Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-04-12
CHAPTER xxx1x.-A GAME OF CHESS.

joined the other riders.
CHAPTER XXXIX.-A GAME OF CHESS.
Another ten days made Mrs Langley's
hopes in regard to Valerie sink tovery few
degrees above freezing point. She certain
" did nothing, but rather the contrary, TO
win Max Beauregard's homage; she f1irted
with Lord Westbrook and Major Travers,
with the former principally, and left the
field entirely open for LiliaS Dudley and
Angela Musgrave; nor did Colonel Beaure-
gard seek Valerie, that was clear, though
even astute Mrs. Langley could not per-
ceive that he avoided the girl Angela on
the other hand, was not slow to profit by
her opportunities, ably assisted by her sis
ter: and Valerie seemed perfectly unmoved,
quite willing to allow Angela ga walk
oyer''-a consummatiOn of which, how
ever. Mrs. Langley had no fear. Angela
Musgrave was not a girl Max Beauregard
would have selected if Valerie had never
been born. But what possessed Valerie to
fling away the very opportunity for which
she had rejected Aston Lawford?
Mrs. Langley was beginning to grow an
CRY, impatient. Was it possible that Va
lerie still cherished Louis memory? Alb
surd! And yet, she reflected, anything
seemed possible with this extraordinary
girl.
II must speak to herr' said Mrs. Lang
ley to herself II thought things would
right themselves, but it doesn't seem as if
they would and if there is risk in speak
ing, there is certainty Of failure if matters
go on as at present. She can't be falling
in love with Westbrook no girl would look
at him with Max Beauregarl by"
1t CHANGED one morning that. as Mrs.
Langley was breakfasting in her dressing
room about eleven o'clock, Valerie over
whose shortcomings her aunt was musing
at the moment. came in, after a prelimin-
airy tap.
''Aunt Constance" said she, seating her
self, not on the couch, but on the head of
it, Lady Elinor wants to know if you
would like a drive in the park by-and-by
1t is not bit hot out, even for you!"
"Yesr' said Mrs Langley. Il should,
very much. But what are you doing?"
glancing at an open book in the girls hand.
'And where are all the others?"
Valerie held up the book, laughing.
do you see the title?" she said. "'Beg-
gar my Neighbor'-a lovely novel! have
been ensconced in the library for an hour
reading this; and when leave here I am
going on with it, The others-let ne see.
Oh! Harry Dallas and Amy, they're al
ways together, those two are on the ter
race. Westbrook, Trayers, Lady Elinor,
Mrs. Dudley" counting on her fingers,
''are playing lawn-tennis;and Colonel Beau
regard is on the terrace apart from the
other two, of courseD teaching Angela
TO play chess. At least, he was half an
hour ago."
And what on earth y said Mrs. Langley,
exceedingly annoyed by this last piece Of
intelligence, 'tmakes you withdraw your
self from all the rest in this way?"
Il wanted to read!' said Valerie, swing
ing her foot backward and forward. ''And
one can't read and chatter, tOo!'
"You don't come to a country-house to
sit in the library and read. You, of all
peoplep'
Il, of all people" returned Valerie, cool
ly, want a little time to myself now and
then. am bothered to deathr'
THE penalty beauty always has to pay
my dear. You certainly" said Mrs. Lang
ley, tartly, don't seem TO find Westbrook
disagreeable.
Valerie laughed but drew in her breath.
She knew this was only skirmishing, the
attack would come by-and-by.
Il like Westbrook," said she, The is aw-
full fun; and 1 can't fiirt much with Dallas,
because Of Amy"
Mrs. Langley slipped her chocolate for a
moment in silence; then she asked, abrupt
ly:
''Who proposed the chess, Angela or
Beauregard?"
angela, think!'' indifferently She'll
never learnH' added Valerie. with another
laugh.
Nonsense! You don't supposesfor an
instant that Max Beauregard cares for An
gela!"
No, Valerie did not. Somehow, that kiss
pressed on her hand, more than a week
ago, chung to it still; the thought of it made
her heart beat and her veins glow now;
yet she answered, carelessly:
mot now, but he may; and Angela likes
himr'
"And pray, Valerie, is it on her account
that you do all you can to assure Colonel
Beauregard that you are absolutely indif-
ferent to him"'
Valerie looked straight at her aunt; there
was dangerous glitter in her eyes; other
wise, only little culver of the nostrils, a
SeUllIilS VI CuS uIl1 IIpS, HOUulQg more.
Mrs. Langley returned the look for mo-
ment, but it never wavered.
The elder lady spoke again:
valerie, let us understand each ether
clearly: am | to suppose that you still have
any affection for Louis Charteris?'
Il always had an affection for himr'
"No jesting, Valerie; you know what I
mean
"Inever did love himr' said Valerie,
chat was mistaken
Waller e-fOrglve ne-you are answering
me truly?"
"Quite truly" was the quietreply. "Now
may go back to my book?"
Mrs. Langley paused for moment, and
reflected that 1t might be wiser to say no
more at present. She had ascertained one
valuable fact-that Valerie did not care
for Louis Charters. 1t would be better to
leave other matters ''to a more convenient
season." The girl was certainly djffciIe;
was she an incorrigible coquette, or were
there some secret springs of action which
she (N1rs. Langley could not detect? She
had thrown over Aston Lawford for Max
Beauregard, and now she seemed to cast
aside the prize she had played for.
Yes, you may go now said Mrs. Lang
ley. And tell Lady Elinor l shall be
very pleased to join her about twelve
o'clock"
Valerie went off, with still that light in
her eyes; she needed to hear no more TO
know all that was left unsaid.
She stepped out on the terrace. on her
way to the lawn. There were the groups
she had left half an hour ago. Dallas and
Amy, still walking up and down; Colonel
Beauregard and Angela, half in light, half
in shadow, the chess-table between them.