Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1906-12-03
CHAPTER XVI.

village was all astir with excitement;
the Grange was thronged with a hust-
ling crowd, all talking of the tragic
event which had fallen like a thunder
bolt upon the marriage festivities.
Olivia lay still unconscious. The
Wainford doctor was in close attend
ance, and had issued a strict COM
mand for profound quiet. A hush
deep as that which waits on death pre-
vailed throughout the great house,
which few hours ago had been bri IL
ming over with talk and laughter.
Beside the bed, his white head bur-
led in his hands, sat the squire, and,
kneeling with her beloved mistress's
hand in hers, was Bessie. She was
almost as white as the face that lay
so calm and still on the pillow, but
every now and then her lips twitched
and spasm OF agony passed across
her face.
Downstairs in the library BARLEY
Bradstone paced to and fro. He had
got decanter of brandy from the din
ing-room cellar and every now and
then he filed a glass with unsteady
hand.
Now and again he stole to the door
and, opening it cautiously, listened in
tently. Then, as no sound reached
him from the room upstairs, he went
fearful pacing.
For hours, far into the night, Olivia
lay wrapped in the deep unconscious
ness which is so nearly akin to the
great sleep; then suddenly the doctor
held UP his hand and bent over her.
do not speak to her!" he whisper
ed to the squire, who rose tremblingly.
She opened her eyes and looked
around duly and vacantly, then she
murmured family:
Where am II"
Bessie drew herself up and put her
arm across her.
Here, Miss Olivia, here in your own
room, at home, at the Grange. I am
with you-and the squire"
A look of relief crossed the lovely
face.
Thank God!" she breathed. q
l thought dreamt-ah!" and she
made an effort to rise. Where is
he?''
Hush, hush, my darling!" said the
poor squire. The is downstairs in the
library"
She sank back and her lips quivered.
In the library Here, and-and
safe! All, what dreadful dream!"
BARLEY is safe, quite safe, dear"
he said soothingly.
She started and her eyes dilated, as
they fixed themselves on his face.
BARLEY Bradstone! Is he here?
Father" and her voice rang with al
awful dread. you will not let him
take me away, you will not"
mo, no, no, dear!" said Bessie,
quick to divine her fear. mo one
shall take you!"
She sank back again, but tossed her
head from one side to the other, her
eyes glittering feverishly.
"I-I am trying to think; 1 can't re
member! What has happened?
Something dreadful-dreadful! Tell
me, Bessie-tell me or 1 shall go
mad!"
The squire bent over her; but the
doctor held up his hand.
Let the girl speak to her." he whis-
pered.
With the tears filling her eyes, Bes-
sic drew the hot, restless head upon
her bosom.
rs it this mistake about Mr.. Fara-
deane, miss?" she said, with forced
calmness.
Yves, yes!" painted Olivia, her eyes
seeming to grow upon Bessie's face.
Tell mel"
Its all a mistake said Bessie
calmly, setting her teeth almost def
antly, ga stupid, senseless mistake
that people will be sorry for" and
unconsciously her voice rose.
The doctor raised a warning finger
Don't excite her. he said
Bessie's voice sank again.
Don't think anything of it, dear
Miss Olivia. 1t will all come out right.
You and I-everbody knows he didn't |
do it-couldn't do it."
Couldn't? Ali" Her hand clutch |
ed Bassie's arm and she stared at her |
wildly. "They say he had committed |
murder! 1 heard them! l heard |
them! They have taken him away, |
Bessie. Bessie, must go. No"-and |
she moaned-"I cannot. But you must |
go and tell him that I know-do you |
hear?-I know he is innocent. That |
If any harm comes to him II shall |
die!"
She sank breathless and exhausted. !
The squire's face went white and he |
turned his head away.
"She is wandering, poor girl" said |
the doctor. with prompt presence of
mind. "The shock of-of this terrible
business coming so closely upon the
excitement of the day has Frustrated |
her. There has been strain upon
her mind for some time past Don't