River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-03-01

smooth as a mirror, cleaned like FURNISHED
gold. The week was the first of October,
and the air was cool, but not unpleasantly
So The thin smoke, rising from the Chin
neys Of the farm-houses; the clear water,
surging against the rock-ribbed coast; the
far-off tinkle of the herd bells, ringing
among the pastures and woods; the sharp
contrast of light and shade; the gun Of the
hunter, breaking the stiffness of the air, as
it frightened the sea birds from their haunt
along the shore; the fishing boats, dropping
one by one into the harbor, and the great
white steamer lying moored at her dock, all
made picture that indelhbly impressed
itself upon the mind Of Lydia.
Elegant cottages dotted the shores. The
Gulnares called Lyda's attention TO several
Of the more noted o. them Having viewed
those on the Ebay shore' and IN the village,
they next turned their gaze 70 tie ocean
shore" After pointing out several and
among them Eld-Field and Glen Gore, Miss
Gulnare remarked in connection with tho
two latter:
BY the way, both of these cottages were
taken about the beginning Of September by
two delightfully."- mysterious characters. At
Eld-Fiei3 IS a sort Of recluse in the shape OF
a young woman, whose name is said 70 DO
Miss ROchefort Be that as il may, she re-
the aunt Of Mr.. Arnold Fox, the other mys-
ferrous character. who is at Glen Gore-to-
gether with Mr.. Fox himself, are about the
only callers ever successful in getting an
interview with her. She frequently goes
out riding l have often caught a fleeing
glimpse OF her as she dashes yon her black
horse. She is certainly the most stunningly
beautiful brunette have ever seen. Some
gentleman-I see by the papers says she
bears a remarkably close resemblance TO
the Princess Natalie Radziwill''
''Ah, indeed" replied Lydia with marvel
lOus self-control "Quite a curious pair
they must be, these visitors at your resort.
l hope l shall have look at them"
''Can you tell me" said she, coolly chang
ing the conversation, ''what is that enor-
nous building in the village9"
She had thus accidentally learned what
she wished-all she wished Outwardly,
she was calm and cold, talking with patron
izing society commentator Of this, that and
the other point of beauty. But her brain
was in tumult. The worst, and far more
than the worst, was realized. Her present
iment was true
Upon two things she was resolved. Fair
fax must be seen. Natalie, too, must be
visited.
All! but he was clever, that Fairfax
How he had deceived her in all, except the
tell-tale blush How cunningly had he act
ed How skillfully managed his plansl
How completely thrown every one off the
track
What did she want nowl Was it re-
vengel All Mr.. Arthur Fairfax, here
you are, snugly ensconced in an out of the
way place, congratulating yourself upon
the fact that YOU are hidden safely where
none may find youl But l am here 1,
Lydia, who Reuer fail to carry out my Will
For the space of day or two, after her
arrival, Lydia went through with the usual
dOlngs of strangers at Bar Harbor.
OF course, she and her aunt Travelled with
a courier. This man had not been idle, dur
ing his short stay. According to Lydia'S
instructions, he had managed to secure
glimpse of both Miss Rochefort and Mr..
Fox The former he instantly recognized
as the Princess Natalie; the latter az the
gentleman he had frequently seen with
Mr.. Dick Oxford in the little Brittany vii
lage.
He conveyed the result Of his investiga-
tons to Lydia, who now became assured
that she was not about to attack the wrong
persons.
Her mind was resolved and, the next
morning. she informed Miss Gulnare Of this
resolution. She proposed "bearding the
lion in his denim other words, calling
upon Miss Rochefort and, If Miss Gulnare
would be kind enough to lend her village
cart for the occasion. it would constitute
her complete equipment for the onslaught
OF course, Miss Gulnare would only be
too glad to lend her the vehicle, but would
not Lady Lydia prefer going in the ba-
rOuche!
No, she wished to go quietly and alone in
the village-cart. SO, of she started, the
daring Lady Lydia, that closely-shut mouth
and flashing eye plainly showing that she
meant . business
The fates often guide us directly into luck
and cause US 10 profit by our very blunders.
Glen Gore-shere Lydia intended first
calling-and Eld-Field were adjoining, and
she made the very common mistake If talk
in- the one for the other. She entered into
the grounds of the latter just at the lsiioHe-
Deat of the scene between Natalie AMI Fair
fax.
When hedrOve up before the door The gar
dener was taking up some of the summer
plants. near by. She asked him . ring the
bell. He did so, and thereby altered the
fate Of Fairfax He had recalled Natalie to
her senses, and sent her flying upstairs to
her room, while he had also precluded any
turning back upon the part Of Fairfax.