The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-12-30
BERTHA DALTOA'S TRIUMPH.
THE HISTORY Of AN OPAL RING,
CHAPTER XVI.

brow of the hill. The windows COM
manded a fine view; the gardens and
pleasure-grounds were extensive. There
had been some talk of decorating the
gardens with colored lamps, but 1t was
late in the season for evening wander
ing out of doors, though summer
seemed almost to have returned for
few days; moreover, the moon was at
its brightest, atfOrding light enough to
any who chose TO escape for while
from the thick Of the throng; so the
idea was given up, and all resources
were drawn upon to create brilliant
scene within doors.
Mrs. Dalton had been DESTROYS that a
card Of invitation should be sent to Mr..
Fancourt.
II am sure Mrs. Newcombe would be
proud to receive him" she said.
But Lena gave decided negative 10
the proposal. She was not anxious to
appear with her fancee in her train; on
the contrary, she was always THANKFUL
to escape for while from MIR. Fan
courts presence, and had strong 1eel-
ing that being Obliged TO receive MS az
tentions in public would be unbearaDly
irksome.
He is too much man OF the world
to dance attendance upon me when !
am his wife," she said to Bertha-"at
all events, | would not allow lt-and l
will not undergo the boredom of having
him hanging about now, when l. can
avoid it,"
"Oh, Lena!" was the reprOachful re-
Spouse; but Lena only turned away
when Bertha began to expostulate, or
to express her fears for the future. she
would not listen, would not be warned:
She had a wonderful stubbornness or
nature under that soft exterior or hers
--tirmness 1t would have been termed,
if in a better cause.
AS usual, the sisters were very d.
versely attired for the ball Lena wore
white silk, trimmed with rare old
lace that had formed part of the bridal
paraphernalia of Captain DaltOn's
great grandmother. She had also
adorned herself with the set of tur-
quoises Mr.. Fancourt had given her;
nor did she decline to accept a rare
bouquet for the occasion, though she
had avoided having his company, and
could well have dispensed with the kiss
that accompanied the gift. :,
Both st. Lawrence and Douglas had
been invited to this party-handsome,
lively young men were always well
come addition on such occasions-,and
Douglass detection had been subject
of regret. st. Lawrence, however, ar
rived in good time. Mrs. NeWcomDe
had appointed him one of the stewards,
to assist her son in keeping the ball go
ing, in token whereof he had crimson
ribbon fastened to his button-hole; a
decoration which caused more than one
of the guests to ask, who is that very
stlngulshed-looklng man wearing tne
Legion of Honor" !.
st. Lawrence and Bertha spoke but
little during their first dance, IL was
happiness enough to be together: AS
their hands met, as they stood side by
side, as she felt his eyes bent upon her'
and listened to the tones of his voice in
the few words he spoke, the loyful con- con-
viction forced itself on Bertha's mind
that she was beloved, and in the softly.
flushed cheeks, the downcast eyes, the
tremor of the little fingers in his clasp,
st. Lawrence fancied he read signs that
bade him hope.
You will give me the next waltz,
will you not?" he asked, bending over
her, as at her request, he led her to a
seat.
II think not the next" replied Ber-
tina, smiling, at the same time glanclng
toward her mother, who she perceived
was watching them.
CONSTITUTED authorities might OBJ
ject, you mean, said st. Lawrence, fol-
lowing the direction OF her eyes. save
round dance for me later on then
You will not refuse me that?" ne plead
ed, taking her tablet and writing his
name against waltz.
Bertha smiled assent. =,
NOW you must go, she announced
You must not forget that you are on
duty"
Tel me one thing" he SAID, IN
tone of anxiety, as he still fingered
near her: rs Fancourt to be here to-
night? fancied he might be coming
with you" -,
mo-" Bertha replied; me Is mol
coming" =,
She had 1t on her lips to. say thai
Lena had not been anxious for his at
tendance, but checked herself. st
Lawrence seemed, however, to read by
intuition what was in her mind.
You will think that speak in rld