Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1908-01-31
A WILD VENGEANCE
By the Author Of "The Surrender of MARY Err

/ A'uu' my 90 why begin to object now ~
vincent hurriedly prepared for dinner
ana ran down to his mother. She was
moving about the little drawing room
when he entered, her hands clasped be-
hlnd her, deep in thought, but she turned
70 hnh at once, her face lighting up, as
1t always did at sight of him. She was
still remarkably good looking, and in her
youth had doubtless been a mapni6.
Gently beautiful woman-tan, dark
| queenly brilliant. Vincent did not re.
member his father, and had ALWAYS
known his mother in the severely cut
black garments she affected.
Well, VIM" she asked Had a good
game ?"
I've won the set" he laughed. 1--WE
won the little Viscountess. hope you'll
be pleased, mother"
Mrs. Dcne's face changed and hardened.
i warned you to wait" she said,
quickly.
Yes, know; but you didn't explain,
and the opportunity was too good to
lose. Surely you can't mind, mother.
1t is desirable from every point of view. "
From many, at any rate" she cor
rected. mo, l don't mind. But I'd
rather you'd left yourself free. I don't
think her the ideal wife for you; you
will find her exacting"
Yes, but think" he protested in as
COMMUNICATING of what it means -
Mrs. Dene smiled pityingly.
Foolish boy!" she replied. "You
don't know what you are talking about.
1t is possible you might still have chosen
her when you do know, but / am inclined
to think not. However, let it be, only
don't hasten your marriage"
when l do known" he repeated, pug.
zled. "Then there is something; I've sus-
pected it of late Don't you think you
ought TO tell me}"
mo-" size said sharply; mot while
there's a chance of your running It.
When it's safe you shall know. pll run
no risks. For a lifetime I've planned,
hoped, schemed, for this; will not lose
it now for lack of little caution"
You are most mysterious" he said in
some vexation. 'Tf the thing is good
Pm no more likely to lose it than you
yourself"
Il never trust man." she retorted
contemptuously-"c certainly not you. I
know the nature you inherit. Look at
your father-beaten at the very end
tricked-duped-a child might have been
wiser"
my father!" cried the young man,
keenly interested now you've never
spoken of him before! Tell me about
him!"
She shook her head decidedly.
"Too soon. You shall hear all in good
time, and think before very long. Pm
not sure that I need delay; vet I've
waited so long, will not be impatient
now. Poor Vim, you think Pm torturing
you'll All, my boy, you will owe it all
to me; let me do it my own wayp
She laid her hand on his arm in one of
her rare caresses, and Vincent cleared his
face with difficulty and smiled at her.
"All right, mother, As you know, Pm
helpless. You always have your own
way. must submit with the best grace
/ can. Somehow, with this secret of
yours, you seem to have taken all the
shine out of my engagement"
Your engagement" she calculated
scornfully. Never mind, my son, you've
done well according to your lights; but
you'd better have needed my hints.
There is too much character beneath
that pretty white and pink face to suit
you. However, circumstances may help
you"
Vincent could learn no more from her;
she resolutely refused to allude to the
matter again, and after writing a coolly
dignifed letter of welcome to her sons
betrothed she put that subject aside as
not worth discussing at present. Alto
gether Vincent was thoroughly disap-
/ II - h -
nouncement of his brilliant achievement
had been received, and was inclined to
be fretful and captious. His mother
smiled her indulgent, half-amused smile,
but did not attempt consolation, and
John heard of the engagement with no
feelings of satisfaction.
Miss Challis herself made a point of
telling him, begging him to come to her
in the drawing room on some feeble ex-
cuse. Honor was playing dreamy music
in the inner room, and could just be seen
through the open doors.
Miss Challis summarily dismissed the
trife about which she had pretended to
need his advice, then glanced towards
the graceful figure in the distance
"She has not told you her news yet
Well, am sure she would wish so true
friend as yourself to know it. She has
promised to marry Mr.. Vincent Dene"
John sat grave and composed, not a
muscle of his face moved, yet a glow of
intense compassion began to soften his
neighbours keen eyes.
Indeed! Vincent is fortunate man."
he remarked calmly.
"You think sol" said Miss Challis.
"Ah, for my part, am not surel He
scarcely realizes what he has won. The
engagement does not meet with my ap-
proval, you know. think have made
it apparent that it would not do so. I
understand you are no relation to the
young man, so can speak freely. 1t il
not his small income nor his profession
to which i object. Honor has money.
and what is greater than the power Of
the pen? l object to himself. She Is not
the girl to make the best Of man who
fails to fulfill her ideals. object to
his lack of connection, to the suspicion
as to his origin which must enter the
mind Of any keen observer. You do not
take my meaningl Then l conclude
am exaggerating the grounds for suspi-
cion; but they exist, and his mother
rather aggravates than dispels them.