Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1907-11-07
Lady Dutton's Ward
BY BERTMA n.
BY BRRT1aA n. CAV.

lney are very nne ones, Sne SAID
coldly.
Lady Bayneham could never again
be cordial with her sons wife, until
she knew why she received notes
stranger to her.
Lady Hilda saw the little group dis
appear with fear and dismay, for she
knew she must keep the appointment,
made so much against her will.
CHAPTER XVI.
1t was still early; the fragrant sum-
mer evening had given place to dim,
cool night. With strong distaste for
the interview awaiting her Lady Hilda
hastily put on large dark shawl,
which shrouded her figure, and went
out to the Lady's Walk. She could
reach it by the staircase which led
from her own private suite of rooms.
In the distance she saw the tall figure
of Mr.. Fulton coming quickly toward
her.
1T Is sorely against my will that /
am here" she began; "but you asked
me to come, for my mothers sake.
Tell me what you have to say"
Much" he replied, that cannot be
hastily uttered. Lady Hilda, do not
fear me. Look at my face. Have |
the appearance of a man who sought
this interview for any foolish, vain
reason of his OWN"
She looked at him; there was a
faint CLEAN of light coming from the
moonlit sky, and by 1t she saw that
the handsome face. usually so careless
and gay, was sad and full of deep
emotion. Her calm eyes dwelt upon
it, but they read nothing there.
You may trust me-" he said; you
might trust me with your life. Let us
walk down the path You will be cold
If We remain standing"
They went down the broad path to-
gether.
MY time is very precious" said
Hilda, coldly. 81 run great risk by
remaining here"
81 know it," he replied. 81 asked
you to come, for your mothers sake.
Do you know who she was, and what
was her story?"
Il know it ALL" said the young girl.
sadly. MY mothers fate has clouded
my life"
Thank Heaven I am spared that
long explanation" he replied. II half
feared you might still believe you were
Lady Hutton's daughter"
Il never thought that" she replied:
and one must not ever so lightly
blame the dead; but | wish / had been
left to share my mothers fate. I
should have frightened her life, and
nave been saved all the sorrow and
shame of feeling myself half an i'm
postor."
ut was done for the best" he said,
dreamily.
Il suppose So" she replied; "but
this is not what you wanted me for.
You knew my parents-what have
you to say of them to me?"
You speak of your mother" he con
tinued; did you never hear of your
father? Did no one ever mention him
to your"
Yes" she replied, bitterly. INV
mother on her deathbed. told me of
him"
May ask what she said?" he in
CURED. Some people do not possess
the art of painting an agreeable por-
trait"
That cannot possibly concern YOU,
she replied, Tell me your business
quickly, and let me go. My fathers
name brings no music to my ears
Perhaps before now he has met my
| mother, and rendered her Justice"
she raised her pure. calm face to
/ the night skies as she spoke, and Paul
Fulton stood abashed and humbled he.
fore the serene innocence and dignity
of his child.
"Hilda, he said, has it never
struck you who | ann"
a cold dread seized her. She had
never thought OF him until the day he
touched her golden head with his Inns.
and looked so sadly upon her. Now
an awful fear came over her; who
could he be that knew the secret her
mother had kept? She turned and
looked at him; coldly and calmly her
eyes rested on his agitated face, and
by the faint light of the moonbeams
she resembled a spirit more than any
! living being.
Have you never thought of me-" he
said or wondered who was?"
Never she replied.
Would YOU not care 70 see vo,.
father, Hilda? With all his faults no
! loved YOU"
My father broke the sweetest and
truest heart that ever heat" she re.
piled, passionately; how could / wish
10 see him?"
SHush, child,-hush," he said
sadly; your words stab me. Try 70
care for me, Hilda. | am your father
stephen Hurst and place my life IN
your hands"
Her face grew even more deadly
pale
/ MY