Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-03-28

81 have the privilege of claiming the
acquaintance of you, Miss Trent" he
said, and his accent, than tinged
with a rich Irish brogue, had in it
something strangely attractive. 1--WE
met last in romantic Lausanne: now
we are in the blaze of the world. Are
you doing the old masters?'
Not much. I am afraid" answered
pretty Dora, laughing. Lady Stan
hope looks severely on my frivolity.'
"Ah! l know Lady Stanhope of old.'
said Rex Werner, with a glance at
Clare'S calm face. "She was always
a music and a picture lover. How full
the rooms are.''
"When did you come to town.
asked Glare. Il had no idea YOU were
in London"
"a few days ago" answered Rex. Il
am staying at the Langham. | sup
pose you are settled in Whitehall Gar
dens for the summer. Sir Lionel going
the weary round of statesmanship?'
He does not think it weary said
Clare, with a smile: and Rex was al
most unconsciously veXed at her man.
ner, which was precisely what it
would be to the next acquaintance she
met-nOt a ring of memory in the
calm, clear tones. rs it more weary
than the round of fashion,"
Il suppose not to those who like it."
he answered.: adding, with a change
Of tone, What an unfortunate affair
that was, the loss of your jewels, |
"a so awful sorry to hear about it,"
Thanks" Glare smiled, though a
shade crossed her brow. do you
know 1 had so many condolences on
the subject that I an nearly tired of
it. However, n must be thankful for
all sympathy, I suppose"
Forgive me-" said Rex, in a low
cred voice, CHANGING at Dora, who had
moved away a few steps to look at a
picture; 'must L not feel sympathy for
any pain you suffer? But" he added,
Immediately, more lightly, to cover his
former words, this really was such
an extraordinary affair. 1 can't think
how the thief could have gained en-
trance"
"It was not difficult; the windows of
all those rooms open out on the ter
race, III the pillars Of which a strong
man might climb, aided by the
~creepers."
"Ah. 1 suppose the gang-for of
course he was n of a gang-knew
pretty we'll that after a journey your
jewels were likely to be left out.
How is the mantle poor valet? He
saw the thief, did he not?" said Rex.
yes: but he has quite lost his men,
DRY. He is still at the Castle, and will
remain there till he is quite WELL" the
girl answered. But 1 have no great
hope of recovering the jewels; it is
the diamonds about which 1 am most
deeply veXed and anxious. 1 would
give anything to have them back"
"~Anything!' Rex laughed, repeating
the word with the same earnestness
that she had unconsciously thrown
into her voice. "That is a strong
word, Lady Stanhope. You should adj
vertise to that effect in the Times"
"'Anything' would not bear much
Specification to a thief" said Glare
lightly. cit is too vag~N. Dora, ma
chere"-turning to her young charge
rather languidly, as though dismiss
ing the subject-"I think we must try
to get through this crush and find your
mother-it grows late
NAY, you surely would not leave the
rooms yet?" questioned Rex, throwing
as much remonstrance as he dared
into voice and look. "It is not five
o'clock, and every one is here"
"And 1 have seen every one" an.
swered the girl, carelessly, land see
every one till 1 know exactly how
each looks every day in the week
"You will allow me then, the pleas
ure of escorting you to your carriage
said Rex.
She simply bowed, and they begar
the slow exit from the gallery,
To Be Continued.