Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-02-03
CHAPTER xvI-Ar THE GRAND OPERA

CHAPTER IVI-AT THE GRAND OPERA.
II was after the second act of Faust" at
the Paris Grand Opera, and among the
well-dressed crowd that poured down TO
the STliC, was a group, one of which at
traCtcd universal attention. This was q
very young girl, dressed entirely in cream
white, who leaned on the arm of man
somewhere between siX-and-thirty and
forty-an almost ludicrous contrast in
every respect to his beautiful companion;
for whereas she was tall, slender, and del
icato to fraglity in appearance, with that
wonderful purity of skin and clear brill
ianry of eye which is the lot of some favor.
ed few of Ewes daughters, he was barely
above the medium height, of robust build,
and somewhat heavy in fcature-a gentle
mau-there could be no doubt on that
point-but OF the type which is peculiarly
one had almost said obstreperously-
English
The other members of tho group were
two ladies; one middle aged, rather prim
in carriage and dress, and bearing a strong
resemblance to the gentleman; and the
other older, but not looking 40 handsome,
stylish, and richly attired.
"'Beauty and the Beast" whispered
witty and morciless Frenchman to another,
as they both stared hard at the girl. "HeI
father eh."
"Bctc, fathers do not look at their daugh-
tiers as he was looking just now at made
moiseller
"CteU is that goddess destined for such
man? Oh, the irony of fate.'
Man and girl passed on; the latter, scarce
ly noticing now-she was SO used to it,
the attention she excited said, archly:
''Mr. Lawforl, you promised me you
would do me serviCe-which | would not
name then-when we left the box"
Whatever the service is, l will do it,
Miss Herbert" replied Aston Lawford.
Then please try and get me a London
evening paper. You will be able to find
one surely in one of the kiosqueS near here
"Oh, yes. Is that the only service 1 can
do your"
For the present, yes, returned Valerie,
smiling. Stay, get me all the English
evening papers they have. Am not greedy
for war uewsS"
You are a soldiers daughter. Besides,
you know so many out there, don't your"
"A good many. Now go, please, or you
will miss the opening OF the third act"
That would not matter, II were doing
your bidding"
that would be worse"
She slipped her hand from his arm, anu
Aston Lawford hurried away.
What errand have you sent Mr.. Law
ford about, Nalerie?' asked her aunt
ITO get some evening papers" replied
mademoiSelle, playing with her fan.
Mrs. Langley smiled to herself. Aston
Lawford, reputed millionaire, and certain
~ immensely rich, was clearly cpris with
the portionleSs beauty; and she, whether
she perceived this or not, made him do her
bidding.
The party had returned to their logo, and
the curtain had risen on the third act,
when Lawford, with an Euening Standard,
Globe, and an early Telegraph special"
came back.
Valerie's eyes flashed rs she saw his
trophies.
"Oh, thanks!' she said, in an eager I'm
dertone; that is feast! l hope you had
not TO take much troubles''
If had would not grudgc it." he an
swered, taking his place beside her.
You ought notr' retorted the girl. sauci-
". "Chut! We must not talk; but must
look at the kilograms"
Let me.' said Lawford, taking the pa
pers from her and opening them at the
centre pages.
The girls heart beat fast as she looked
at the Standard kilograms. There had
been no fighting where Max B.auregard
was, but some skirmishing elsewhere. The
Telegraph and the Globe told the same
tale, and she drew a silent breath of relief
She could put aside fuller reading for the
present, until she was alone; and feeling
secure that he, at any rate, was safe, she
gave her undivided attention to the opera:
while Lawford who did not care much for
any music, thought a great deal more about
the beautiful girl at his side than about
the SORROWS OF Margherita.