Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1904-08-06
father Directly he entered he gave an

father Directly he entered he gave an
exclamation of surprise
What is il, ViolaS You are i'll"
She tottered towards him with the let
ter in her outstretched hands.
Read it," she cried, in a trembling
voice. at will tell YOU ALL"
lord Berys perused the missive with
darkening face.
This accounts for it !" he muttered as
he read. NO one has seen Estercourt
since breakfast Wait, Viola, l must
think what had better be done"
| She sank into chair and watched him
( our of anglished, but now fearless eyes.
( Il have it," at last said her father.
''Ihc immediate position can be saved in
. this way No one must know OF this.
/ At present it is obvious that You are the
4 only person here whom Estercourt viii
/ have told, and we must keep the matter
/ quiet until We can inquire into it, Viola.
+ You understand"
/ She bent her head duly
DO not despair, my dear said the old
nobleman, soothingly. 1t is my opinion
that, ere long, you viii have your lover
/ back again"
do You really believe that, father ?"
she asked, eagerly.
Yes. Some villainy has been at work
there's no doubt of it. l know every
thing connected with Estereourt's ac-
cession. and I am quite certain that there
was no hitch or flaw Some strong in
! fluence has brought about this. and
shall make it my business to find out.
Meantime, dear be of good cheer, and
help me all you can"
Viola rose and threw her arms round
her father.
Help you!" she exclaimed. yes,
with my very life. Oh, father. we must
get him back Duke or no duke, love
hint cannot live without him. Give
him back to me, or | shall die"
Lord Berys raised her tenderly and
murmured words of comfort and hope
into her ear, and presently she grew
calmer and listened TO the plan he had
formed
1--WE must go back to the others at
once he told her, for fear their suspi-
cions be aroused, and YOU must endeavor
to look happy and as though nothing UNI
usual had occurred ] shall explain that
EstercolTt has been summoned away to
Il death bed and left me to play tht host
the story will be feasible, since | am
his future father-in-law and as soon as
can | will try to find out what led up
to his going"
Viola bathed her eyes and sehooled
herself to act the part required Of her.
1t was important that she should do as
her father requested for in that way
only could scandal be ayerted. No one
must know yet that Cecil had gone for
ever.
She went down with smile on her
brave Young face, and Lord Berys ga2cd
proudly at her as she laughed and
chatted to her lovers guests She greet
ed Lord Duncan and babe him welcome
with an air that made him at once credit
the excuse Lord Berys had given as to
Estcrcoprt's absence.
1T is so unfortunate" she said, sweet.
iy. chat Cecil has been called away
But next time you come down | trust
you will have better luck"
Lord Duncans lip curled. The manner
in which she had used her lovers name
increased his jealousy hundredfod lie
had come. as he imagined, to witness the
young dukes downfall, for Smythe had
intimated that he was taking down the
necessary people to have the duke ar
rested for false representation and
swindling: but, instead of finding The
place astir with excitement and ths
various evidences of his rivals disgrace
he had come upon a happy, peaceful
house party, to whom Estercourts rea
position seemed an unknown thing
when viii the duke return ?" he askei
of Berys
"Uh! he may be back tonight or TO,
morrow W cannot say. II depends on
his friends condition OF course. It is ar
old comrade of Estercout's. and he wa:
anxious to be with him to the last
A friend of the otheI days." inquired
Duncan. blandly.
Lord Bcrys nodded.
Just so! Estercourt is not the mar
to forget his old pals" he said
As far as | am concerned said the
ether, Il am rather put about by hi.
absence. The fact Is, he gave me an
open invitation, and thought this a par
ticuarly propitious occasion to pay my
visit gave up one or two pressing en-
ga4cments 10 spend this week end here.
My dear fellow answered Berys ~
once, you viii remain, OF course. Ester
court would be most annoyed if yor
went away
"Thanks!' drawled Duncan. "Then |
will stay. Awfliliy Jolly place this, isn't
It? BY the way. | have to congratulate
you, Berys. Lucky dog, Estercourt."
TO BE CONTINUED.
Lfo11, NYr Cold Woe ardad