The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-01-20
BERTHA DALToN'S TRIUMPH.
THE HISTORY OF AN OPAL RING.
CHAPTER XXI.

Mrs. Dalton had been expecting Sir
Stephen and Lady Langley to call, but
1t caused her no surprise when Sir
Stephen appeared by himself. Nor did
Sir Stephens grave face and serious
manner alarm her. She was quite
aware that her future son-in-law was
no greater favorite with the Langleys
than with Lord AlphingtOn, and that 1t
was with an Ill grace Sir Stephen was
prepared to act the parental part and
give Lena away.
Mrs. Dalton sat in her usual seat, Sir
Stephen placing himself opposite to
her. Sir Stephen, for once in his life,
felt somewhat embarrassed.
Il am afraid" he began, that what
l have come to tell you will cause great
distress; but it must be told. / wish,
my dear madam, could now feel as
sured that Madelina's affections are not
set on this marriage; yet only yester-
day, when we came up to town, Id have
given a good deal to know that they
WERE"
What has happened, Sir Stephen"
cried the poor lady, thoroughly fright.
ened. What is 1t you are going to tell
me? Surely not that Lord Alphington
has withdrawn his consent? Or has
Mr.. Fancourt-no, he would not think
of breaking off-he is so very much in
love with Lena"
Mrs. Dalton's voice began to culver.
Sir Stephen really pitied her, though
he had never felt any great respect for
his friends widow.
IF the engagement has to be broken,
it is by no act Of Lord Alphington's, I
assure you, Mrs. Dalton. l asked the
question about the real state of Lenas
affections because it will be we'll if the
separation from her betrothed, which
has now become necessary, will not be
80 great grief to her as might have
been feared"
"Separation--nec gasped Mrs.
Dalton. What can you mean, Sir
"The man who called himself Fan
court has proved an impostor," Sir
Stephen replied. "IIe is not Lord Alph-
ington's grandsonl"
Mrs. Dalton gave little shrek.
"Do you mean to say that Mr.. Fan
court is not Mr.. Fancourtp" she ex-
claimed. "Oh, the villain to come here
and propose to my poor Lena. And
now--oh, what shall VIC do? And the
very weddng-breakfast ordered!"
You know how truly sorry Lady
Ian rley and were that this engage
ment should have taken place." said Sir
Stephen; land now certainly poor Lena
is placed in most painful position.
Bat hope, when you know all, you will
at least feel thankful that matters have
gone no further. The real name Of this
scoundrel is Sedley, and he is a married
man" @ -A
Again Mrs. Dalton shrieked.
1T is Observation-Disclosures she cried.
"Oh, my poor, precious Lena-it will
kill mel"
Mrs. Dalton became more and more
distressed as she had time to take 1t all
In. Her tears became uncomfortable.
All the brilliant prospects in which she
had INDUCED faded away. What could
she say to her friendsp What would
become Of Lenap 1t was indeed too hard
to bear.
"You are acquainted with the young
man who Ia the real Mr.. Fancourt,"
said Sir Stephen, striving to turn his
companions mind from the contempla-
ton Of her woes.
Mrs. Dalton made no reply. She
crushed.
A., :" on have hitherto known him under
continued,
| st. Lawrence" exclaimed the Door
lady, with returning animation. her
cheeks flushing. "Then everybody ia
turning out to be somebody else! How
y one to know? Are you sure. Sir
Stepheny" 0' '''
Yes, We are sure this time,n Sir
Stephen answered, surprised by the
sudden change in her manner.
! well, / always liked Mr.. st. Law.
renee; always said there was some,