
"You would? "she murmured.
eyes, he said, quietly. eyes, l
can say that, though l tell you in the
same breath that 1 am, at this moment,
being hunted for money. And /
think you will believe me-"
To be Continued.