Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1906-03-05

their conference. He saw tnaC Solne-
thing was happening, but his we'll
trained face was absolutely im0as-
sive.
Lady Eleanor stood, turned side
ways to Finetta, her naughty has
half lowered, but her lips trembling.
If any one had told her that morning
that Finetta of the Diadem would dare
to address her, and that she WouId
consent to listen to her for one single
moment. she would have laughed the
idea to scorn And yet here she was
actually waiting for what the woman
had to say!
Finetta's bosom was heaving with
the effort at self-control. She could
not help admiring Lady Eleanor's
self-possession, while she hated her,
and she tried to initiate her.
you heard what the man said?"
she said at last, in low, shaken
voice
Lady Eleanor's naughty lids low
cred slightly in assent.
well" said Finetta, with a kind OF
gasp, its true"
Lady Eleanor made the faintest
movement with her hand. 1t seemed
to say. eff it is, what has it to do with
me--or you?" and Finetta understood
her. A hot flush passed over her
handsome face.
''You mean it's no business OF
mine. Well'-she drew long breath
-"perhaps it is not. But it is yours,
or people make a great mistake when
they say he is going to marry YOU
LADY Eleanor's face crimsoned with
indignation, and she made as il to
leave the place at once, but Finetta
put out her hand.
Lady Eleanor slipped back as II the
touch would contaminate her.
Il cannot listen to you'll have
nothing to say she said in labored
voice. you have no right 70 speak
to me. I do not know you-have no
wish"
Finetta's teeth came together with
a click.
Very we'll, go them" she exclaimed
vindictively. Co Do you think it's
any pleasure to me TO speak to you?
Do you think I'd have spoken to you
if it hadn't been for his sake
Lady Eleanor WINGED.
"You treat me like the dirt under
vOur feet: you won't stop to listen to
what I've got to say, though it should
save him from ruin-and you call your
self his friend? I've heard you swells
have got no hearts, and I should think
it's true, judging by you!" Her breath
came fiercely. Go! Why don't you
go?"
Lady Eleanor looked at the door,
and then at the white working face
and flashing eyes, and remained.
She drew her light wrap about her
and held it with a clenched hand.
Say what you have to say quickly,
she said, and her voice was thick
and husky. You are right; l am
friend of Lord Auchester, if it is he
you mean"
Finetta eyed her with touch OF
scorn in her flashing eyes.
''You know it is him. Friend?
should think you are! Do you think
don't see how you are trembling
and shaking? Bah! with all your act
inc YOU wouldn't be worth much on
the stage. l tell you that what the
man said is true. Yorke Auchester
has bought his wedding-ring, and he
will use it unless you can prevent
it"
Lady Eleanor's face was like a
mask. but her eyelids quivered.
GIVE done my best-or worst" went
on Finetta, and she laughed harshly
give seen the girl and tried to put
spoke in her wheel, and I thought I'd
succeeded but it seems I haven't"
you have seen herr" escaped from
Lady Eleanor's lips.
YES" said Finetta. Did you think
it was me he was going to marry?
Her lips twitched. Its a young
Girl down in the country, at forsaken
place called Portmarfs.
"Portmaris!" Lady Eleanor
breathed.
yes Quite young girl, coun-
try girl, a mere nobody, and not a
swell like you; though she's what you
call a LADY, she added.
LADY Eleanor sunk into cnair and
sat with tightly clasped hands. The
shock of the sudden news had caused
her to forget that the woman who was
speaking to her was Finetta, the
dancing girl at the Diadem-tne girl
with whom Yorke Auchester had
been so friendly.
Finetta looked down at her with
bitter smile. She had brought this
naughty aristocrat to her knees, at
any rate! How she must love him.
she thought. "How we both love
him." and she ground her teeth.
What is her name?'
Leslie Lisle. She's as pretty and
and fresh as-as flower; and when
told her that-that-"