The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-12-23


en-" at the very acme of all she had
hoped or desired.
land now, Mrs. Dalton" said the
Earl, after nearly an hour of cconhden-
tial talk, "you must fix time for
bringing your daughters to Magnus
Square. Madeline must see her future
home, and decide upon the alterations
she would wish to have made during
her absence. Bertha, too, will assist us
with her taste" he added, turning with
a pleasant smile to the younger sister,
and then again to Mrs. Dalton. May
| have the pleasure Of seeing you to
luncheon Tomorrow
I'VE shall be delighted, " replied Mrs.
Dalton. "Mr. Fancourt was here this
morning, but don't know whether he
is engaged to-morrow-he did not say"
1--WE will leave Fancourt out of the
question, if you please" returned Lord
Alphington-''if you can endure the
separation from your betrothed for a
few hours, Miss DaltonY"
Lena cOlored wildly, but the blush
had a different cause from that Lord
Alphington assigned to 1t. She felt
guilty before this good old man; she
knew that if he could read her inmOst
heart he would despise her-nay, prob
ably turn from her with something like
disgust. Unlike her mother, Lena was
quite awake to the knowledge that there
was higher path she had refused to
tread; and at such moments as these
she scorned herself for the false, venal
woman she was. She soon, however,
put these thoughts away from her. The
Ain xr.nc Ahn pnrcna1aI harualp
that it was too late to retract even il
she had the wish. And Lord Aiphing-
ton. at any rate, need never know the
truth. need never know the part she
was acting. She recovered her equs-
nimity in time to take a graceful leave
Of her future relative. and Lord Alph-
ington returned to Magnus Square very
fayorably impressed. and quite satisfied
that his grandson had made suitable
choice
At one o'clock the following day Lord
Alphington's carriage, as had been
agreed, arrived for the ladies'. Mrs.
Dalton was in high spirits. Lena and
Bertha were both rather subdued,
though their seriousness had different
source.
MY 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 I, my
love?r
II told Bertha | 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 l thought there were things
more worthy of achievement.
How silly you are, Bertha-just like
your poor father" said Mrs. Dalton.
1T is we'll 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 do? 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 exultation at the splendors
that opened before her view in Magnus
Square. Certainly the contrast 70 the
narrow and somewhat dull life she had
previously led was enough to tempt a
stronger mind than Lena Dalton's.
The powdered footmen in their rich
liveries, moving about noiselessly like
80 many machines wound up TO do their
masters bidding; the sumptuous lunch
con table, with its array Of plate and
its decorations Of exquisite dollhouse
flowers; the lofty suites Of rooms
through which Mrs. Dalton and her
daughters were conducted, with their
mirrors and gliding, and paintings Ia
Vatican, and satin hangings, all faded
now, bat 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-
fer, my dear" said Lord Alphington to
her, as they stood in the spacious draw
ing-room. Il 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 colOrs," announced Mrs. Dali
ton.
81 don't think should like blue for
a town house, mamma Lena inter-
posed. II think should prefer green
"a subdued sea-green; it would har-
monte 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 wrtu4 scat
tered about the rooms.
"These are the rooms | have always
occupied when in town since this house
has ceased to he a home to me, and
these think of retaining for my own
use," said Lord Alphington, with a
heavy sigh, as, crossing landing, he
opened a 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
thnp III N ori ~, CON blood ~, N oil IN apa'o