Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-11-16

tnouEu bncAl ochtousiicsS neu ulLlckcus
tOI-c5.
: ''sIy dear Lena, how delightful this
isl" cried Mrs. Dalton. as they rolled
along in the elegant open landau. II
always told you that II you held your
head high enough you would ride in
your own carriage; now didn't /, my
love?n
II told Bertha 1 was born to achieve
greatness-but she didn't believe me-"
Lena replied.
II don't think said you wouldn't
achieve greatness" said Bertha; "but
only that thought there were things
more worthy of achievement"
"How silly you are, Bertha-just like
your poor fatherl" said Mrs. Dalton.
"It is well have one daughter, at any
rate, who has common sense"
pray don't let us show ourselves so
very exuberant to-day, mamma" said
Lena, little pettishly. Lord Alph-
ington might not think it in good taste.
Bertha's philosophy will stand her in
good stead. She won't be at all over
powered by any amount Of grandeur
she may see.n
Perhaps not overpowered, - said Ber-
tina, laughingly. 'But don't you think
| delight in having beautiful objects
about me as much as you dop There
are, however, something's value more
that is ALL"
In spite of Lena's determination not
to go into ecstacies, she could not quite
conceal her PXultation at the splendors
that opened before her view in MagnuS
Square. Certainly the contrast to the
narrow and somewhat dull life she had
previously led was enough to tempt
stronger mind than Lena Dalton's.
The powdered footmen in their rich
liveries, moving about noiselessly like
so many machines wound up to do their
masters bidding; the sumptuOus lunch
con table, with its array of plate and
its decorations of exquisite hothouse
flowers; the lofty suites of rooms
through which Mrs. Dalton and her
daughters were conducted, with their
mirrors and gliding, and paintings a la
Vatican, and satin hangings, all faded
now, but still gorgeous to eyes unused
to the lavish display of wealth-all this
turned Lena rather dizzy. She had
looked forward to it all; and yet, now
that it had come, she could not realize
the fact that it was really to be hers,
but seemed walking as if in dream.
"You must select the colors you pre-
her, as they stood in the spacious draw
ing-room. II see these rooms must be
entirely redecorated-and they shall be
begun at once. This crimson is not the
most becoming color to one so fair as
you, think, he continued, feeling as
if years were lifted from his head in the
prospect of the new interest opening
out before him.
I'VE have always considered blue one
of Lena's col0rs," announced Mrs. Dali
ton.
81 don't think I should like blue for
town house, mamma" Lena inter-
posed. II think should prefer green
"a subdued sea-green; it would har-
moniZe with plenty of gliding, and that
always lights up we'll"
Lena felt more at home as they went
on to discuss details. Bertha took no
part in the conversation, but followed
the others silently, amusing herself the
while with examining the beautiful
works of art and objects of Uirtu scat
tered about the rooms.
''These are the rooms I have always
occupied when in town since this house
has ceased to be a home to me, and
these think of retaining for my own
use," said Lord Alphington, with
heavy sigh, as, crossing a landing, he
opened door leading to several rooms
at the back of the house.
The first of these was fitted up as a
library. They had no sooner entered it
than the crimson blood rushed to Lena's
cheeks and brow.
"Oh, Bertha-look!n she cried.
Bertha, glancing toward the point to
which her sister directed her attention,
started. She also blushed, and then
turned pale, while film of moisture
came over her eyes and blurred the OBJ
ject she looked at.
"What is it, young ladies?" Lord
Alphington asked, in surprise. what
do YOU find so extraordinary in the por-
trait of my unfortunate sOn?"
Lena was the first to regain self
possession. Bertha's heart throbbed
fast; she could not trust herself to
speak.
Nothing very extraordinary, after
ALL" declared Lena: ''but that portrait
is certainly very remarkably like q per-
son we know--so much SO that it start
led us both at first"
..Indeed!'' said d, Lord Alphington.-
''Who may it be?"
II suppose you mean Mr.. st. Law
renee" put in Mrs. Dalton. Eyes, now
[ look at the picture, there certainly is
resemblance something in the eyes,
is it not2 And the lips and chin, and
the color of the hair are the same. But
am afraid Lord Alphington will not
feel fattered," she added, with little
laugh. ut is only a young artist, a
landscape-painter, with whom we have
had some acquaintance; but have felt
it necessary to decline his visits-there
seems to be something mysterious
about him, and Mr.. Fancourt gave me
to understand he was not person he
would like to meet; so of course l had
no choice, you know"
"Humphl" Lord Alphington ejacu-
lated.
AS he turned from the complacent
matron, he caught sight of the retlec-
tion of Bertha's face in mirror. She
had moved away, unaware of the treach-
erous looking-glass. Her cheeks were
still flushed, and tears trembled j.. heI
eyes. Lord Alphington perceived. that
there was something wrong with his
favOrite, Bertha, and not unnatnrally
connected with it the name that had
just been mentioned. He, tender.
hearted as he was, could not bear to
think of that sweet girl as unhappy
had before noticed that she was thin.
ner and paler than when he had met
her at the Larches. He had no great
faith in any opinion expressed by his
grandson; moreover, the idea of a like.
ness to his lost son interested him
greatly. He thought he should like tt
see this young painter, who had power
to raise such strong emotion in Bertha's
| gentle nature.
''Is this young artist clever2" HI
asked Mrs. Dalton.