Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1896-05-14

>, Assuredly," returned the duke. "On
tuesday evening next you give a grand
reception; the cards have all been issued
everything is prepared, and for yourself
L particularly wish you to look your hest
that night D''
~ Ne uays passed on, and the eventful
tuesday arrived. The reception was 70
commence at half-past nine O'Clock and
when the clocks were striking nine Con-
stance and Alice sat alone in tha duchess,
ooudolr The house was brilliantly lin
mated, and the great drawing room was
MED with choice flowers. Both Con
stance and Alice were dressed for the oc-
casion. "
linen Constance's maid entered the
room with letter, which she handed TO
! her mistress.
Constance took the letter, opened and
read II, then she looked up into the Won
oerlng eyes of her friend.
letter from the duke; he has gone
awayw A-'' sone
lone away" exclaimed Alice.
1es. Listen, dear; this is what he
says: am summoned at once to Paris
TO meet the Spanish ambassador. / am
taxing Palmatos and Feveral with me. /
nave made Palmatos communicate with
an our guests and put off our reception of
tnls evening. What can it mean, Alice?"
don, t know, dear; is that all he saws ~
NO, there is more,' replied Constance
ana l1ung the letter again, she continued:
4 or yourself, let me beg you not to spend
the evening at home, but to go to Lady
Mortlmers ball. have asked Lady Sea-
held to call for you. Therefore rest
quietly at home until she comes.'"
|
cried the girl in terror.
"Do?' returned Constance. with look
or nxed resolve. II shall obey the dukes
command to the letter. At last he has
honored me with his confidence. and
shall not betray it,
The hrst thing to be done was to have
the lights extinguished and stay all nre-
parations for the reception. This Con
stance proceeded to do. When the SER
wants, having received their instructions,
had retired, she sat down and looked
again at the dukes letter.
Constance" said Alice. eagerly do
you really mean to go to Lady Mortimer's
/ ball?
Certainly, my dear, since the duke
wishes it,"
'But-do not be angry with me-should
your cousin be there?'
do not fear for me, Alice" said Con-
stance, stroking the girls brown hair.
Tonight, remember, / am the representa-
tive OF my husband and | will try to do
him some slight service. I am going to the
ball tor my husbands sake, at his wish
! 1t is strange Lady Seafield does not
come" she added, sit is getting so late
Alice, dear, will you send one of the SER
wants to inquire for Lady Sea6eld? Per-
haps she would rather have me call for
her."
Alice nodded and went at once to do
as her friend wished while Constance
sank down into a chair beside the win
dow, and remained looking out upon the
moonlit park. She fell into reverie, from
which she was aroused by the reappear-
ance of her friend. Alice looked paler
than usual, and her manner was full of
| fear.
swell, dear, have YOU sent to Lady
Seafield?"
mo. l took the carriage and went my
SELF
event yourself! Why did you do
that?"
81 was terrified lest something should
go wrong; I am glad that / went; the
| countess is in deep trouble; her father
has fallen suddenly and dangerously ILL.,!
She was never asked to come for you; she
| has received no invitation to the BALL!
Constance, everything has been done to
keep you at home tonight. see it all now;
you would have waited and waited for the
| countess and never gone forth at ALL;
there is danger for you here, l am sure
| of it: now implore you to go!'
''To go!' said Constance, but who will
take me? I cannot so alone? All, have
it. Monsieur de Santa Fe! He is the
dukes oldest and nearest relation. Send
TO him, dear, at once"
81 will not send; will take the carriage
and go myself"
every well, dear. will remain quietly
here until you return"
| But she was by no means composed.
The moment she was alone she walked
excitedly up and down the room; wonder
ing whether or not Alice's suspicious
| conld be correct Could it be possible that
the duke had deceived her? and if so.
| for what motive?
sIt will be always the same" she cried,
ssuspected, watched, mistrusted. oh.
who will deliver me from this life Of mis-
cry and degradation
With a sob she threw herself down up
ON the couch and covered her face with
| her hands; at that moment the door of
her boudoir opened, and the footman an
nounced=- =,
..The Earl of Harrington!
1