Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1910-01-27
CHAPTER V

repeated Maurice, greatly puzzled.
Are you talking of DR.. EtwaId?"
Yes! He seems to possess some
strange power over Dido, for she al
ways knows when he is approaching,
See, Maurice, Dido is waiting at the
gate; in a few moments you will see
DIR. Etwald enter it,"
The two young people looked stead
tasty at the brilliantly coIored figure
Of the negress, standing in a stat
uesque attitude near the great iron
gate. All was bright and cheerful, but
in that sinister red figure with its
black face and hands, there was q sug-
gestion of evil which seemed to domi-
nate and poison the whole beautiful
scene. Maurice felt Isabella shudder
with nervous dread as she pressed
closely to his side
Dearest, you must not be afraid"
said he, glancing down anxfously at
her face. You must throw off the ter
ror you have of this woman. If the
Law"
At this moment he broke off his
speech with an ejaculation of surprise.
for true to the prognostication of Isa-
bella-in answer to the expectant at
titude of the negress-Dr. Etwald
turned in at the gate
They continued to watch the pair.
and saw Dido throw herself at the feet
of Etwald, who raised his hand over
her in threatening manner. He
pointed into the wood with an imperi-
Gus gesture, and in a sinking attitude
the usually stately Dido passed out Of
sight into the little path down which
Isabella had come to meet Maurice.
When the CLEAN of her red dress dis
appeared EtwaId wiped his face. and
walked brisllly up the avenue towards
the young couple.
Shall we so on, or wait for him
here?" asked Isabella. in a whisper
''Wait!" replied Maurice, in the same
tone. Il shall not let him think that
either Of us is afraid of his charlatan
tricks"
DR.. Etwald approached, with what
was meant for smile on his usually
somber face, and took off his hat to
Miss Dallas. But he did not speak as
he made his salutation. so the girl was
forced, by reason of this uncomfortable
silence. to make the first observation
Good morning, doctor" she said, as
he replaced his hat 4 suppose you
have come to see my mother"
Partly, Miss Dallas; and partly to
see YOU; also this gentleman"
To see me-" said Maurice. looking
at his rival. Then why did you not
go to Ashantee'? ?"
q never give myself unnecessary
trouble and. of course. I knew that 1
should find you here"
BY what right do You say that?"
demanded Maurice, sharply.
by the right Of our conversation
last night, Mr.. Aylmer. You have
forestalled me, / see. No matter" add
ed Etwald, with a sheer. To-day to
you: tomorrow to me"
All this was quite uninteuigible to
Isabella, who looked from one to the
other Of her companions. in bewilder-
ment. not guessing, for the moment,
that she was the bone of contention
between them. She saw the suppress
ed mockery on Etwald's face, and
noted also that Maurice, reused by the
quiet insistence Of the doctor. had
much difficulty in keeping his temper.
She proposed that they should go up
to the house.
What was the matter with my
nurse, doctor?" she asked. What
have YOU been doing TO her?"
"SEe was agitated. my dear young
lady, and I have Gained that agita-
ton
After having previously caused it."
said Maurice, in a significant tone.
What possible reason have you to
make such an accusation"
I think it is my fault" said Isa-
bella hastily. I remarked that Dido
was always agitated when you came
to this house"
Il can explain that in measure,
Miss Dallas. If you remember,
cured Dido OF a bad nervous head
ache by hypnotic suggestion. Her
mind, therefore, became habituated in
responding to mind; and doubtless she
feels a kind of impression which tells
her that l am near"
In other words, said Maurice,
pointedly, you have obtained an IN
influence over her
1T is 'not improbable" rejoined Ell