Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-09-07
BERTHA DALTON'S TRIUMPH
THE HISTORY or An OPAL RING
[CORtinl1d.l
CHATTER v.

l.
ously.furnished room. "This Is the
sort Of thing that suits me exactly.
Just get my things for me, there's .
dear-I'm tired. l shant put ON any
thing very smart this first evening, as
nobody seems to be here-my blue silk
skirt and white muslin polonaise,
think. and those blue bows of two
shades. And, Bertha, wish you'd plat
nv hair for me-you do 1t so nicely.v
Bertha, without reply, opened her
sisters box and took out the dress she
asked for; and then, going to her own,
she brought out her customary black
silk, which she had freshened up with
some inexpensive white lace.
''If you want me to do your hair, you
must make haste" she said. as she be-
gan to unfasten her traveling-dress.-
"Don't forget that Sir Stephen Is some
what of martinez. Woe betide us II
we are not ready at the sound of the
gongp"
"Of course, we shall be ready" Lena
replied, reused to activity by the sight
of the pretty dress that she was quite
aware was particularly becoming to her.
"How tiresome Of you, Berthalv she
cried. "You have begun your own
hair, when wanted you to do mine"
II shan't be q minute" Bertha re-
Piled. ~ only wanted to save time"
AS she spoke she quickly twisted
round her hair, confining 1t with pink
ribbon, and then took in hand her sis
ter's more abundant tresses. Splendid
hair it was, silky and golden, and fit
ting crown did the rich plaits form to
the beautiful face.
"There-now hurry, Lena" Bertha
said, as the gong sounded for the first
time; II shall be ready in five minutes"
When they entered the drawing
room they found the party consisted Of
the Rector Of the parish and a young
midshipman, q protege of Sir Stephen's,r
who was introduced as Frank HOlcroft.
"What stupid setY" Lena whispered
to her sister, as they awaited the sum-
mons to dinner.
During dinner Bertha completely
won the young sailors heart by listen
ing with interest to his experiences of
sea-life. The Rector's conversation
turned upon Lord Alphington.
1t Is grievous thing" he said, now
Lord Chalfont and both his boys are
dead, that it cannot be discovered
whether Mr.. Fancourt left legitimate
son; if not. you see, the title will be-
come extinct"
'..That was a sad affair."" Lady Lang
ley remarked, land Ibelieve Lord Alph-
ington has found out since that his son
was not so much to blame as he at first
supposed. 1t broke Lady Alphington's
heart-Fancourt was her favOrite son."
is 1t true that claimant has ap-
pearedp" the Rector asked.
II believe So" Lady Langley return
ed. ''But Lord Alphington does not
like to say much about it till the proofs
the young man has brought forward
have been examined; he is afraid of
disappointment. l feel quite anxious
for him. The discovery that he had a
grandson, to whom he could attach
himself, would add SO much to the hap
piness Of his old age. He is very lonely"
1T Is very odd that Mr.. Fancourt
never made his marriage known to his
father, If he was married. said the
Rector. HA
s'It is likely that the woman he mar4
ried-if he did marry, but there has al
ways been doubt upon that point
was Of lower grade. Probably he was
afraid of Increasing his fathers dis
pleasure-and then he died SO sud-
denly" /.
"Ah, poor young man'' calculated
the clergyman. II remember him well
"a fine, handsome young fellow, but
wanting in ballast. Did you ask me if
I met Stodgers the other. day, Sir Steph-
emp Yes, and he was as obstinate as
ever" ~
The conversation then drifted to
parish matters, and soon after the ladies
left the table.
In the evening Bertha enjoyed long
talk about old times with Lady Lang
ley, and then sung ballad after ballad to
please her old friend, Sir Stephen. Her
voice was sweet mezz0-s0prano, not
very powerful, but she sung with taste
and feeling.
Lena would not sing; she was tired,
she said. She sat down to game of
chess with the Rector, but scarcely
cared to conceal that she found it dull.
IF this is to be the usual round,
shall be sorry we came" said Lena,
when she and Bertha went to their
rooms at night. Two pleasant rooms
they were, with windows looking on to
the garden behind, and door COM
municating. This they left open.
"Oh, Lena, think it's delightful"
said Bertha. But I'll tell you some
thing. Lord Alphington and q lot of
people are coming to dine on Tuesday,
and then you will have an opportunity
OF trying your powers of fascination"
ION old Lord Alphington. Thanks"
returned Lena. II should as soon
think Of trying them upon that young
"No. you mustn't do that. I can't
spare him: he's q nice little fellow, and
i fiatter myself that ! completed my
conquest on singing 'Black-Eyed SUI
SAN 4" Bertha observed, laughing, as
she shook down her hair.
How you could think Of singing
that ridiculous old song passes my un-
derstanding, y said Lena. Y
s'Sir Stephen asked for 1t, and 1t was
q favorite Of papa's, " explained Bertha.
She hummed softly to herself as she
continued her preparations for the
night. She felt happier than she could
quite account for to herself, notwith-
standing the meeting with kind old
friends. and the prospect of nearly a
week OF freedom In the country.
IL was the custom in the village to
ring the church bells for half an hour
at eight O'Clock on Sunday morning, to
call the good people from their beds.
AS Bertha threw open her window the
sound of the chimes, softened by dis
lance, and rising and falling on the
breeze, fell pleasantly on her ear. Ber.'
tha was already dressed. She leaned
from the window little while, enjoy
ing the morning air; and then she
reused Lena.
Get up Lena; make haste, she said.
SIT Is such O lovely day." (
II wonder whether there will be any
thing worth getting up for, y remarked
Lena. with q yawn. 1Don't 70 away,
Bertha; shall never be ready unless