Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-10-11
CHAPTER XIX.

When the Honorable Mr.. Fancourt
left Ivy Cottage after his proposal to
Miss Dalton, he might have been sup
posed to be a happy man. Everything
he had coveted seemed to be his; he had
succeeded in his woOing, and the wom-
an he had won he loved paSsiOnately,
desperately, as he had Said-sO deSper-
ately that he was prepared to dare all
TO gain possession of her. Yet at the
time he was frightened; opportunity
and his passion had led him on. and
now he would have to meet the conse-
quenceS. This reflection made him fly
as if pursued by some haunting tiend
after he had left Lena'S side that after
noon. He rode far and fast, diSmiSSing
the groom, whose presence troubled
him.
In old stories of necrOmancy it is re-
lated how the evil spirits COnjured up
first appear as nebulOuS mist, and
then gradually shape themselves into
forms of horror. 1t had been thus with
FancOurt. The mist had been gradu-
ally taking form, and now the thing
that presented itself before his eyes
made him quail. He could not help it,
he told himself; he was driven on by
circumstances; he could not control
events. He would rather have taken
straight path. if it would only have led
him whittier he vanted to 90; if it
would not so lead him, was it his fault?
He really felt himself cruelty treated
by fate. inasmUch as he seemed thrust
into crime. He had no enjoyment in
evil deeds; he was not cruel by nature
ON the contrary, it was absolutely
painful to him to inflict injury upon
others. But, if they stood in his way,
what could he do? Now, at any rate,
he had gone too far to recede; there
again fate had been unkind. If he had
not been left alone with Lena, he would
not have spoken rs he had; he would
only have felt his way. and waited to
see if some fOrtuitOuS occurrence would
help him; but now, on the contrary, cir
cumStanceS impelled him down the
dark road, and he must go on.
lie betrayed no traces of these per-
turbing thoughts, however, when he
called at Ivy Cottage on the following
day. He had a long and satisfactory
interview with Mrs. DaltOn-whO, al
though he could make no promises
with regard to settlements, seemed
quite content to trust to Lord Alphing-
tons geneTosity-and then had the graf
iticatiOn of being received by Lena
with sweet smiles. Mrs. Dalton had
taken care to hold out before her daugh-
ter's eyes all the brilliant advantages
of the conquest she had made, and UNI
der this influence Lena had, to all out
ward seeming, recovered her equanimi-
ty. She liked being tlattered and ca
resSed; she liked the soft places of the
world; and, if the little drawback eX-
listed of not being able to feel affection
for the man who was about to set her
on the pinnacle of her aspirations. she
must submit. She could not expect to
have everything her own way. Thus
her reasoning did not differ very widely
from that of her betrothed.
Some time elapsed, and the rousseau
was in active preparation, when Lena
found an opportunity to express her de-
sire to have the antique opal ring imi-
tated. FancOurt was willing enough
to crafty this or any other eXtravagant
wish of hers. and appointed the follow
ing afternoon, when he would call in
his brOugham for Mrs. Dalton and
Lena, and take them to the jewelers.,
where Lena might give her directions.
1t therefore happened on this afternoon
that Bertha was left alone, much to her
relief.
The more she saw of Fancourt. the
more thoroughly she diSliked him. He
filled her with fear. She scarcely knew
how to bear the idea that the happiness
of one she truly loved should he intruSt-
ed to his keeping. She was weary also
of the everlasting talk of clothes and
jewels and furniture, as if naught else
connected itself with this momentous
step in life. The girls slept in adjoin-
ing rooms. and it had been their custom
to meet in one or other of the rooms
while brushing their hair, to have a
sisterly chat about the events of the
day. But now Lena shut herself in,
and refused to talk under pretenSe Of
being tired, so that Bertha. excluded
from her sisters confidence, was dOubly
anxious. and also lonely, though her
taste and her active fingers were called
into constant requisitiOn for advice and
help.
Finding herself at liberty for an hour,
she opened the piano. Scarcely had she
Struck few chords, however, when
Douglas came in. She sprang up to
meet him, glad look upon her face.
She liked him much, and had never felt
the want of little genial companion
ship more than at that moment.
do | disturb your" he said, holding
the hand she held out to him
''Oh, no, not in the least!' she re-
piled, with bright smile. Il am so
glad to see you. have some new songs
here; you shall give me your opinion of
them, if you like
Douglas did like; he delighted in
hearing Bertha sing. When she had
ended, she turned round the music
stool on which she sat. so as to face
him. After making some remark upon
the music, Douglas said:
"Nlll you be very angry with me if
ask question on a subject that seems
to be no business of mine?"
Il don, { think | am likely to be angry
with you. What is it," inquired Ber-
tina.
As I came along / saw Mrs. and
Miss Dalton in 4 carriage with Mr. Fan
court. Is there anything serious in
that quarterg' Douglas looked grave
as he made the inquiry.
Most Serious Bertha replied. II
don't think l need hesitate to tell you
that my sister is engaged to Mr.. Fam
court"
Indeed, Has il come to that?" he
exclaimed; and his countenance wore
troubled, perpleXed look very unusual
with him.
You brighten me, Mr.. Douglas"
Bertha said, in alarm; you know
something of Mr.. Faucourt?H
Il know nothing of him personally
in fact have seen him but once before,
and that was when l met him here By
accident few weeks ago; and yet I
wish this had been otherwise" Douglas
returned.
Douglass tone more than his words
alarmed Bertha
Il am sure you know more than you
like to tell me- she said. Pray speak
~,,s -
Douglas arose from his chair, and
went TO the window. as if to collect his
thoughts.
ct - t,a
said. as he came back and resumed bis