The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-10-21
CHATTER VII.

CHAPTER VIII
There had been rain in the early
morning, but before twelve o'clock the
clouds cleared away, and the sun shone
out warm and bright when the party
from the Larches drove over to Alph-
ington Park. 4 damp had fallen upon
Bertha's spirits, however, which was
not so easily shaken of as the raindrops
Of the morning. \ cruel modification
and disappointment had oyertaken her.
The opal ring was lost,
That mornings post had brought the
veXatious news, and, instead Of being
the means Of restoring the precious
ring to its rightful owner she had to
make excuses for what she felt in her
heart was utter folly and carelessness
To Lena, however, this adverse cir
cumstance was comparatively inditfer-
ent; it did not affect herself, and it was
not her custom to allow the troubles Of
others to deprive her cheeks Of bloom
or her eyes Of brightness.
She leaned back in the luxurious car
riage, indulging in day-dreams, imagin-
ing how she would feel, how she would
conduct herself. if she We're then and
there driving into that splendid domain
rs the bride of its heir, for her fancy
had taken wings, and had already con-
Celved such possibility.
The house was q noble structure, the
ground-pIan representing the letter +,
a mode of llattery frequently adopted
10y architects during the reign of Eliza
beth. 1t was built Of dark red brick,
with stone COpingS, CornlceS, and null
lions, the red in some parts being
relieved 10y the growth OF ivy and
Virginia crceper. over the central
portion rose a clocB-toWer The wings,
forming the arms of the letter, contain
ed on one side the state drawing-room,
on the other the great library; these
were lighted by windows opening on to
the broad, grassy terrace that extended
the whole length of the house, broken
only by the flight Of grian-guarded
steps that led up to the cutramce-dOor.
In front Of the house. below the ter
race, level lawn eXtcudcd. bounded by
ring fence, This separated it from
the deer park, with It's groups Of fine
forest trees. nnduating SWard, ferny
hollowS, and ornamental water fed by a
running stream. On the border of the
lake stood picturesque boat-house,
though 1t was long now since the stroke
Of oars had disturbed the swans and
other fowl that built their nests
amongst the Water-plant5 fringing its
margin.
The interior of the house was in adj
mirable keeping with the stately ex-
terror, Though advantage had been
taken of all modern Improvements to
add to comfort, there was nothing,
gariSh, nothing incongruou5 The grand
entrance-hall, with its riChly-carved oak
panellng, was still warmed in winter
by piles OF logs on the dog-hearth, and
still decorated by suits Of armor, an
tique weapons, and stays heads and
other trophies Of the chase Most of
the rooms were hung with velvet of a
subdaed crimson, the paintings on the
walls were choice and valuable; the or
naments consisted OF rare pieces of
naioica or Seyres china. and of eXqnis-
tie works OF art in the way Of marbles
and brOuZcs; while the effect OF light
and space was increased by an abuud-
ance Of mirrors. Such was Lord Alph-
ington'5 home; and here he warmly re-
Ceivpd his expected guests.
The luncheOn.h0ur passed pleasantly
for all, excepting Bertha. who sat on
thDrns. After luncheon Lord Alphing-
ton led the way to the picture-gallery.
This extended along the first floor at
the back Of the house, one side being
almost entirely Of glass. the low Win
doWs being merely separated by broad
piers, against which stood antique cab
inets Of various kinds, supporting vases,
candelabra, and other objects of pirtH.
From the windows view was OBJ
tanned Of the magnificent flower gard.
ems, with fountains and statues, and
mosaic.like parterrcs. The opposite
wall Of the gallery was principally occu-
pied by family portraits, Here froWned
u warrior in coat of mail, there n de-
mure lady in colt and stomacher looked
out from the canvas. Further down,
the stately presence Of Il cOurtler OF
| Charles the First's time was portrayed
by Nandyke, and near to him simpered
a shepherlcSS, in loose robe and !oW-
ING hair, by sir Peter l.cIy.
Underneath the pictures, here and
there, stood massive tables, and heavy
| carved chairs covered with brocade or
needlework traced by the fair hands
probably Of some Of these pictured
DANES. The length Of this gallery
formed charming promenade, aud Had
been fayorte resort OF many genera
lions of lanconrtS. Here state secrets
had been discussed and political move
ments determined on. ilele love-stories
Oai been whispered and ronh rancies
wultn, and hearts had throhhad that
had long ago crmbIed into dust; and
here children had raced in their gleo
who had since grown old and gray, and
had passed away, leaving another gen
GRAFTON 20 mako the old halls rosound
with song and laughter.
To b Oonft,nied.1