Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-11-09
CHAPTER XXI.

Mrs. Dalton's visit to the Larches
had to be postponed sine die. A most
gracious letter had been received from
Lord Alphington, notifying the pleas
ure he would have in receiving Miss
Dalton as one of his family. He also
promised an early visit. Sir Stephen
and Lady Langley had also written
kindly, though the latter rather avoided
cOngratulatiOn, dwelling upon good
wishes. Sir Stephen took the privilege
of an old friend of the family to beg
Lena's acceptance of fifty pounds to-
ward her tr0uSsedu-a most welcome ad-
dition.
AS time passed, ,Fancourt pressed for
a speedy termination to his time of pro-
baton; and Mrs. Dalton, mindful of
certain old proverb about the ''cup and
lip," placed no obstacle in the way of
his wishes; she applauded only her own
foresight in having commenced prepar-
ations Immediately upon the engage
ment. There was to be a ball at the
house of a friend in Highgate in the
beginning of October, on the occasion
of an eldest sons attaining his majori-
ty; and to this ball, for some reason she
did not choose to divulge, Lena insisted
upon going. With that exception, she
made no objection to her mothers ar
rangements on her behalf.
Fancourt had been in daily attend
ance at Ivy Cottage, but, before his
marriage, lie had affairs to settle which
required his attention.
81 intend going down into Surrey,
and shall come up only for my we'd
ding" said Fancourt to his confidential
man john, as he sat in his DRESSING
gown over an elaborate breakfast in
Magnus Square. II am feeling precious
seedy, and want bracing up before go
ing abroad"
"Mrs. Lemont will be very glad to see
you, sir" observed John. II suppose,
now you are on the point of marrying,
you will have to make some different
arrangements there, sir.''
"Undoubtedly," said Fancourt, help
ing himself to slice OF Strasburg pie.
II shall not go to the cottage now. but
take up my quarters at The Anglers
Rest You will go with me, of course
Il may want you. Have my things
shall drive down in the dog-cart-I may
want that"
very good, sir, responded the ready
John.
"And, by-the-bye, I shall take Juno.
she is shy and doesn't follow well at
heel. See that my new Manton is put
Trevor Sutton's ground while l ap
there"
Juno was a white-and-tan setter that
Fancourt had received from the keeper
at Alphington Park, and was apt to put
hnyr foi1 hot hov 1oord ond clink off
at the sound of her new masters voice,
not finding kicks and oaths to her taste.
For John, on the contrary, she had con-
ceived a great affection.
Lord AlphingtOn and his grandson
approached no nearer as time wore on.
Fancourt had spent a few days at Alph-
ington Park when partridge shooting
commenced, and during this visit the
dissatisfaction the Earl had felt with
regard to his new-found relative had
become positive aversion. At the ex-
piration of week he had plainly in
timated to the young man that the less
they saw of each other the more likely
they were to avoid an open breach. AS
result the Honorable Mr.. Fancourt
Was soon on his way down to one of the
prettiest hooks in all Surrey. He did
not seem exhilarated by the ride, but
drove rapidly, as if his only object was
to get over the ground as fast as possl-
BILE. Nor did he exchange word with
John, whose attention was mainly de-
voted to the task of reconciling Juno
to her mode of locomotion, Juno giving
sundry hints of preference for her
own four feet. WE
Arrived at 1.-THE Anglers Rest" and
having ENGAGED the best rooms the inn