The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1905-04-22

II am such 4 poor, neFvelesn eRea-
ture-eo utterly destitute OF all pres
enee OF mind-that l could enly crouch
in a corner aud sob with terror"
After a drive. which seemed to her
excited fancy to endure for hours, they
stopped before a tall iron gate. which,
after time. was opened from within.
They drove over a long. winding walk.
at the end OF which was large, gloomy
looking house. before which the vehicle
stopped, Then. assisted by Montgomery.
she was suffered to alight. A female
servant conducted her to the apartment
in which found her.
'She was very kind to me" Clara
went on. 'and assured me over aud over
again that no harm would be done to
me-that l was among friends. and
whatever liked to ask for | should
have, but that she could not permit me to
leave that room. But no eRtFeaty could
wiring from her who her employer was.
l have been here now nearly a fortnight
Everything | have expressed wish for
has been given ma and | was growing
quite recOneiled TO my position, for
can be content in any place where | am
treated kindly: but this evening. just as
was watching the great red sun sink
behind the trees, heard my door open,
and upon looking round | saw"
She buried her face In her hands,
seemingly unable to proceed knew
perfectly we'll whom she had seen, all
though | asked the question.
Those terrible eyear' she answered.
sinking her voice TO whisper.
BY the aid OF words had heard spc,k-
ca a few hours before, | began to un-
deFstand 1t all now. but only dimly.
asked her what she meant
All. | have never told you shet said.
with a shudder II will tell you now,
that you may understand my fearful POI
sition, and that you may take me away
from it."
She kneit down al my feet and nestled
close to me as she told her story. speak
ing in a subdued voice.
Il was brought up by a dear. kind
grandfather the only friend ! ever knew;
for my father. who was an officer. died
in India. when was very young. and
my mother followed him within less than
a year, She was my graudfatheF's young
est and favorite daughter and after
her death, he seemed to have trans
ferred all his affection 10 me, for be lit
orally dotted upon me. | had a cousin
who was much--much older than my
self. but. like myself, nu orphan. l
never liked him--or. | should rather say.
| was always frightened OF him yet ev-
erybody called him handsome. especially
all the women. Until my mother brought
me home. a little girl. from India. be was
the favorits nephew, and was supposed
to be the heir To all bis grundfather's
wealth. John Rodwel hated me. Hnd
showed Il. too, and that turned the old
gentleman against him. When / was
about thirteen. grandfather made fresh
will. and as be was never conteut 20
have me a moment from his side. II was
dictated TO the lawyer in my presence.
In IL | was named heiress to all he pos
sessed. with the exception Of an aunu-
ity to John, and the former will. by
which john would have inherited oil hia
wealth. was destroyed, I was very much
troubled when / heard this. and told
grandfather how much happier should
be II be would let things remain a. they
were. as was certain Cousin John
would know better what 10 do with the
money than I should
We'll, In sems way or other CouSin
John found out that new will bad
been made. and that | was present NJ
the time. Once or twice he PUT some
questions to me in an OF hand kind %
manner A. to its contents but mindful
Of the strict injunrtions had rersis s,i.
1 vas very cautious. and finding that ha
could elicit nothing from me. be gave mp
the attempt But be became a more
frequent visitor To Us He also took
great pains to inKratiats himself Into
grandfather's good grucea. and not an.
successfully
TO bs eontinasd-l