Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-06-17
CHAPTER XIII.


from the outer world could disturb the
dying youth, whose dulled ears scarcely
heard the sobs Of his agonized father.
Darcy led his trembling companion to
an ante-chamber, and then went to APP
prise the General OF her presence. lie
found him sitting by the bed Of his son.
He rose directly, and accepting the sup
port of Darcys arm, quilted the apart
mont. AS he softly closed the door be-.
Aind him his gaze fell upon Lestelle, who
had thrown off her hat and mantle, and
was standing with clasped hands and
parted lips, waiting to be summoned to
the interview which she anticipated with
a little natural dread The lamp that
hung above her shed softened light
apon her slender form. her simple white
dress, and hair that fell ripping upon
Aer shoulders, it's only ornament spray
of geraniums, which Miss Hill had fast
ened in it.
General Glenaughton staggered back
gasping out, Great heavens, Esther!
And then, with a gesture of horror which
made her beautiful eyes fill with tears,
covered his face, and motioned to Darcy
10 lead him away.
The next minute Lestelle was kneeling
beside Percy, who received her with
smile of recognition, aud slid his wasted
fingers into hers.
81 could not die without seeing you
once more" he murmured; for you were
my faithful friend when | was reckless
of life. Where's Darcy"
His cousin moved little nearer.
what can | do for you, dear Percy"
Listen | want you to defend Les
seIle after | am gone. Don't let any
one say that she led me into the follies
/ have committed, for it isn't true. My
real troubles date from an evening when
I and some gay young companions met
Wyett Paulton at a gambling house. |
recognized him. and made bitter allu-
sions to his audacity in thrusting himself
apon us. He bore them patiently, though
with whitening lips and an evil sheer,
and led me on till | had lost more than
l could pay sought him the next morn
ing to urge this and he retaliated upon
me-Shylock DISTINGUISHING me with
a tale which has lain heavy~on my heart
aver since"
Lestelle started up to battle his face
for he was growing faint, and implored
him to say no more.
81 will not, except to thank you for
seeking me out as soon as you learned
ahat I was in this thrall and doing your
best to rescue me. You thought you
were saving q brother, didn't you? Ay,
and never stayed to remind yourself that
/ held the place that should have been
yours; nay, even extorted from me q
promise not to question my father"
"hR Wyett Paulton is to be trusted, we
we're both of us deceived" said Lestelle
sadly.
Percy sighed. Il do not think so; but
7 no longer wish to know the truth.
Aaye walked about the Streets feeling
myself an impostOr-and worse; l have
been haunted with an unceasing dread of
4hat moment when the heartless knaye
would bazon the story to the world
There was a pause, during which moth
fns was heard but the labored breathing
af the dying Percy. His mind was be-
ginning to wander.
Don't tell me the truth now; let me
sic hoping that it wasn't my father, af-
ser nll Poor Ida! | burnt the note she
left for me; it was only half dozen
words. She hadn't the courage to meet
the troubles | had prophesied, and so she
aad accepted Lechlade, and l was to pity
and forgive. Where's Lestelle--l can't
see her now-and Darcy? Will they
promise to do this, too? He's getting
an old man, and a very lonely one! Spare
ais gray hairs"
/ Your father shall be my care" said
nDarcy. solcmuly mo trouble that l
can avert shall fall upon him."
Percy murmured Il reply, but so faint
Dy as to be inaudible; then his clasp of
aheir hands relaxed. and before Darcy
could ring for assistance all was over.
The bereavcd fathers grief now took
the distressing form Of violent irritable
Hy. He strobe into the library, whittier
Darcy had conducted the weeping Les
belle. and angrily addressed her.
Are you satisfied with your handi-
work? Did your mother bid you wreak
This vengeance? Could you not have
spared the boy, who was the pride of
any life till he met with your
Dear uncle, you are unjust" inter
posed Darcy. to whom the trembling,
weeping girl involuntarily chung, with
his last breath Percy exonerated her. 1t
~ to Wyett Paulton's malice that you
aave owed all this sorrow"
But she stands there upbraiding me
with her mothers eyes! Hence, girl!
You did but hide yourself awhile that
you might make the blow more over
whelming at last"
Then have not erred" said Lestelle,
eremulousy; you are my father, as well
as Percy's?"
''Who says so? Who can prove it?
And If it were So do you think l would
acknowledge you?-you, the actress--the
aeeomplice OF Paulton,'
"Is it fault of mine that, in my need,
I gladly made use of the gift that secur-
cd me from want?" asked Lestele, grow
sns indignant at his harshness. IF
ever dreamed of vindicating my mother
Abe thought of the hapess ones which
ahs step would injure restrained me. 1
Rave had no part in Wyett Paulton's
reyelations!"
..You tell me sou General Glenaugh-