The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1897-08-13

n @ @eyos snail rest now in peace"
Inc duke smiled as he said to himself,
1ney went to town, there would be
very little more rest for him.
CHAPTER XXI.
1t was the beginning of March when
tney left the gloomy abbey for London.
Nalrn House is one of the most magnifi-
cent mansions in Mayfair; it had not been
very long i'll possession of the Nairn fam
iiy; it had belonged to the Carsons. and
mad been called Carson House, but the
last Duke of Nairn had purchased it. had
spent fortune on it, and then called if
Nairn House.
The duchess was charmed.
Il had no idea" she said to Lady Hilda.
that Nairn House was so beautiful,
Come and see my boudoir-such room
as that would make anyone happy"
"A poudolr as enchanting as fairy tale
"a ceiling painted by a master hand,
hanglngs of rose silk and white lace: the
most dainty articles of furniture, cover
ed IN rose satin; jardinieres filled with fra
grant flowers; everything that money
could purchase or luxury desire
Ihe duchess threw herself on the couch
covered with rose satin.
This room is like a shrine" she said.
Miss Dunn, l shall receive all nv most
particular friends here-it has been fur
nished purposely, I think"
And neither of them thought. as the
careless words died away. who would be
the most particular friend received there,
nor what passion would live in the rose
colored atmosphere of her grace's bondoir
In another UaaE tbay bnI
selves quite at home, and were ready for
the campaign.
Ihc duchess found every wish of her
heart gratlted now; even she, accustom-
ed to luxury, looked in wonder at the
wardrobe the duke had ordered for her
dresses of every description. The duke
dld everything after a magnificent fash
ion: he had decided that the beautiful
child-wife he worshiped should enjoy her
self and nothing should be wanting.
Miss Dunn had a wardrobe that enabled
her to go wherever her grace went, 1t
was one long fete; Lady Lansmere was in
town, staying with her eldest daughter:
they came frequently to Nairn House.
Lady Hilda did not like either of them
and she fancied the duchess had M great
affection for them. Lady Lansmere ad-
mired her daughters chosen friend and
companion very much. So matters went
no until April came and town began to
fill. and then there was no respite, no ces-
sation-balls. parties. soirees, operas occu-
pied them incessantly.
They had been in London three weeks
and as vet Lady Hilda had seen or heard
nothing of her husband She had been
out a great deal-to several balls and din
ner parties; she had helped the duchess
to entertain crowds of visitors. but he
was not among them. She had listened
attentively, hour after hour, to fashion
able chit-chat, but no one had named his
name. Once she half fancied that some
one said that Lord Dunhaven was re-
turning to England, but she was not quite
sure of the name and did not like to ask
Then slight contretemps happened: /:
Miss Dunn caught a cold which was not
very easily cured, and while it lasted she
was unable to go out. Lady Lansmere
offered to escort her daughter wherever
she went. and the young duchess, although
dlsliking the change, was obliged to sub
nit.
One evening long after midnight. when
the duchess returned from a ball, she
went at once to Lady Hilda's room.
Tell me-" she said, ''if you are tired
if you should like to sleep; if so, l will
kiss you and go; if not. l will have my
cup Of coffee here and tell you all about
the ball.
There is nothing I should like better.''
said Lady Hilda.
Il have been so happy!" said the duch-
ess with Il smile of unutterabie content
What made You happier than usual
to-night:' asked Lady Hilda.
The violet eyes were raised to hers with
a smile.
II cannot tell you," she replied. 'HThe
music was sweeter, the lights brighter.
everything seemed more beautiful, and
had Il very nice partner. He is quite a
stranger to us. You have not met him:
he said his stay in London, or even in
England, was very uncertain. But, Ma
mie. if | never see him again | shall never
forget him; he is unlike any one else |
have ever SEEN | danced four times with
him; he took me in to supper; he said if
he remained in London he would call.
should like YOU TO see him: he has a face
like the picture of the Crusader at Wood
heaton."
The day following the duchess went to
Il concert given at ST. James Palace; she
came home with the same softened, beau
tiful expression on her face.
Mamie" she said, Il have seen my
crusader again; he sat by my side dur
ing the greater part of the concert, and
do you know, it seems so strange, but
we have precisely the same tastes; he
liked the music l like: we seem to have
one mind between us. How beautiful it is
to meet with some one who understands
you
Lady Hilda listened, quite uncertain
what to do If she uttered but one i'll
advised word of caution or warning she
might put ideas in the young mind that
did not exist: she thought anNiously about
it and cane to the conclusion that it was
| better to say nothing, better not to wake
what she hoped was still sleeping.
Another eyening-she was getting well
then. and would soon be able to resume
her duties-the duchess came in to see her
IN her return from the opera; again on
her lovely face she saw the dawn of love.
II have seen my crusader again. she
said She had fallen into the fanciful
habit of calling him by this name, because
of his resemblance to favorite picture
| of bars He came to my box; and do