Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-12-23
Continued.

same score" he returned, laughing
and looking at her with something
more than admiration for the fresh,
beautiful face crowned with its sweet
blush rose. 81 have been having a
rot around preliminary canter, as
they say in racing circles."
"And I am getting one" said Stella.
May | be allowed to prolong mine
and join your" he asked.
And they set off, walking slowly
now.
Mrs. Newton is not up yet, sup
poser" he said, breaking OF suddenly
in the middle Of a rank and humorous
description of some artistic expert
ence.
NO" said Stella.
81 am sorry for that as fear [
shall not see her before l CO.
"Go-where?" she asked, with dis
appointment in her face and voice.
Home" he answered, with smile
mis- Newton he added, turning TO
her with a sweet, reverential gray
ity, 'ff | dare to speak to you with
that candor which society condemns
and avoids, will you forgive me?'
Stella turned pale and dropped her
eyes.
1T is o strange question" she
faItered, "but l will answer yes"
81 thank YOU" he said, in the same
soft, grave tone Then l may say
that | know my presence will not be
welcome any longer at the Vale
'By what course Of reasoning have
YOU deduced that RESULT" she said.
"Do not be angry with me-" he
pleaded, "but remember that eyes
speak more freely and plainly than
lips. Your mothers eyes told me
last night that my welcome had ex-
PRED"
"Since when?" asked Stella.
He hesitated a moment, then ans
wered in a low voice: Since Sir
Richard WiIdfang ventured to remind
her that I was poor and perhaps an
adventurer."
Stella turned to him, proud and
wounded.
'You-you did not hear him say
that? He could not be SO base?"
Il did not hear him say it IN so
MANY words, but / heard enough of
the broken sentence to be able to sup
ply the wanting part. No, Miss New
ton. the last few hours have been
short and happy ones but | dare not
prolong them. My own honor Would
not allow me to remain beneath the
roof of one who eyes me with sus-
piciOn."
StelIa's eye filled with tears and she
turned her face from him.
Oh, now bitter in her eyes was the
worldliness which even a stranger
you'd detect and resent.
Louis FELTON, glanced at her with
look Of ineffable tenderness and deVo-
lion which changed to one OF simple
respect as he said:
q had intended writing a short note
to say that business had called me
away on a moments notice, but [ am
glad of an opportunity to avoid false
hood. Dare l ask you to plead my
excuse?"
Stella inclined her head.
rs this your only reason for leav-
ing us so suddenly" she asked, in
low voice, her eyes still seeking the
ground.
mot the only one" he said. There
is one other"
And what is it," she asked.
"a cunning one," he replied, with a
sad. tender smile. Il am afraid If |
remain l may lose you forever. l
mean" he added, as she crtmsoned
and stared with surprise, that com
mands may be laid upon you to hold
NO converse with the adventurer of
the Hut. For, understand Miss New
ton, we may meet-dare l hope sO?-
and may be friends. May l take that
hope with me? You would not rob me
of it?"
mo" said Stella, turning to him
with a smile. 1T is too poor thing
to rob you Of We will be friends, let
worldly wisdom say what it Will
She held out her hand as she spoke,
and, uncovering his head, he bent over
it so low that she fancied she felt the
silken mustache brush it.
"Good-by," he said looking up at her.
"Good-by," she returned, "If you will
go"
NAY, I must. Necessity knows no
law"
lie bowed as he spoke with height
ened color and a slow shake Of the
head. and Stella was left alone to pom
der and wonder at the strange words
and ways of this handsome stranger,
whom she seemed to have known for
ears instead of hours.
Then she re-entered the breakfast
room. where the cousins Mrs. Newton
and Sir Richard were awaiting her.
My dear, where have you been?
Really, you carry your love for eXer-
else and fresh air to too great an ex-
IRENE. Don't you think so, Sir Rich
ard?"
Sir Richard smiled as he shook
hands and murmured that youth is
reckless and fearless.
The cousins then crowded around
and dragged her to the fire. and the
message she had been commissioned
to bear was put OF.
But only for a few minutes.
Dear me" said Mrs. Newton
haughtily. Il am surprised Mr.. FELTON,
does not come. We are all waiting"
Mr.. FELTON, will not be here, NAM
ma said Stella, looking around. He
is called ava by ur"e'"t business"
As she spoke she felt that Sir Rich
ards eyes were fixed upon her, and