Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-09-06

by piles of logs on the dog-hearth, and
still decorated by suits OF armor. an
toue Weapons, and Stags' heads and
other trophies of the chase. Most Of
the rooms were hung with velvet of
subdued crimson; the paintings on the
walls We're choice and Valuable; the or
namentS consisted of rare pieces of
majolica or Sevres china, and of exquis-
lte works of art in the way of marbles
and hronzes; while the effect of light
and space was increased by an abund-
ance or mirrors. Such was Lord Alph-
ington'S home; and here he warmly re-
ceived his expected guests.
The luncheon-hour passed pleasantly
for all, excepting Bertha, who sat on
thorns. After luncheon Iori Alphing-
ton led the way TO the picture gallery.
This extended along the first door at
the back of the house, one side being
almost entirely of glass, the low win
dows being merely separated by broad
piers, against which stood antique cab
metS OF various kinds, supporting vases,
candelabra, and other objects of rir1i.
From the windows a view was OBJ
tanned of the magnificent flower gard
ems, with fountains and statues, and
moSalc-ilke parterreS. The opposite
wall of the gallery was principally occu-
pied by family portraits. Here frowned
a warrior in coat of mail, there a de-
mure lady in Golf and Stomacher looked
out from the canvas. Further down,
the stately presence of a courtier of
Charles the FirSt'S time was portrayed
by Nmdyke, and near TO him Simpered
a shepherdeSS, in loose robe and tlow-
ing hair, by Sir Peter I.ely.
Underneath the pictures, here and
there, stood massive tables, and heavy
carved chairs covered with brocade or
needlework traced by the fair hands
probably of some Of these pictured
danes. The length of this gallery
formed charming promenade, and had
been a taVorlte resort of many genera
tons of FmcourtS. Here state secrets
had been discussed and political move
ments determined on. Here loye-stories
had been whispered and fond fancies
woven, and hearts had throhbed that
had long ago crumhled into dust; and
here children had raced in their glee
who had since grown old and gray, and
had passed away, leaving another gem
Grafton to make the old halls reSound
with song and laughter.
Lord Alphington appeared in won-
derfully good spirits; he laughed at Sir
Stephens jokes. and entered with in
teTeSt into his description of proposed
alterations at the Larches, giving ad-
vice and suggestions. When they went
into the gallery, he took an opportunity
of drawing Bertha aside; he had no
ticed that during luncheon she had
looked grave, as If something troubled
her.
You are not looking well, j." he said,
in his kind manner, as they stood to-
gether in the recess of one of the win
dows. "Do you feel tired? Would you
rather rest?'
"Oh, no: l am not at all tired, thank
you" said Bertha; but have had bad
news. l am grieved to say that the
ring is lost again-StOlen, as it seems"
Her lips guivered as she spoke; she
found it difficult to keep back tears; she
felt altogether so veXed and disap-
pointed.
Lost againln exclaimed Lord Alph-
ington in surprise. "EIow is that2n
Bertha drew her mothers letter from
her pocket. 1t was written, rs We're all
Mrs. Dalton's letters, without much Sc
quence as to the order of events, and
without single stop from beginning to
end; moreover. it was penned in an
illegible pointed hand, and any circum-
stance she had to relate called forth re-
Elections of which no one else could see
the relevancy. In order therefore to
give Lord AlphingtOn clear notion of
what had occurred, as far as she could
understand it herself, Bertha had to
pick out bits of her mothers letter here
and there and put them together.
1t seemed that, on the very morning
Bertha had sent the telegram to request
that the ring should be forwarded, an
elderly widow lady had called on Mrs.
Dalton to inquire about the character
of a servant. 1t appeared-sO Bertha
n111n -thut hnr nNpfhnr nnI thn
strange lady had gone on talking, and
that their conversation had turned up
! on rings. At any rate, Mrs. Dalton
told her visitor of Bertha's adventure,
and showed her the opal ring, taking it
cut of its case for that purpose. The
lady admired it, and commented upon
it, and then gave it back to Mrs. Dali
ton, who restored it TO its Case-of this
she was quite certain. When Bertha's
telegram arrived, she went to the ring
case to take the ring out, but it was
gone. She had searched everywhere
for it, but in vain.
1t was impossible it could have been
stolen, Mrs. Dalton wrote, because she
had never left the room; she had never
even turned her back, except for mo-
ment, when she went to side-table to
write an address. Besides, the stranger
was quite q well-dressed, lady-like
woman that it was quite out of the
question to suspect her of having taken
it, even if she could have had the OPP
portunity. Mrs. Dalton expressed
much regret, but of course she was not
to bame-when had she ever been
otherwise than a model of wisdom and
| self-sacrihCing goodness, in her own
opinion"
-"And now what is to be doneP" cried
| Bertha. with q little sob. "Oh, / am
| so sOrryl'
Lady Langley, perceiving Bertha's
distress, came up to where she was
standing.
81 suppose you have been telling Of
| the loss of the ring" she said. ut is a
| provoking circumstance; but don't let
her take it too much to heart" she add
| ed, turning to Lord Alphington.
"PTay don't do that, my dear young
| lady" he requested; there is no need.
| | don't pretend TO say that the loss of
the relic is not disappointment to me,
| but it is Of less consequence than it
might have been. | have no doubt
whatever that the person who called
| upon Mrs. Dalton stole it," he con-
| tinud, turning to Lady Langley; land
as little doubt that the object in gain
ing possession of it was not its mere
money-value. This belief gives much
| more Importance IN my mind TO the
| robbery"
II had not thought Of that; but it
| certainly strikes me so now you men,
| tion it, said Lady Langley. "YCu will
take some steps to trace it, viii you
not?"
THAT certainly SHALL" Lord Alph-
ington replied. ''I shall give notice TO
| the police at once. and have detective
set to work There is altogether a
mystery about it."
| tsSO it seems to me,n returned Lady