Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1908-06-19
CHAPTER 1v.-fContinued.o

That instant under the spell OF SOFT
music, Peter Constable knelt as in
dream to drink at the fountains of in
spiration. The dinner call aroused him.
The music ceased, and he was again the
faltering human lover. The path had
been illumined only long enough to show
him that there was a shorter way.
It seemed during dinner that Lara
had something to say which the presence
of the others forbade. Mrs. Stansbury
went upstairs. Breen and the planter
engaged in a smoky discussion of the lit
erary peregrinations of one Herman Mel
willie. The other two set out for the
gardens.
81 have wanted to tell you since morn
ing how sorry I am" she said quietly
81 want you to know that, in spite of
mothers decision, thank you for your
kindness, and believe in your deeper
knowledge of our danger"
cts good of you to say that" he an
swered. 81 never tried to persuade any
body to do anything BEFORE may sake
Pelee too seriously, but I can't help it,,
with you folks here"
She laughed. "And 1 thought that
nothing short of an actual eruption could
disturb your equanlmlty."
did you ever read The Story of the
Gadsbys?" he asked.
Eyes"
''There is q big fragment of truth
back of that Do you think I would have
played upon your imagination and nerves.
and made a mess of things, if I hadn't
been afraid?"
Afraid of the mountain? That's not
like you. Are we about to see you down
below in the city, warning the people,
like Cassandra in the streets of TroyW
81 have dearer service-before going
down into the city," he answered. It
was as if Breen and the days contempla-
ton had made this moment inevitable.
'sThat done, could take up the work
there with sleeves rolled up and burst
ing with anthems"
What service?" she asked bravely,
though the trend of his words was as
black on white. She was startled, I'M
ready.
ITO put you out of the range of Pelee's
guns !'' he said, with sudden vehemence.
She had scarcely OWNED hat there
lived a lover in this man. She felt futile
beside him, and yet fused by his penetrat-
ing vitality. To her, it was the signal
moment in which the woman discovers a
giant besieger at her gates.
'"They will hear you!" she found her
self saying, in a satisfied tone.
"Let them hear me. l want you to be
safe. Pelee is no study to me now, but
q grim warning-because you are here
l can't keep my eyes from the volcano,
nor my thoughts from you. Don't you
know-don't you know that you Crept
into the very heart of me-a bit of a
girl telling me how to live my life? Yes
terday, when l found the mountain
awake, all that l had ever done and
thought and felt turned to nothing com
pared to your life. No matter what you
think or say to mel am afraid for
your
The head bending toward her face
seemed huge in the dark, and his lowered
voice charged with power.
But we will go to sea when the Pan
ther comes" she said huskily.
Lara ~ The voice was from Mrs.
Stansbury, in the upper window Of the
house-that calm, fateful voice.
Il must go!"
Listen. 1 cannot bear TO wait until
the Panther comes ~ he went ou impetu-
ously. Il want to put you safely ASHORE
in Dominica this night-or Fort de
France, or even on shipboard-and l will
come back here. Do this for me, Lady p
Lara was called again.
Eyes, mother. No, l could
not go alone! There would never be a
home here again. l must go to mother
oh, cannot speak now!"
He stood alone in the dark. \ lizard
that had hearkened attentivcly, began to
croak his comment to the mango trees.