Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1909-12-08
Continued.

and soon-in so short a time as a
oouple of hours-the cousins had
grown quite familiar and Tottie had
fust before her departure to bed-re-
uuested a kiss which Mr. FELTON,
gracefully bestowed, some of the
cousins feeling during the salutation
that Tottie was at that moment OF her
life to be envied.
Mrs. Newton asked some questions.
When they were of general charac-
ter Louis FELTON, answered with
well-bred politeness; when they
touched upon himself and his affairs
he was more reserved.
Stella was seated near him, and
listened with all her ears-and per-
haps her heart.
She thought the delicate face more
beautiful than ever, and he thought
we'll, perhaps one persons thoughts
are enough at time.
The evening slipped away rapidly;
the elderly cousin had come in for his
cup of tea, and now sat in his corner
listening with pleased smile and con-
tinual, cay, ay to the conversation.
Presently the cousins having adj
journed for. snapdragon, Stella found
herself standing with Mr.. Louis Eel
ton a little apart from the rest, beside
q man in armor.
He was looking at the pictures, and
she, acting on the impulse of the mo-
ment. said in a low voice:
care you an artist, Mr.. Felton,"
He started visibly, but smiled down
upon her family.
Il hope So"
eyes; but I mean, do you paint?"
NO." he said, that is beyond me.
am sculptor"
'I thought so,'' she said in low
voice,
''Why?" he asked, in a low voice.
because"
Then she hesitated. She decided not
Co tell him of the sea nymph at the
Countess of Dovewell's. She felt that
the supposed resemblance must be
only fancy of hers or, at the least, a
coincidence.
well, lady is not always compel
led to tell her reason" she said; re-
turning his smile.
Never" he said. But am curious
so know how you discovered it. Yes
I am a sculptor; very poor one, l
am afraid"
you like your art?"
81 love it," he replied (which is
fortunate, as get my bread by it,
She looked up at him with a curl
Gus glance. In her estimation he had
gained that fact.
And is it hard work? 1t must be
with the chisel and the mallet. Are
you not afraid of spelling your face at
the last touch?"
He laughed.
NO.; l never commence a face I'M
til the rest of the figure is completed
and not even then until I have my
ideal in my minds eye very plainly.
And when l have done that l work at
the face without stopping until it is
finished"
"A sort of inspiration?" asked Stel-
la. with slight blush.
Exactly; sometimes quite an in
spiration," he replied, looking at her
she thought with some significance.
1 have seen very little good stat
uary " she said thoughtfully.
Then you must not come to my
studio for it," he laughed
Where is your studio?" she asked.
He wasso candid, so frank, so gentle
in his manner that she felt bold.
In back street of London. A very
dlngy room in very dingy house"
Why do you not bring your work
down here?" she said. Then she
-blushed, for she felt that she had ut
stered an invitation.
81 think I SHALL he said, "The Hut
would make capital den for me.
think l shall. Perhaps, if I should, you
will pay me a visit, Miss Newton?"
Stella did not answer
At this moment Mr.. Proudley made
his appearance with an immense dish
of raisins and a bottle of spirits of
wine; the children-young and old
set up a clamor and conversation was
rendered impossible.
Mr.. Proudley set the dish on the
table, applied a sufficient quantity of
spirits 10 the raisins, ignited it, and
then stood at little distance with
as broad a grin as his dignity would
allow him to exhibit.
All-Stella and Mr.. FELTON, included
grabbed at the raisins; there were
general laughter and screaming.
Suddenly the hall porter-who had
heard a step On the stone flight
opened the door, and there entered
Sir Richard Wildfang.
His appearance was so sudden, his
dark face rendered so ghostly and
fiendish by the wan. white light of the
burning spirits, that the children
uttered a scream, and Stella turned
pale and shrank back, clutching some
ones arm as she did so.
The some one was Louis FELTON,.
Sir Richard regarded the group for
q moment with his cynical smile, then
came forward with outstretched hand
RI Mrs Newton