The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1890-07-03
CHAPTER IX.-oN THE BRINK.

at Matcham, the ball at Plackington, the
big dinner at Lord MalIinbro's, the bazaar
which Lady Lucifer opened, the little
friendly dance the next evening at Match
am to which only the very incest people
were asked and for which no formal invi-
tations were sent out. I think perhaps
that most Of them enjoyed that evening
more than all the rest of the week, the
floor was in perfect condition, there W az
plenty of room, the supper was charming
and the wine the best that was in the cell
lar. Julia did not dance much, only three
Waltzes with Stephen Howard, who
waltzed divinely-(Julia's adjective, not
mine)-but she sat out good deal and
Stephen sat with her, and really it was all
one to them whether they were dancing
or resting.
But still he did not take the plunge and
propose, and on the 23th Julia and her
they had come, that is to say with no set
tied and definite change looming in the
near future for either Of them.
Nevertheless Mr.. Trafford was perfectly
satisfied and Julia was amazingly happy
and the admirable Cox perceived that all
had gone we'll with them.
They found lying on the hall table the
letters which that mornings post had
brought to the house, couple of invita-
tions, bill, several circulars and long
letter from Lady Staunton
"Ohl here is letter from Laurie" said
Mrs TrafTord, and going upstairs into the
drawing-rOom she sat down by the fire
and began to read it, commenting upon
it at intervals.
ooh! they are to have their leave from
the 1st Of November" she said first.
81 expected that" said Julia, unfasten.
ing her coat.
'And Laurie wants to know if we want
them here during their leaye-if we want
them here" Mrs. Trafford repeated, at
which Julia laughed aloud.
"Oh!-or will we go and me ct them in
town? Oh! that is quite impossible, dear
l really should not care to leave home just
now"
Julia blushed right rosy red. sWell, l
think it would be rather pity" she re-
turned.
"Ohl quite out of the question:" Mrs
Trafford said, with decision-then took
up the letter again and went on reading.
Laurie says they will either come to
but the old ladies have made a special
point Of asking them for Christmas, and
are going to ask us, too-Oh!" and there
she stopped short again and looked with
doubtful eyes at her daughter.
There is time enough to settle all that,
said Julia 81 should tell Laurie to suit
her own convenience about coming here
any time between this and their visit to
the old ladies. It is far the best to leave
it to them and then they will fit things to
suit themselves. "
You are right, dear, " said Mrs Trafford
then when | have had cup of tea L
will write to Laurie at once"
So she did. She had already found time
to write graphic description of the jewel
robbery whilst at Matcham, and to-day
she spoke of it again. Il do not believe"
she said, chat either dear Lady Lucifer
or that sweet little Mrs. Bob-as every
body calls her-will ever see one of all
those beautiful jewels again; and, my
dear, assure you when [ think Of the
heaps of exquisite diamonds that Mrs.
Bob showed us not four hours before the
robbery took place, my heart positively
aches for her. Lady Lucifer's jewels YOU
have seen for yourself. She has nothing
left now but three or four little brooches
which are paltry compared with what she
has lost.
''About our coming to town-ny dear
child, it is out of the question altogether.
In fact it is imperative that we remain at
home for the present. | am sure that you
and Anthony will enjoy yourselves very
much better by yourselves, and you know
that you will both be heartily welcome
here at any time, and for any time that
suits you best during your leave, About
the visit you mention to Anthony's aunts
you 60 of course, dear, but at present
Julia and l would rather not say anything
rather fancy Julia will have other plans
by that time. Mr.. Stephen Howard still
continues to pay her the closest attention,
in fact, at Matcham they were together
morning, noon, and night. He sent her
the most exquisite bouquets for the three
dances we were at and cOrsage flowers for
each other night So you understand,
dear, for the present l would rather not
commit myself one way or the other.
'By -the-by, you say neither Julia nor l
have told you what Mr. Howard is like!
He is very tall and strengthening, very
fair and handsome. Has lovely blue
eyes, ana Is one OIL Une 0lc6SG young meu
have ever known in my life. In worldly
respects. he is everything that can be de-
sired, and Julia seems to like him very
much, though she has not actually said
So"
This letter Mrs. Trafford closed and sent
off to her youngest daughter, without
showing it to Julia.
Julia, however, did not notice the
omission and when Mrs. Trafford went
back to the drawing-room, she found her
sitting comfortably by the fire toasting
her feet on the fender. She put down the
book which she was reading and looked
at her mother.
F'Did you notice that Mrs. Lovelace was
not at the ball at Matcham, nor yet the
one ut Plackington?" she asked
Eyes But heard someone ask Miss
MauIeverer where she was and why she
was not there and she said that she had
gone up to town for few days."
'Ah! l see," said Julia. "Well it was
better that she wasn't there for Captain
Legard went on awfully with Pamela
Winstanley, and Mrs. Lovelace would
have been furious the whole time"
T K,, I, Il