Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-04-04
The Shattered Idol.
BY THE AUTHOR OF DORA THORnE"
Continued.

Continued.
To him every moment seemed too
short, yet he was impatient of the
crowd about him-impatient of the
necessity for the ''acquaintance-talk,"
of which he kept up an ~incessant
stream: for Rex had the L II Irish
gift of speech. Whether the tongue
that spoke so readily had always
something worth saying was another
thing; but he was clever and brilliant,
If somewhat erratic and wanting in
solidity of character. He was en-
phatically q man to be a favorite in
society, dazzling graver minds even
thar those Of the leaders of ton by the
subtle charm that was a potent power
In Rex Verner's hands. Dora was de-
lighted with him, n he kept her in
q continual state of merriment by his
bright Irish wit and his racy anec-
dotes of this person and that-just
satirical enough to be pungent, with
out offending good taste by any i'll
nature. Clare could not help being
moved to laugh now and then, though
she had rarely felt laughter to be more
a mockery Of inward misery. She
drew an inward sigh of relief when
Dora exclaimed that she saw her
mother talking to the Countess of
Tregaron.
"Must you go, Clare?" said she, en-
treatlngly. Mamma won't leave yet;
and l thought you said Cousin Lionel
was coming for yOu?"
"He said he would be here at a
quarter to five, if not detained at the
house" answered Glare, glancing al
her watch; "and as he is always
ounctual, I conclude that he has been
Kept. And Wilfred might come to,
day"
"Wilfred?" questioned Rex. "Ah!
met him too at Lausanne. That boy
will make a name yet-not like poor
s~capegrace Rex"
" Vhy should you not make a name
fCo? You have at least as great gifts
as Wilfred," said Glare, gently.
He glanced quickly at the pale, statu'
esque face beside him, and a half-bit,
ter smile curved the handsome lips as
liz iOOhth 1T boi"g - IftN' SOHO 80
to where her mother sat.
"I have tried TO climb the ladder toe
many times" he answered, with some
thing Of pain or regret in his voice
81 have had too rude a push down
ever to try again. I might have once
but Well, of what use is it to talk
of this now?" he broke off, and turned
to her with his winning smile. "FOr
give me- am still the same Rex, yoU
see. I shall never reform now"
Just then they reached the bench
which Lady Trent and her companion
occupied. and both ladies received Mr.
Rex Werner with much ~graciousness
and after chatting for a few moments
Glare excused herself.
81 must go" she said. "LiOnel will
not come. Au revOir. I shall see you
all again tonight at your ball, Lady
Tregaron. May I bring my brother if
he arrives in town."
~ was on the point of asking you
to do So answered the countess
smiling. "Mr. Werner" h added
turning with the most charming grace
imaginable to the young man, 81 trus'
you will do me the honor to come tt
my ball tonight. Any friend of Lad!
Stanhope's, you know, is welcome"
"Your ladyship does me too mucl
honor" said Rex, with a low bow: 'F
shall be happy to avail myself of youn
kind invitation"
as that the young man." asked the
countess. looking after him and his
fair companion. as they quilted thu
gallery. after taking leave, "who vol
say is so Wild"
"The same, my dear countess re
piled Grace: "but he so handsome anC
winning that no one thinks of it: anC
really I don't know that he is wors
than others. He and Glare knew eacl
other as children, I fancy"
"Indeed.'' The countess lifted he
brows and smiled. 81 wonder if the.
were lovers. too. Lady Trent?"
And without in the courtyard Re,
was standing by Clare'S carriage. hi
bright curls barred and glinting in til
sunlight as he ben a little, saying
with a smile:
81 suppose I may come and see you
mayn't II"
"Certainly," she answered: "my hus
band will be happy to see you at an.
time you like to come. Goodbye"
"Nay-au revoir." said Rex. 81 shal
see you tonight. and I shall ventur
TO ask for one dance for friendship
sake-may ~
81 can't answer SO long beforehand.
replied the girl, shaking her head wit
n smile. and then the carriage drov
off, and Rex stood looking after
till it had disappeared.
$50" he muttered, turning ava.
then. 1--WE have met again. by the il
evitahle law, | suppose, which decree
that kindred spirits shall meet. Kir
dred?" He smiled regretfully, perhap
cynically. too. scarcely that nov
Does she remember old times as I do
as I must to the end of life? She is S
reserved. She would die rather tina
show her heart, poor child! But tha
splendid marriage has not made he
happy. and that naughty husband VIII
parted us" His brow grew black an
his lips lost their smile. Il thinl
with all his faults, Rex holds more {
heart than he does"
CHAPTER V.
'Do Not Forget That I am Lion,