Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-03-06
CHAPTER XXI.

Lord and Lady Mo. tbarry were recelyea by the houselleeeper, the manager being ab- sent for a day or two on business connected with the affairs of tho hotel.
 Tho rooms reserved for tho travellers, on the first floor, were three in number, consist ing of two bedrooms opening into each other, and communicating on the left with a draw ing room. Complete so far, the arrangements proved to be less satisfactory in reference to the third bedroom required for Agnes and for the eldest daughter of Lord Montba1ry, who usually slept with her on their travels Tho bed chamber on the right of the drawing room was already occupied by an English widowlady. Other bed chambers at the other end of the corridor were also let in every case. There was, accordingly, no alternative but to place at the disposal of Agnes 0 con- fortable room on the second floor Lady Montbarry vainly complained of t-is separa- ton of ono of the members of her travelling party from the rest. The housekeeper politely hinted that it was impossible for her to ask other travellers to give up their rooms. She could only express her regret, and assure Miss Lockwood that her bed chamber on the sec ond floor was one of the best rooms in that part of the hotel.
 On the retirement of the housekeeper Lady Montbarry noticed that Agnes seated herself apart, feeling apparently moi interest in the question of the bedrooms. Was she ill! No; she felt little uunerved by the railway jour- pey. and that was all. Hearing this, Lord Montbarry proposed that she should go out with him and try the experiment. of balf an hours walk ill the cool air. Agnes gladly ac- cepted the suggestion. They directed their steps toward the square St. Mark, so as to en- joy the breeze blowing over the lagoon. It was the first visit of Agnes to Venice. The fasci. nation of the wonderful city of the waters ex- erted its full influence over her sensitive na- ture. The proposed half hour of the walk had passed away and was fast expanding to half an hour more before Lord Montbarrv could persuade his companion to remember that dinner was waiting for them. As they re- turned, passing under the colonnade, neither of them noticed a lady in-deep mourning lettering in the open space of the square, She started as she recognized Agnes walking with the new Lord Montbarry, hesitated for mo- ment and then followed them, at O discreet distance, back to the hotel.
 Lady Montbarry received Agnes in high spirits with news of an event which had hap pened ill her absence.
 She had not left the hotel more than ten minutes before little note in pencil was brought to Lady Montbarry by the house. keeper. The writer proved to be no less person than the widow lady who occupied the room on the other side of the drawing room which her ladyship had vainly hoped to se- cure for Agnes. Writing under the name of Mrs. James, the polite widow explained that she had heard from the houselSeeper of the disappointment experienced by Lady Mont barry in the matter of the rooms. Mrs. James was quite alone; and, us long as her bedchamber was airy and comfortable, it mattered nothing to her whether she slept on the first or the second floor of the house. She had accordingly much pleasure ill proposing to change rooms with Miss Lockwood Her luggage had already been removed, and Miss Lockwood had only to take possession of the room (No. 13A), which was now entirely at her disposal.
 "I immediately proposed to see Mrs. James" !" Lady Montbarry continued, land to thank her personally for her extreme kindness. But I was informed that she had gone out, with out leaving word at what hour she might be expected to return. 1 have written a little note of thanks, saying that we hope to have the pleasure of personally expressing our sense of Mrs. James courtesy tomorrow. In the meantime, Agnes, have ordered your boxes to be removed downstairs. Go and judge for yourself, my dear, if that good lady has not given up to you the prettiest room in the house."
 With these words Lady Montbarry left Miss Lockwood to make hastv toilet for dinner
 The new room at once produced favor able impression on Agnes The large window, opening into a balcony, commanded an admirable view of the canal. Tue decora- tions on the walls and ceilings were carefully copied from the exquisitely graceful designs of Raphael III the Vatican. The massive wardrobe possessed compartments of un- | usual size, in which double the number of | dresses that Agnes possessed might have con- | veniently hung at full length. In the inner | corner of the room, near the head of the bed- | stead, there was q recess which had been turned into little dressing room, and which l opened by second door on tue inferior stair
 case of the hotel, commonly nsed by the ser wants. Noticing these aspects of the room
 at glance, Agnes made the necessary change
 in her dress as quickly as possible. On her way back to the drawing room she was ad
 dressed by chambermaid in the corridor,
 who asked for the key. 'I will put yocl room tidy for the night, miss," the woman
 said. "and will then bring the key back tc l you in tho drawing room."
 ID Ba CONTINUED.