The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1888-03-01

the FTlnCcSS lNdu 0G Hdu CNeu ulFcu W HUp5
for, and-far above all.-had been honorcd
by moe than passing glance from her.
A wild delirium Of JOY came over him.
The turn in the tide Of his life had, a. last.
come He would take it.
Abandoning himself to the delight Of the
moment, he wnltzcd as he had never waited
before ard found a worthy companion In
Lydia, who moved through the dance with
marvellous ease and grace. Neither had
ever before met with such a partner. Their
dancing was 50 remarkable that all the
others paused to watch them. The orches>
ira was inspired and the music transport
ingly sweet.
In the case Of Fairfax, this display was
simply . vent to his suddenly aroused and
violent fceling-the expression Of passion
ate joy. With the girl it was the effort of q
mircd. al,cays accustomed to easy conquest
and fiattery, she was, from the first, an
noyed by the lack Of interest which this
stranger displayed. It was something new
to her. Conquest had begotten In her the
love Of conquest. All men paid homage to
her She expected and liked their flattcry,
and yet, dcspiscd them for it. She had now
to deal with strange and mysterious type
Of character. This man not only failed to
admire her but, also, was scarcely civil.
Her attention was Immediately attracted
and her love of conquest aroused. She de-
tcrmincd to conquer; but in cndcavoring to
interest, she, herself, became interested,
and, recognizing the fact, grew angry with
horsclf for this weakness. She was an
noyed with herself, because Of the little
pang awakened at the effect Of Natalie's ap-
pearance upon Fairfax. She tried to laugh
her uncomfortable feeling away, but In
vain.
AT last, she determined TO find out why
Fairfax had become 80 en- barrasscd by
Natalic's presence. Now that the latter had
gone, Lydias cavalier was himself again.
She had no rival. He was hers at least,
for tho time being, and she resolved 70
make the most Of her opportunity
Always an admirable dancer, she put
forth extraordinary efforts to Guido herself.
With Fairfax, all was unconscious abandon.
mcnt to the moment. His spirits infected
hers. The music was rayishing. In q
dream they seemed to float around the room
Passing by one Of the windows, he dexter.
ously guided her toward it, and, arm in
arm, by tacit consent, they passed out, on
TO the balcony.
Fountains played softly around them In
the moonlight. The delicate, subtle per
| fumc Of flowers was waited by, on thu
balmy air. The music, softcncd by dis
tancc, was breath OF poesy and tender
ness, while the glorious moonlight glittcrci
and shimmcred through the patterlng leave.
| overhead.
This was her opportunity. But il wa.
his, too. Her will was no longer predomi
| nant. She was half in love with, and mos
decidedly interested in. this original, strange
| fellow. She could not dcciphcr him; We
knew that he was worthicr, better and fal
| more to be respected than the society fop.
who had hitherto surrounded her.
| On the other hand, he simply admired :
magnificent creature. That wee all. y, /
had cold -bloodedly formed plan That pl;..
required the assistance of the Lady Lydia.
He was himself again; sclf-posscssed
| knowing what he wanted, what were til,
best methods by which to obtain it; and
above all, thoroughly self-rcliant.
Lydia, on the contrary, seemed to hav.
lost her usual oplomb and kccnncss. Sh,
realized that he was more than match fol
her, and that lcr will must submit to his
this time, at least.
| With a sigh, she awaited his remarks.
$50 the Princess Natalie is your friends'
asked he, boldly opening the battle.
Eyes, my dearest friend,n she answered
half-sadly, her large, thoughtful eyes, al
the time, quietly observing the effect Of hel
| words.
.Poor Natalushla! She lost her brother
recently. and has never quite recovered
from the blow. Hers is a strong, affection
ate nature that, loving once, loves for
ever"
i
Lydia could see the CLEAN In her com
panion's eyes as she said this
.She is spending her summer here, bu
leaves soon for Lake Maggiorc. where he
family is staying. 1t was there her brothc
was killed. For that reason. she great.
| dislikes the place. Her stay there is alway
short. She lives very quietly here al,
avoids society. She came tonight, solely i
| crafty the Marquis and his wife"
But" said she, suddenly. observing hoy
eagerly he was listening, and thinking tina
he had forgotten himself, IF you don't know
her, why were you SO disturbed at her sud
den appearance on the stairss"
Fairfax was on his guard in an instant
.'Oh!" replied he, with clcyerly- uttere
sigh and quite truthfullv and natural,
ssonly because she reminded me of o recen
little incident in my career
rs that incident o secrct." inquired she
archly.
II think it scarcely worth while relating,
answered he, with faint smile.
"Well,n said Lydia, shrewdly droppin
the subject, ito return to Natalie. one cffce
Of her brothers death upon her is that sh
shuns not only society but, in every wa,