Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-06-03
CHAPTER Xxx.


more in her own cool, darkened cham
her, with the hateful face Of Wyett
Paulton no longer bending over her. The
knowledge that she was his bond slave
made his presence all the more intol-
lerable; and when he would have touch
ed her cheek with his lips she put out her
hands, and thrust him from her with
look Of adherence.
Presently Miss Hill stole to the couch
Of the miserable girl, and wrapped her
arms around her. 81 hoped | should find
you weeping, my poor child for tears
would relieve you. What has happened?
Will you not tell me? If l cannot help
you, dear Lestelle, can grieve with
you"
Though still reluctant to pain the gen
ale, generous woman, Lestelle told all.
"And as your marriage is now a de-
eided thing" Miss Hill commented, her
voice faIterng q little, perhaps you will
Jearn to love Mr.. Paulton by and by.
He can be the most fascinating Of men
when he pleases."
Miss Hill began to question her so
closely about Darcy Lesmere, and her
own connection with the Glenaughton
Family, that at last she grew tired of an
swering inquiries which brought back
scenes and circumstances she longed to
forget.
Dear Lettice, why dwell on the past?
You know that left Mrs Prices at the
suggestion Of Wyett, who had learned
somehow that / was q daughter of the
Glenaughton family. or the certificate
Of my mothers marriage he deprived me
when he first brought me to London, to
place me under your care. How he pre-
vailed upon you to undertake such an
gnerous charge l cannot divine"
Cannot you? And yet if you had
loved him as devotedly as l did, you
would have been as willing to further
plans which were to be the stepping
stones to his future prosperity"
"When l grew older and Drawer" Les
tell musingly proceeded, Il asked him
for the paper, but was put off with as
Surances that it was in safer keeping
than my own. lie would have kept me
In ignorance of its purport, but this
learned ms soon as | was able to read
the letter he dropped when appropriate
Ing 1t. 1t had been written by my
mother In her dying hours. From that
letter l learned that she was legally
married to one of the sons Of the late
Glenaughton."
Not all Lestelle's fortitude would en-
able her to go through her part in q
comic opera that night. On the follow
ing evening, however, she appeared at
the theater, little paler than usual, and
with a wistful look in her dark eyes
which they had never worn before. Per-
ely stood at the wing when she came off,
and, for moment, she put her cold fin
gers into his palm, as if she needed the
reasSuring touch of friends hand.
what is the matter, LestelleT he
whispered. II have only just heard that
you have been ILL.,"
She drew n long breath. 81 am well
again. Don't stop to question me; Mr..
Paulton's eyes are upon us; but tell your
cousin he need not fear any further an
noyance. He will comprehend my mean
ing."
The next minute Mr.. Paulton had led
her away, smiling blandly, and bowling to
one and another as he did So but when
they were at the door of the young ac-
tress' dressing room, his face changed
rs no spoke in his sternest tones.
"Iet this be the last time that | find
you holding communication with either
Of these Glenaughtons. If you were not
a silly, credulous woman, you would see
that they are only craftily plying you
with batteries, that they may learn all
you can tell them of my plans
Lestelle diSengaged her arm from his,
and would have passed on without reply
ing, but he would not let her.
"You must promise before you leave
me- Some day, when you are wiser, you
will thank mo for my frmness."
at shall always speak kindly to Per-
ry-always!" she said deliberately. You
know why l have liked and pitied him.
II was your own acts that brought us
together"
"And now think fit to separate you.
have never had any faith in these kind
Of friendships, and so remember that
Bid you sec him no more"
Take care! You are rousing all the
evil in my nature! l may yet foil oil
your schemes, and make you repent that
you ever embarked in them"
Wyett Paulton grew CHASTITY pale, and
caught hold of the door frame for sup
port. Yet it was in his usually sardonic
manner that he asked And how will
yOn 90 JDlS
I.estelle let her arms fall by her side.
1t had but been the empty threat of Il
cebellious woman, who chafed against
she chains that were closing around her.
I.estelle passed swiftly into her dress
ing room, and locked the door between
them with fierce haste, born Of heI
Increasing detestation OF the man TO
whom the rest of herd days were to be
devoted.
Percy carried her message to his
cousin, repeating II to him as he sat wait
ing for Ida. who was going to ride with
him. Darcy, however, did not appear
syerioyed at the tidings.
What does she mean2 How has she
prevented the prosecution Of the claim
j had rather, much rather, have been
permitted to examine the evidence on
which il Is founded and decide for my