Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-10-25


At one O'Clock the following day Lord
Alphington's carriage, as had been
agreed, arrived for the ladies. Mrs.
Dalton was in high spirits Lena and
Bertha were both rather subdued,
though their seriousness had a different
source.
my dear Lena, how delightful this
is!'' cried Mrs. Dalton. as they rolled
along in the elegant open landau. Il
always told you that if you held your
head high enough you would ride in
your own carriage; now didn't l, my
love?n
Il told Bertha l was born to achieve
greatness she didn't believe me-"
Lena replied.
Il don't think I said you wouldn't
achieve greatness" said Bertha; but
only that thought there were things
more worthy of achievement.
How silly you are, Bertha-just like
your poor father!n said Mrs. Dalton.
ut is well l have one daughter, at any
rate, who has common sense"
Pray don't let US show ourselves so
very exuberant to-day, mamma said
Lena, a little pettishly. Lord Alph-
ingtOn might not think it in good taste.
Bertha's philosophy will stand her in
good stead. She won't be at all over
powered by any amount of grandeur
she may see."
perhaps not overpowered,'' said Ber-
tina, laughingly But don't you think
[ delight in having beautiful objects
about me as much as you do? There
are, however, something's value more
that is ALL"
In spite of Lena's determination not
to 60 into ecStacieS. she could not quite
fnr. l+a+I OF No Il
that opened before her view in Magnus
Square. Certainly the contrast to the
narrow and somewhat dull life she had
previously led was enough to tempt a
stronger mind than Lena DaltOn'S.
The powdered footmen in their rich
Gyeries, moving about nOiselessly like
so many machines wound up to do their
masters bidding; the sumptuOus lunch
con table, with its array of plate and
its decorations of exquisite dollhouse
flowers; the lofty suites of rooms
through which Mrs. Dalton and her
daughters were conducted, with their
mirrors and gliding, and paintings Ia
Vatican, and satin hangings, all faded
now, but still gorgeous to eyes unused
to the lavish display of wealth-all this
turned Lena rather dizzy. She had
looked forward to it all; and yet, now
that it had come, she could not realize
the fact that it was really to be hers,
but seemed walking as if in dream.
you must select the colors you pre-
fer, my dear" said Lord Alphington to
her, as they stood in the spacious draw
ing-roOm. Il see these rooms must be
entirely redecorated- they shall be
begun at once. This crimson is not the
most becoming color to one so fair as
you, think, he continued, feeling as
IF lifted f,ny,, hi hood in q
prospect of the new interest opening
out before him.
I'VE have always considered blue one
of Lena'S cOlorS," announced Mrs. Dali
ton.
II don't think l should like blue for
town house, mamma" Lena inter-
posed. Il think [ should prefer green
"a subdued sea-green; it would har-
monte with plenty of gliding, and that
always lights up we'll"
Lena felt more at home as they went
on to discuss details. Bertha took no
part in the conversation, but followed
the others silently, amusing herself the
while with examining the beautiful
works of art and objects of Uirtu scat
tered about the rooms.
"These are the rooms I have always
occupied when i'll town since this house
has ceased to be home to me, and
these | think of retaining for my own
use," said Lord Alphington, with a
heavy sigh, as, crossing a landing, he
opened door leading to several rooms
at the back of the house.
The first of these was fitted up as a
library. They had no sooner entered it
than the crimson blood rushed to Lena'S
cheeks and brow.
"Oh, Bertha-look!" she cried.
Bertha, glancing toward the point to
which her sister directed her attention,
started. She also blushed and then
turned pale, while a film of moisture
came over her eyes and blurred the OBJ
iect she looked at.
To be continued.