Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-04-22
CHAPTER XI.


of the interview, and departed, leav-
ing on the table card with these few
words pencilled upon it:
II am tired Of waiting your leisure
tired of my life, and of the ignoble part
1 am acting When will you release me
from my promiseY
Lestelle murmured a gentle Poor
Percy and dashed away tear before
she turned to Mr.. Lesmere.
Your cousins restessness has carried
him away, but he may return shortly.
VIII you stay and share my luncheon?
Miss Hill, to whom l owe my education,
would be pleased to have the opportunity
of inquiring after her beautiful pupil,
Ida"
While Darcy hesitated she touched
bell, and assuring himself that it was
solely to see Miss Hill, he stayed and
renewed his acquaintance with that lady,
who, however, evinccd a degree Of re-
serve and embarrassment whenever any
allusion was made to Wyett, which told
him that the subject Of her protracted
engagement was q painful one.
Lestelle became the most charming
OF hostesses. Her gay badinage put her
guest on his mettle, and even the grave
Miss Hill was frequently constrained to
join in their mirth. An adventure Oar
cy had met with in Greece was recev-
ing the comments of his interested audi
tors. when servant brought in small
packet and laid it before Lestellc.
Scarcely needing the interruption, she
continued questioning Darcy, with a keen
perception of his meaning and thirst for
information which he found very pleas
ant to be able to crafty. Her busy
fingers unwittingly played the while with
the string that secured the packet, till
Miss Hill, more curious thun her pupil,
demanded, What have you there, my
dear? Shall | lookY
IF YOU please" was the absent reply.
Did YOU make any stay at Missoloughi,
Mr.. Lcsmere? You smile. You think
| have the usual young lady enthusiasm
for Lord Byron, but | haven't. His he
roes are such fierce, lawless men, that l
shudder at more than l admire them"
Hero Miss Hill stopped her by hold
ing mp a bracelet of pearls and rubies,
so tastefully set that Lestelle uttered n
cry of admiration.
How beautiful--how very beautiful.
Look, Mr.. Lesmere! Did you ever see
anything more exquisite?"
But Darcy's praise of the trnket was
family spoken, and he grew very sober
as, with almost childish delight in it's
beauty, the young actress clasped it
around her wrist, and held her dimpled
arm in various positions, to display the
bracelet to advantage.
Mr.. Lesmere thinks me very frivol-
GUS" she said, with blush, as she de-
tected the change in his demeanor. But
| can't help it-laCe and gems have
the same charms for me as they eXer-
else over my more fortunate sisters. who
can afford to buy real jewclry, whilst |
have to content myself with paste and
mock gold"
Those stones are not false ones"
Dadcy significantly observed
Il suppose not" Lestele carelcssly
replied, as she dropped the trinket into
its velvet-lined case This bracelet must
be worth considerable sum. Am | not
right? so much the worse for the pocket
of the silly youth who purchased it."
What is to be done with it, Lcstelle?'
asked Miss Hill. Il saw an appeal in
the newspaper for funds for that new
hospital. Shall we forward it there?'
by all Means
Here is the name of the purchaser
Lesteles lip cured as she looked at
the card Mis- Hill handed to her. You
must not omit to write a few lines to this
honorable gentleman" she said. Tell
him that the secretary Of the institution
will acknowledge and thank him for his
muniiccnt donation"
do you often dispose of the offerings
made at your shrine in this uncommon
fashion," asked Darcy, whose counte
nance was beginning to clear.
"Always-except when my votaries
propitiate me with flowers. Those l can
not resist"
Il have always advocated the return
Of such presents" Miss Hill observed
But | cannot make Lestelle think with
me-"
mo I have a malicious pleasure in
making these presumiDg men charitable
against their will. How dare they send
their gifts to me-"
The resentful flush that had tinted her
cheeks deepened, as she saw the approx
ing glance Darcy bestowed upon her
Her blush recalled him to a recollection
of the time he had stayed, and he started
up.
Il should be positively ashamed Of this
lengthy visit. if it were not a proof that
in your house the hours fleet by imper-
ceptibly. Percy does not return. | fear
it will be of no use to expect him now
No" said Lestelle, with slight sigh;
"he will not return now; and have my
part to study for tonight. Farewell
Mr. Lesmcre."
Her hand fingered little IN his as to
his adieus he added Till this evening.
VIII I r,yralf tho nIp0 Of
hearing you in public for the first time
The young actress grew pale, then red.
then pale again, and her fingers trembed
in his clasp.
II wish | had the power to prevent
you visiting the theater on the nights
that l am engaged there" she exclaimed
with startling energy.
Darcy loked surprised.
Nv by do you say this? Your fame is
too thoroughly established for my crit-
AIo,- oIN l1trh