Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-04-08

CHAPTER IV-(Continued)
And now nearly four years had pass
ed since the troublesome events, and the
Courtandt family, accompanied by Lu-
clans widowed mother, were on their
way back to their native land.
Sylphide had opposed this step as long
as she dared, and had only given In at
last through fear of arousing her hus-
bands suspicious.
Between the two ladies no sympathy
and no confidence had existed from the
first of their acquaintance; by tacit agree
ment they seemed to be antagonists from
the day they met. The naughty old lady
regarded her beautiful daughter-in-law
with a suspicious eye, nor was Sylphide
for an instant unconscious Of the espion-
age. When the child was born, the elder
Mrs. Courtlandt appeared to claim 1t
as her own; for some reason, which abe
was powerless to explain, she always
shuddered whenever she saw the hand
some boy in his mothers arms.
"She'd like to rob me of him." Syl-
phide often thought bitterly: proud,
old creature, hate her more than she
hates me"
Under the circumstances, it was use
less to attempt to induce Sylphide to go
to Mrs Courtlandt's home upon the Hud-
son, when they arrived in New York.
She was resolute upon that point. She
would go to a hotel with her husband
and child until a suitable home was Sc
cured for them; she would not be the
guest of Mrs. Courtlandt!
So 1t was arranged that Mrs. Court
landt should go at once to her country
seat, accompanied by her son, while Syl-
phide, with her 3yearold Leon, and Di-
ana, went to the Fifth Avenue Hotel to
await her husbands return. A handsome
suite Of rooms was engaged, and the
party were made as comfortable as
wealth could make them.
The only actual cloud upon Sylphide's
arrival in America was the fact that the
first night would have to be passed with
out her husband.
AS the twilight hour began to approach
she grew more and more lonely and rest
less. Gazing into the busy Square fail
ed to amuse her, and when Diana sug-
gested that she should go down to the
public dining room for dinner as a d.
version, Sylphide felt the cold perspira-
tion of apprehension start out ut every
pore. and she curtly commanded her
maid to order dinner in their private par
lor.
When the CHEEKY gaslight dispelled the
gloom, the young wife and mother be-
came more cheerful, and taking her boy
upon her knee, she sang him a sprightly
Creole song, that she had net thought Of
In four long years, until the child laugh
ed and clapped his tiny hands in glee.
Suddenly Sylphide paused, with a song
upon her lips, as an authoritative knock
sounded upon the door. Obeying a sud
den impulse, she sprang to her feet, hand
ed the child to Diana, and answered the
summons herself
A hall boy stood before her In the
lighted hall with visiting card upon
silver salver. Sylphide did not hear hin
ask whether she were Mrs. Lucian Court
landt; she picked up the card and glanc
ed at the name inscribed thereon.
In an instant every drop of blood in he
body fled with a sickening rush to he
heart; but, though she turned as palliC
MS the dead, she uttered no cry, and dit
not stagger.
Ask the person to wait in the publ
parlor,' she said, with a supreme effort
and closing the door, she passed swift,
Into her dressing room.