Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-08-30


ribbon, and then took in hand her SIS
ter's more abundant tresses. Splendid
hair it was, silky and golden, and fit
ting crown did the rich plaits form TO
the beautiful face.
''There-now hurry, Lena" Bertha
said, as the gong sounded for the first
time; 81 shall be ready in five minutes"
"kon they entered the drawing
room they found the party consisted of
the Rector Of the parish and a young
mIdshipman, protege of Sir Stephens,
who was introduced as Frank Holcroft.
what stupid set2" Lena whispered
to her sister, as they awaited the sum-
mons to dinner.
During dinner Bertha completely
won the young sailors heart by listen
ing with interest to his experiences of
seattle. The Rector's conversation
turned upon Lord Alphington.
1t is grievous thing he said. ''now
Lord CiidIIOnt and Doth mis- boys are
dead, that it cannot be discovered
whether Mr.. Fancourt left a legitimate
son; if not. you see, the title will be-
come extinct"
That was sad affair."" Lady Lang
ley remarked, land believe Lord Alph-
ington has found out since that his son
was not so much to blame as he at first
supposed. 1t broke Lady Alphington's
was her favorite son."
rs it true that a claimant has APP
peared?" the Rector asked.
Il believe So" Lady Langley return
ed. but Lord Alphington does not
like to say much about it till the proofs
the young man has brought forward
have been examined; he is afraid of
| feel quite anxious
70 h 1Icanynryr ha aH
grandson, to whom he could attach
himself, would add so much to the hap
piness of his old age. He is very lonely"
1T is very odd that Mr.. Fancourt
never made his marriage known to his
father, if he was married." said the
Rector.
ut is likely that the woman he mar
ried-if he did marry, but there has al
ways been doubt upon that point
was of lower rade. Probably he was
afraid of incre asing his fathers dis
then he died SO sud-
denly"
'Ah, poor young MANI calculated
the clergyman. Il remember him well
"a fine, handsome young fellow, but
wanting in ballast. Did you ask me if
l met StOdgers the other day, Sir Steph-
en-? Yes, and he was as obstinate as
ever"
The conversation then drifted to
parish matters, and soon after the ladies
left the table.
In the evening Bertha enjoyed long
talk about old times with Lady Lang
ley, and then sung ballad after ballad to
please her old friend, Sir Stephen. Her
voice was a sweet meZzO-soprano, not
very powerful, but she sung with taste
and feeling
Lena would not sing; she was tired,
she said. She sat down to a game of
chess with the Rector, but scarcely
cared to conceal that she found it dull.
IF this is to be the usual round, L
shall be sorry we came" said Lena,
when she and Bertha went to their
rooms at night. Two pleasant rooms
they were, with windows looking on to
the garden behind, and a door COM
nicating. This they left open.
"Oh, Lena, | think it's delightful"
said Bertha. But I'll tell you some
thing. Lord Alphington and a lot of
people are coming to dine on Tuesday,
and then you will have an opportunity
of trying your powers of fascination"
ION old Lord Alphington. Thanks"
returned Lena. Il should as soon
think of trying them upon that young
mo, you mustn't do that. I can't
spare him; he's nice little fellow, and
| flatter myself that L completed my
conquest on singing 'Black-Eyed SUI
San,' ," Bertha observed, laughing, as
she shook down her hair.
''HOw you could think of singing
that ridiculous old song passes my un-
said Lena.
tNSIr StppbnD asked for II and II WAC
a favorite of papa S, " explained Bertha.
She hummed softly to herself as she
continued her preparations for the
night. She felt happier than she could
quite account for to herself, notwith-
the meeting with kind old
friends, and the prospect of nearly
week of freedom III the country.
1t was the custom in the village to
ring the church bells for half an hour
at eight O'Clock on Sunday morning, to
call the good people from their beds.
AS Bertha threw open her window the
sound of the chimes, softened by dis
lance, and rising and falling on the
breeze, fell pleasantly on her ear. Ber-
tina was already dressed. She leaned
from the window little while, enjoy
ing the morning air; and then she
reused Lena.
ii. u.
ut is such lovely day"
Il wonder whether there will be any
thing worth getting up for" remarked
Lena, with a yawn. Don't 90 away,
Bertha; | shall never be ready unless
you help me-"
Bertha gOod-naturedly remained,
though she would gladly have gone into
the garden, and the two sisters descend
ed to the brCakfaSt-rOOm together in
time for family prayers.
The party walked to church. Sir
Stephen never allowed the carriage to
be taken out on a Sunday, except in
case of absolute necessity. The short
est way led through q wood, forming
part of Alphington Park, where "A foot
path ran, communicating with the high
road on either side by stile. In going,
Sir Stephen drew Bertha's arm within
his, and walked off with her, the others
following.
Il want to speak to you, little Ber-
tina" he said. Il want you to tell me,
frankly, and openly, what you are do
ing"
Bertha had no motive for conceal
ment, so she described to her kind old
friend their mode of life at home.
"dumphl'' said Sir Stephen. II don't
like it. There ought to be enough with
out your giving lessons, and with work
enough about the house, I'll warrant.
\ Ou're doing too much. | cannot allow
it. | cannot let you lose your gay spir-
its and your bloom"
The tears sprung to Bertha's eyes at
the kindness of the old mans tone. She
was easily moved by any manifestation
Of affection.
Indeed, Sir Stephen" she began, but
be interrupted her.
'NOw listen to what | say" he went
on. Il may speak as one having au-
thority, being your godpapa, and your
oldest friend. Lady Langley and [
have been talking things over. We
have no children of our own, and we
want you to come and be a daughter to
us. That is, if you think you could be
happy with two such old folk"
Happy! Oh, yes, | am sure l could
be happyl" Bertha replied How good
you and Lady Langley are to think of
me in that way! Thank you a thousand
times. but l could not leave mamma
and Lena"
Il don't quite see the force of that
said Sir Stephen. But I'll
tell you what. know you couldn't
give up your pupils at moments no
tice-no Sinking duty for you or me,
Bertha. eh? But Mrs. Dalton and you
girls must come down in the autumn
for long visit, and then Wen talk it
over. Not another word now" he add
ed as Bertha was about to speak; and
indeed there was no time for further
as they had already reached
the churchyard gate.
The road they had come out upon, af-
hn % No