Mower County transcript., 1906-09-26
CHAPTER XVII.


Circumstances seemed conspiring to
favor the suit of GonZaga. Held a
close prisoner at her mothers bedside,
Lavender was never able to go to the
village. She saw nobody who could
give her information that might lead to
doubt Gonzaga's version of the story of
that night. Gerald's lips he bad sealed,
and Winslow was i'll, unable-too
proud, perhaps-to exert any coun-
teracting influence. Fate, Gonzaga
thought, was on his side, his was the
fortune that favors the bold, as we'll
as the brave-fortune would help him
to win the woman he loved with more
than the lovers devotion, with rather
the gamblers greed of gain, the hunt
er's thirst for the quarry.
And now was the time to press his
advantage. These were dark days in
Lavender's life. Days when the soli-
tude of the forest seemed deepened by
the brooding shadow of death. Night
brought no rest to the body, dawn no
relief to the mind. She would scarce
ly leave her mothers bedside, held
there by a fancy that the strength of
her own will kept the soul in the frail
body. She would not give up, even
when hope seemed folly.
In delirium her mothers mind was
ever at the old home, amid past scenes
and friends. This, more than all else,
wrung the hearts Of the Watchers In
mute and helpless wretchedness her
husband bore it; America with con-
stant, plying grumble, and Lavender
with resolve that was an unalterable
purpose-to save and bring her back
"Only get strong, dear heart" she
would murmur. "Only get we'll enough
to bear the journey, and we are going
back-we are going home"
And it brought glow of comfort to
the eyes-those eyes that shone
through the rings that encircled them
like the purple zone of dove.
rs it so, daughter? But how?"
And Lavender would evade her ques-
ton, with vague smiles and teasing
shake of the head, and then go out
under the trees, deep in the heart
of the wood, and pray-pray with
fervor that was more demand than
supplication. The clenched fists and
close-shut teeth beied the pleading
words. A mortal power had surely
spurned so clamorous a suppliant.
And one day Gonzaga found her
thus-alOne in the forest.
I She saw him coming, and advanced
to meet him, smiling family.
He took her hand in an ardent pres
sure, looking so long into her eyes
that they dropped bashfully. =.
II am glad to see you taking little
rest and fresh air." he said IT
stopped at the house. They tell me
the lady is better"
Yes, we think she will get WELL"
she said, trustfully, "and you must
take some Of the credit; you have
helped her with so many kindnesses:
the fruit-the flowers, they have given
her much pleasure. ''s.ss sf5. 4=z \ !. +.
For this adroit lover had left moth.
ing undone that could aid his cause,
Not a day passed but his canoe was
Smoored at the landing place, while its
owner brought some gift or word of
sympathy to the lonely cabin... And.
this tireless attention had not been
without it's effect upon the girlat all
times impressionable, and now more
than ever, with q heart saddened, a
spirit weakened, By solitary brooding.
4 And under al, and actuating her more
than she knew, was the bitter current.
of disappointment in Winslow Where
he was concerned nothing had come
sto pass according to her fancy's plan