Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1894-03-01
CHATTER XIII.

county when the invitations for Lady
Charnleigh's ball were sent out. "That
was Just as IL should be-, people said.
"Crown Leighton had always been tho
center OF hospitality; old times were
being renewed. Tradespeople In the
quiet little town OF Weldon wore more
cheerful faces; it made all the differ
ence in the world to them whether
Crown Leighton was tenanted or not.
Rumor told of the wonderful prepara-
tions that were being made, In the
western wing, among the state-roOms,
was large and magnificent ballroom.
BY Lady Charnleigh's orders a large
conservatory had been added to 1t, and
now she desired that one OF the state
saloons adjoining should be transformed
into q theater
~ like theatricals, she said, when
Lady Fanshawe made some slight re-
monstrances, 81 may just as we'll have
o theater now as in years time. |
shall often have charade parties, and l
intend the stage to be perfect little
bijou. l may just as well amuse my
self In this way as In others, auntie."
Lady Fanshawe yielded, knowing
how true her words were.
THAT life cannot be very worthy
one, Leonle, whose only business ID
amusement"
There will be time enough for gray
or thoughts when l grow older" said
the girl. "Let me enjoy my youth.
Sir Bertram took great interest in
the erection Of the theater; he was
able to suggest many improvements
which would never have occurred TO
one so inexperienced as Lady Charm
leigh. She watched the progress Of
the alterations with great attention.
what happy hours we shall spend
herel" she said to Miss Dacre, one
morning. 81 do not think any country
house without theater can DO called
complete"
Miss Dacre made some polite reply,
and then looked up in surprise, for
Lady Charnleighs clear, soft, musical
laugh rang through the room.
Il was just thinking, Ethel, that I
spoke as though l had been countess
all my life. never saw q country
house until year ago."
Contrast between the past and pres
ent often amused her for few min
utes, and then her heart would give a
great bound OF satisfaction at remem-
boring how brilliant and beautiful the
present was.
Here is Sir Bertram," said Ethel,
one morning, as she stood at the win
dow OF the breakfast-room. II should
fancy his horse knows the way to
Crown Leighton.
They had just risen from the break
fast table; a most significant smile
crossed Lady Fanshaws face, while
Lady Charnleigh turned away lest her
vivid bushes should be- seen. Ethel
went after her.
"Leonie, here Is Sir Bertram."
"He Is very welcome" said the young
heiress, with serene composure.
so imagine, rejoined Ethel, with
q smile.
Lady Charnleigh was obliged to look
up when he entered the room, and on
her lovers face the girl read a look
Of determinat on; she knew at once
that her trihing was at an end that
she could put him off no longer, that he
had come that day expressly to be
heard, and that she must hear him.
She read all this in hundred different
ways. The proud head was thrown
back with more kingly grace and
dignity, the frank, handsome face was
determined, the eyes were grave and
calm. Leonie, Lady Charnleigh, would
Lrihe with her lover no more
She watched him as he crossed the
room to speak to Lady Fanshawe. How
handsome he looked-a grand Saxon
king, so proud, so frank, so different
rom everyone else-and he loved her!
Her heart beat when he came to her
and said
LADY Charnleigh, I have come over
20 see you to-day for a very special
'eason; you will find five minutes for
ne, hope?"
Certainly" she replied and she pro-
,eeded at once to make such arrange
nents as would keep Ethel near her.
The light of her happiness dazzled her
the moment she had longed for, yet |
had come, and she would fain |
lave delayed 1t; her emotion fright
med her-she was glad with a happi-
less that almost terrified her.
First of all she asked him to go with |
Miss Dacre to see how the theater was
gravely and courteously
40 obeyed her, but his eyes, as they |
fingered on her, said; "Do not think to |
escape me--you must hear what have
o say"
Then she was invisible until the bell |
'ang for luncheon, when she entered |
The dining-room with serene, smiling |
ACE, as though she had never thought |
If such thing as driving a lover to
distraction.
After luncheon visitors came, and,
though she might have dismissed |
hem, she fingered talking to them
md showing her new conservatories, |
until Sir Bertram almost lost patience.
The bell rang for dinner, and yet he
mad said no word to her. AS he went |
through the hall he said
Lady Charnleigh, pray remember |
hat you have given me your promise |
or five minutes interview; do not |
forget"
She had not forgotten; she had sim
ply not dared to look at the CLEAN Of
that had fallen at her feet.
Her eyes dropped, lovely blush over
spread her face, her lip quivered |
slightly.
Il will try to remember" she said.
So he waited patiently through the |
ong hour Of dinner. In all his after
life he never forgot how lovely she then
looked. She never met his glance when
he spoke to her-a color like the blush |
Of damask rose flushed her face; she
never voluntarily addressed him, yet