Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-08-22

INSIDE. SIepnen opened ana 0elu the
door for her, then closed it and came
back to the others.
Mother" he said, Mr.. ROlfe and
/ have made our arrangements, and
he agrees with me it would be wiser,
now that the news is broken to Miss
Rolfe, for her to accompany you back
to town this afternoon"
Mrs. Davenant nodded, and glanced
timidly at Gideon's stern face.
1--WE have won Mrs. Rolfe over to
our side, and she is already making
the few preparations necessary for
Miss ROlfe's journey"
Gideon Rolfe inclined his head as if
to corroborate this, then he said:
''Will you come inside, madam, and
partake of some refreshments"
Il would rather wait here. Mr..
Rolfe, / hope you feel that, in trust
ing your daughter to my charge, that
she will at least have a happy home,
ii l can make one for herr"
"That l believe, madam"
Eyes, have quite convinced Mr..
Rolfe that the change will be bene>
fetal to Miss Rolfe, and that she will
be taken every care of. suppose you
are quite old friends already, Ell,
mother?'
81 think she is a beautiful girl
whom one could not help loving"
murmured Mrs. Davenant.
Half an hour passed, and then Una
and Martha came out. Una was pale
to the lips, the other was red-eye1
with weeping, and her tears broke out
afresh when Mrs. Davenant shook
hands with her and assured her that
her daughter should be happy.
Thank you, ma'am," said Martha.
"It's what / said would come to pass.
Gideon couldn't expect to keep her
shut up here, like a bird in a cage,
forever and day. 1t was against rea-
son, but it is so sudden" and her sobs
broke into her speech and stopped
her.
Mrs. Davenant's eyes were wet. and
she glanced at Stephen, half inclined
to postpone the journey; but Gideon
Rolf had called the carriage to the
door. and the box was already on the
seat
With the same set calm which he
had maintained throughout, Gideon
took Una in his arms, held her for
moment and whispering, Remember,
wherever you are l am watching over
you" put her in the carriage in which
stephen had already placed his
mother
He, too, had a word to whisper. It
was also a reminder.
Remember, mother, not another
word of the past. Her life begins from
today"
Then he looked at his watch, and
said aloud:
You will just have time to catch
the train. Goodbye"
With the most dutiful affection, he
kissed his mother, then went round,
and, bare-headed, offered his hand to
Una.
Goodbye Miss Rolfe," he said
"You are now starting on a new life.
No one, not even your father, can
more devoutly wish you the truest and
fullest happiness than do"
Una half-blinded with her tears, put
her hand in his; but almost instantly
drew it away, with something like
shudder. 1t was cold as ice.
The next moment the carriage start
ed, and the two men were left alone.
For fully a minute they stood look.
ing at it, till it had been swallowed up
by the shadows of the trees; then Gid
con turned, his face white and work
ing.
stephen Davenant," he said. in
slow, measured tones, zone word with
you before we part. You have gained
your end-be what it may; say for
your sake, let it be for good; for if ii
be for evil. you have one to deal with
VINO will not hold his hand to punish
and avenge. Rather than let her
know the heritage of shame which
hangs over her, have let her go. If
you value your safety, guard her, for
at your hands l require her happiness
and well being"
STEPHENS face paled, but the smile
struggled to its accustomed place.
MY dear Mr.. Rolfe," he began, but
Gideon stopped him with a genture.
Enough. l set no value on your
word. There is no need foE further
speech between us. From this hour
our roads lie apart Take yours, and
leave me mine
This is very sad. Well, we'll; as
you say, have gained my end, but, as
| would rather put it, l have done\my
duty, and must bear your unground-
ed suspicious patiently. Goodbye, my
dear sir-good-bye."
Il have sworn never TO touch the
hand of a Davenant in friendship" he
said. grimly. There lies your path"
and he pointed to the Wermesley
road-"mine is here, for the present"
With a gentle sigh and shake of
tba head Ctanbap affar 1ipooripo for