Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1905-11-17
CHATTER KILL


Notwithstanding ell Pelling's efforts,
the story soon got into the newspapers,
and, it being the dull season, was seized
upon with avidity by the gossip purvey-
ors. 1t was "dished' and "redished"
day after day, with numberless distor-
tons, exaggerations and additions. One
society journal had it that the beautiful
Miss M of M Park, in Exbridge-
shire, had attempted to poison her hus-
band, to whom she had been secretly
married only a month or two, in order to
become the wife of celebrated R. A.,
with whom she had fallen deeply in love:
while another declared that the husband
presented himself at the altar with pis-
tolls, and, dragging his would-be success
sor outside the sacred edifce, insisted
upon a duel there and then, and wound
ed him dangerously in the shoulder, and
that the unfortunate man now lay in a
most critical condition, while the hus-
band had carried off his reluctant bride,
a veritable prisoner, on board his yacht,
for a twelvemOnth's cruise in the Pa
cific.
At last Polling, annoyed beyond meas
ure at these absurd stories, decided to
lay bare the truth. With the assistance
of his lawyer, he drew up a concise state
ment of the real facts, giving his own
and PauIine's name in full, but suppress
ing Jacks. He carefully conveyed the
idea that Pauline believed him to be
dead, and gave the circumstance to her
change of name as sufficient to account
for his not having discovered her exist
ence since his return from Africa. This
81, In
and thus Invested of all mystery the
story lost its charm, and no longer af
forded any interest.
Polling sent one of these newspapers,
with his own letter specially distinguish
ed, to Ethel by post, and the next morn
ing he called in Buckingham street to
make matters clearer.
Ethel's frank candOr once more over
came the difficulties of the situation; she
stood at the top of the stairs with her
hands outstretched and her face bright
with friendly interest.
Il have been longing to see you," she
began, warmly, as they entered the room;
I'VE have both so much that is wonder
full to tell each otherw
She looked at him steadfastly as he
stood in the light from the window, and
what she saw in his face quickened her
pulse with sudden pity, but she would
not give way to the impulse that urged
her to console him. She went on, a lit
tie hurriedly at first:
81 can see that your pleasant news is
in some way mixed up with painful
thoughts; so, as mine is altogether pleas
ant, shall speak first. To begin-papa
came home last night, and he has brought
the most wonderful news; it is like a
fairy tale! don't suppose you know yet
that your wife is my cosin ?'-Captain
Polling started at the words-"I knew
you would be greatly pleased My faith
er is not really Mr.. Mallett-his true
name is Sir Godfrey Mailing, and he is
your wife's uncle. In some extraordinary
way, which papa will explain. the whole
of the Mallingford property comes to
him in the event of Pauline's marrying
under twenty-five without her guardians
consent; so, you see, we are going to be
very great people. 1 believe my mother
was not so we'll born as papa, and the
late baronet was so angry when he
heard of the marriage that he disinherit-
ed papa, who at once changed his name
and worked hard to keep his wife. I
nope you are not angry with us because
we are going to take away your wife's
wealth. Of course that is only non
sense. l know you are not angry; I've
heard you say often how glad you would
have been to share what you have with
her"
Ethel paused. Polling did not speak.
and she felt a little anxious. She had
Internationally stumbled upon the sub
ject; but she knew it could not be
avoided between them, so she screwed
up her courage and went on:
Perhaps l should not say what l am
going to say: but no real harm can come
from aightforwardnes. We have been
such good friends in the past that we
need not stay to pick and choose our
words to each other, need we? | want
to congratulate you on the recovery of
your wife; but there is something in your
face that checks me. VIII you tell me
all about it?''
L can't tell you all about it." he sadi.
Il only Know that my wife refused to