Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1883-10-17

altogether. He was at her side. She
looked up in his face with those fiery
black eyes of hers and stammered, II
have lost my way"
"Are you alone ?" asked Lord Ferdie.
She hesitated moment, then said:
Il was with my brother only few
moments ago; but I can't see him any,
where"
Don't look for him yet" said Lord
Ferdie, drinking in courage from the
bold black eyes. cit is delightful here. I"
The lady assented with sigh of con-
tent. There were some chairs close to
her which had been left recently by an
other couple, who had looked for excite
ment aside from the throng. She sat
down on one of these; Lord Ferdie, re-
pressing faint feeling of surprise at
her ready acceptance OF his suggestion,
sat down on the other.
The hour that now passed had wings
of the swiftest; mere nothings wers ut
tered, yet they savored, to those who
spoke and heard, OF the raciest wit.
The sparkling words were almost whis-
pered, for cleaning stud in the midst
ot white expanse and q crimson cloak
were to be seen very near, though no
voices could be heard. Across the grass
on the broad walk the crowd promen-
AIDED, finding pleasure in numbers.
Lord Ferdie and his companion had no
desire to join it. For he was perfectly
satisfied that the adventure be had de-
sired had come to him; he was pulled
up, like pouter pigeon, with Joy at his
success as a lady-killer, and he was very
much excited and fascinated by the dark
eyes, whose CLEAN he could see in the
shadow and whose power made him thrill
when they looked straight into his own.
As for his companion, her heart was
beating wildly beneath the draperies of
white lace.
At last she rose rather suddenly. "I
must co." she said, with positive air.
Absolutely ?"
Yes; I can not find my brother in
this crowd, will go home.'
Let me take you to your carriage,
tben," said Lord Ferdie.
She made no answer, but let him ac-
company her across the grass. At the
gates there was no great thropg; it was
not yet midnight, and the air was 70
sweet that all who bad no other engage
ment were glad to finger in the gardens
till they closed.
"Sball have your carriage called ?"
asked Lc1d Ferdie, thinking, with
delight. that now lie must know her
name.
NO." she answered nervously,
"there aye 50 many. will walk to it. -
LORD 81. rifle liked this almost as we'll,
for 1t gave him few moments more of
her society. But these moments were
brief. She stopped before long at the
door Of 3 broug ham; q f, otman immedi-
ately came forward and opened it for
her. She bowed to Lord Ferdie, who
remained planted where he stood while
the carriage drove away. For he saw
upon it coronet; he knew the family
to which it belonged; it was one CT the
greatest in the land. Did it number
such a gay Bohemian, such fiery
gypsy as this lady of the cleaning eyes
among its members. And had he so alb
solutely stolen her heart at first sight as
to obtain an interview which savored Of
the days of Cremorne? Lord Ferdie
became visibly broader and taller; he
strutted back into the gardens with an
air as if he were the approved A l lady
killer and masher Of the day.
His idea was to look for the brother,
with whom he had a slight acquaintance.
But he could see nothing of him; so at
last he went home. too excited to do
anything but walk bis room and think
OF his inamorata. Lord Ferdie was by
nature braggart, and he passed great
deal OF the night forming careful phrases,
in which he might boast of bis conquest
at the clubs.
In the morning while he was discuss
ing devilled kidneys, note was brought
him. It was in an unknown hand, but
the writing was not distinguished enough
IN appearance to excite his curiosity.
He opened the envelope lapguid]y, but
the languor vanished as he read:
"MY LoRD-For Gods sake don't ruin poor
girl by telling of last night. James, my
brother Ghe footman), told me he knew you,
and that he was sure you knew the duke. If it
is SO, l must tell you the truth and lmplore
you to be kind. I am her grace's own maid,
and she was called out of town suddenly yes
terday, leaving everything about. 1 didn't
take you for real gentleman, my lord, or
never would have spoke to you. James has
promised to carry this; 1t was parity his fault,
because he said the horses wanted exercise,
and it could do no harm. He seys you, being
a gentleman, won't say nothing: and nope SO;
and, believe me, if had known gentlemen
wore sucu zig studs, and staggered 50, I would
not have made the mistake. Az the same time,
my lord. if you wishes to sec me again, I am
going out this very sfternc on. aud shall be at
HYDE Park Corner at 3. Yours very humb]y.
JANE SMITH -
Lord Ferdie did not keep the ap-
pointment. He ran down to his fathers
country seat for day or two, where he
gave himself up to reflection on the folly
of yielding to desire for excitement
when one has bad enough champagne,
and the night air ia warm and sweet,
As for Jane Smith, he felt revulsion
of feeling; it seemed to him that for the
first time in his life he could hate heart
lily.