Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-01-14
CHAPTER XXIII.
A RICH GIFT DECLINED.

CHAPTER XXIII.
RICH GIFT DECLINED.
The brides tirss dinner at home was over,
and had been great success. Lady Darrell
had not evinced the least emotion: she had
married for her present social position-for
q fine house, troops of servants beautiful,
warm, fragrant rooms, choice wines, and
luxurious living; it was only part and parcel
Of what she expected, and intended to have.
She took the chair of state provided for her.
and by the perfect ease and grace OF her
manner proved that she was well fitted for 1t.
Sir Oswald watched her with keen delight,
only regretting that years ago he had not
taken unto himself wife. He was most
courtly, most deferential, most attractive Ii
Lady Darrell did occasionally feel weary,
anu the memory Of Aubrey Langton's face
rose between her and her husband. she made
no sign.
When the three ladies withdrew, she made
no further efforts to conci!iate Pauline. She
looked at her, but seemed almost afraid to
speak. Then she opened conversation with
Miss Ha> tilgs, and tie two per5eyerad in their
amiable small talk until Pauline rose and
went to the piano, the scornful glance on her
face deepening.
This is making ones self amiabler she
thought. ''NNhat blessing it would be if
people would speak only when they had
something sensible to sayp'
She sat down before the piano. but sudden
ly remembered that she had not been asked
to do So and that she was no longer mistress
of the house--a reflection sufficiently CALLING
to make her rise quickly, and go to the other
end OF the room.
Pauline" said Lady Darrell, pray sing
for us. Miss Hastings tells me you have a
magnificent voice"
Have |? Miss Hastings is not so compli-
mentary when she speaks to me alone"
Then Il sudden resolution came to Lady
Darrell. She rose from her seat, and with
the rich robe of silver and white sweeping
around her, she went to the end of the room
where Pauline was standing. tall. stately,
and statuesque, turning over the leaves of a
book. The contrast between the two girls
the delicate beauty of the one, and the grand
loveIiness of the Other-was never more
strongly marked.
Lady Darrell laid her white hand, shining
with jewels, on Pauline's arm. She looked
mp mo her proud face.
Pauline" she said, gently, Twill you not
be friends? We have to live together-wilI
you be friends|'
''Now replied Miss Darrell, in her clear.
frank voice. Il gave you warning. You
paid no heed to it. We shall never be
friends"
A faint smile played round Lady DarreiPs
lips.
But Pauline, do you not see how useless
all your resentment against me is now? Ny
marriage with Sir Oswald has taken place,
and you and | shall have to live together per-
haps for many years-it would b. so much
better for us to live in peace"
The proud face wore its haughtieSt look.
1T would be better for you, perhaps, Lady
Darrell, but it can make no difference to me"
1T can, indeed. Now listen to reason.
listen to mer' and in her eagerness Lady
Darrell once more laid ner hand on the girls
arm. Her face flushed as Pauline drew back,
with look of aversion. letting the jewCled
hand fall. Listen, Paulinew persevered
Lady Darrell. You know all this is non
Sense-sheer nonsense. My position now is
established. You can do nothing to hurt me
Sir Oswald will take good care of that
Any attempt that you may make to injure
me will fall upon yourself; besides, you
know yOs can do nothing" In spite of heI
words, Lady Darrell looked half-fearfully at
the girls proud, defiant face. You may
have all kinds of tragic plans for vengeance
i'll your mind, but there are no secrets in my
life that you can find out to my discredit-
indeed, you cannot I'M IRE me in any possible
| way" She seemed so sure of it, yet her eyes
sought Paulne's with an anxious, question
ing fear. Now, l, on the contrary" she
went on, ''can do much for you-and l will.
You are young, and naturally wish to enjoy
your life. You shall. You shall have balls
and parties. dresses-everything that you can
wish for, if you will only be friends with
me-"
She might as we'll have thrown drops Of oil
on an angry ocean to moderate its wrath.
Lady Darrell" was the sole reply, ''you
are only wasting your time and mine.
warned you. Twenty years may eiapse be-
| fore my vengeance arrives, but it will come
at last
| She walked away, leaving the brilliant fig
nre of the young bride alone in the bright
| lamp-light. She did not leave the room, for
| Sir Oswald entered at the moment carrying
a small, square parcel in his hard. He smiled
| as he came in.
How pleasant it is to see so many fair
| facesw he said. why. my home has indeed
| been dark until now"
| He went up to Lady Darrell, as she stood
| alone. All the light in the room seemed to
be centered on her golden hair and shining
dress. lie said:
Il have brought the little parcel. Elinor,
thinking that you would prefer to give your
beautiful present to Pauline herself. But y
he continued, why are you standing, my
| love? You will be tired"
She raised her fair, troubled face to his,
with smile.
Moreover, it seems to me that you are
looking anxious" lie resumed. Miss Hast
ings, will you come here, please? Is this an
anxious look on Lady Darrelps face?'
Il hope not" said the governess, with q
gentle smile.
Then Sir Oswald brought chair, and
Placed his wife in it; he next obtained a
footstool and small table. Lady Darrell
though half-ashamed of the feeling. could
not help being thankful that Pauline did not
notice these lover-like attentions
/ Now, Miss Hastings" spoke Sir Oswald
81 want you to admire Lady Darrails taste
1 t. IL l