Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1894-03-08

were kepJ sacred, she rather avoided
than sought conversation about Sin
Bertram. =s=.
Lady Fanshawe and Miss Dacre were
! puzzled. Whom did she like the bet
ter? Which did she prefer?-le beau
sabreur or Sir Bertram. That neither
could solve the mystery satisfactorily
was something to the credit OF the
Countess of Charnleigh.
"Of course, in one way" said Lady
Fanshawe, pensively, "a marriage with
Captain Flemyng would be very suita-
ble-it would seem only fair that he
should share the inheritance: but.
looking at the matter from sensible
point Of view, 1t would be great pity.
With her beauty and wealth, she
might do so much better"
Hearing which, Ethel Dacre's face
flushed, and she felt much inclined to
make an angry reply. She contented
herself with saying:
Neither money nor title could en-
noble such a man as Paul Flemyng;"
and then Miss Dacre sailed with great
dignity from the room, Lady Fan
shave looking after her with very
widelyopened eyes.
The nineteenth Of June came at last,
and found Crown Leighton in state OF
delightful confusion, The illumination
and decoration OF the grounds were
completed, but the interior of the man
sion was at present In magnificent dis
array" Lady Fanshawe was much
amused. 1t was quite early in the
morning when Sir Bertram rode over,
bringing with him o magnificent bou-
quet Of flowers for Lady Charnleigh.
II know must not detain you now,
Leonie, but remember, sweet, what
you have promised me when the ball
is over. | shall be jealous tonight if
you dance with any one but myself"
"A little jealousy does most men
good" said his lady-loye, as she has
tened away.
Sir Bertram rode off again. 1t was
useless to remain at Crown Leighton;
as he could not talk to its beautiful
mistress, he was quite as well away.
He had not been gone long before Cap
tain Flemyng arrived and sent to re-
quest five minutes with Lady Charm
leigh.
Il am raid, Leonie, " said Lady Fan.
shave, that you find so many lovers
embarrassing.
mo one said anything about lovers,
auntie. presume gentlemen NAV cali
on business without being suspected of
wishing to make love-" And the Coun-
tess of Charnleigh walked out of the
room with her head proudly erect.
Lady Fanshawe's remarks were rather
trying.
Captain Flemyng was in the morning
room, looking very handsome. Leonie's
quick eyes discovered some trace of
emotion on the high-bred patrician
face. His errand was much the same
as his predecessors; he had brought
two superb bouquets, one for Lady
Charnleigh, and one in no way inferior
for Miss Dacre.
81 have something to- say to you, Lady
Charnleigh," began Paul ~ know
that [ must not detain you now, but,
when all this is over, you will grant me
an interview? All my future depends
upon it," His face flushed, and his
eyes were full of suppressed fire. He
took one of her hands in his. Il will
not detain you, Leonie; but the hours
will be full of painful suspense until I
see you again and have your answer"
She liked him 80 we'll that long after
he had gone away she stood with tears
in her eyes, knowing the pain she must
inilict on him.
Il would have done anything to pre-
vent this" she said. II have robbed
him of his inheritance, and now must
rob him Of his peace and happiness.
Oh, Paul, you should hate me-"
She liked him so we'll that, although
it was the day Of her magnificent ball,
she wept bitterly for the sorrow that
must be his.
IF he had only liked me as I like
him, she said-"in in kindly, sisterly
way, without any of this tiresome love!
If he had only loved Ethel, who is
worth dozen of me. He will not re-
proach me, but he will go away from
me looking so sad and so wTetChed
that shall never feel quite happy
again-he whose love might honor a
queen"
She was obliged perforce to- dismiss
all thoughts of him, for servants and
assistants required her superintend-
ence. She was wanted in twenty places
at once.
1t was not until the hour came for
dressing that it occurred to her that
she was in a sad dilemma over the two
bouquets. Which must she carry?
81 will take few flowers from BOTH"
she said, with a smile, "and then I
shall avoid any tragical denouemsnt
for this evening at least.
ITO DE CONTINUED!I