Mexico weekly ledger., 1889-06-13

pi!fE awakened at the cIleGE OF 4tat2IlSS apH
pearanee upon Fairfax. She tried to laugh
her uncomfortable feeling away, but in
vain.
At last, she determined to find out why
Fairfax had become 50 embarrassed by
Natalie,s presence. Now that the latter had
gone, Lydia's cavalier was himself again.
Sh had no rival. He was hers-at least,
for the time being, and she resolved to
make the most of her opportunity.
Always an admirable dancer, she put
forth extraordinary efforts to Guido herself.
With Fairfax, all was unconscious abandon
ment to the moment. His spirits infected
hers. The music was rayishing. In a
dream they seemed to float around the room.
Passing by n of the windows, he dexter
ously guided her toward it, and, arm in
arm, by tacit consent, they passed out, on
to the balcony.
Fountains played softly around them in
the moonlight. The delicate, subtle per-
fuIne of flowers was waited by, or the
balmy air. TIL music, softened by dis
lance, was a breath of poesy and tender
ness, while the glorious moonlight glittered
and shimmered throughthe patterlng leaves
overhead.
This was her opportunity. But it was
his, too. Her will was no longer predomi-
nant. She was half in love with, and most
decidedly interested in, this original, strange
fellow. She could not decipher him; vet
knew that he was worthier, better and far
more to be respected than the society tops
who had hitherto surrounded her.
On the other hand, he simply admired this
magnificent creature. That was all. He
had cold -bloodedly formed a plan. That plan
required the assistance of the Lady Lydia.
He was himself again; self-possessed,
knowing what he wanted, what were he
best methods by which to obtain it; and,
above all, thoroughly self-reliant.
Lydia, on the. contrary, seemed to nave
lost her usual aplomb and keenness. She
realized that he was more than a match for
her, and that her will must submit to his,
this time, at least.
With d sigh, she awaited his remarks.
$50 the Princess Natalie is your friendl"
asked he, boldly opening the battle.
Eyes, my dearest friend" she answered,
half-sadly, her large, thoughtful eyes, all
the time, quietly observing the effect Of her
words.
'Poor Natalushka! She lost her brother,
recently, and has never quite recovered
from the blow. Hers is a strong, affection
ate nature that, loving once, loves for
ever"
Lydia could see the CLEAN in her COM
panlon s eyes as she said this.
'She is spending her summer here, but
leaves soon for Lake Maggiore, where her
family is staying. 1t was there her brother
was killed. For that reason, she greatly
dislikes the place. Her stay there is always
short. She lives very quietly here and
avoids society. She came tonight, solely to
crafty the Marquis and his wife"
"But," said she, suddenly, observing how
eagerly he was listening, and thinking that
he had forgotten himself, 'if you don't know
her, why We're you so disturbed at her sud-
den appearance on the stairs?'
Fairfax was on his guard in an instant.
"Oh!'' replied he, with a cleverly-uttered
sigh and quite truthfully n naturally,
''only because she reminded me of a recent
little incident in my career"
as that incident a secreta' inquired she,
archly.
81 thin it scarcely worth while relating,''
answered he, with a faint smile.
"Well,'' said Lydia, shrewdly dropping
the subject, Ito return to Natalie, one effect
of her brothers. death upon her is that she
shuns not only society but, in every way,
mems society-especially that Of young
men. Suitors there would, but may not be;
for she refuses not only to speak with
them, but even to see them
The willy speaker observed Fairfax close
~ during these words, but the face Of that
individual was as immovable as that Of a
statue.
"Come,'' said he, s.let US go back"
The same waltz was still in progress in
the ballroom. The same enhancing
strains enticed the nimble dancers to per-
form feats of grace and skill, but Fairfax
was no longer the same. He waltzed me-
chemically.
Lydia perceived the change n felt
piqued at it, but was more annoyed with her
self for allowing such an interest in an In
| known American, so far below her in rank.
| Presently she said:
"Letu US stop and go into the hall"
There she found her chaperon, who re-
minded her of the late hour.
Turning unexpectedly to Fairfax and
looking him full in The face with her mar
velous eyes, h held out her hand with the