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

CHAPTER XX.
The Duchess of Nairn never made any
complaint over her married life; she was
/ philosopher enough to know that what
was done could not be undone. and that
she must make the best of it, 1t was all
very well to be a duchess, but she said
to herself she would far rather have been
back in the schoolroom-she had far more
liberty there. Fernhurst Castle was the
dukes favorite residence; he had taken
his young bride there. She was simply
the most delicious little duchess ever seen
- child with a woman's face and an
angels grace; the most charming. fasci-
mating hostess who ever reigned in that
duca mansion.
Every one was in love with her; it was
/ impossible to help it, and the duke was
/ almost beside himself with jealousy. Talk
OF Il season in town. 1t was not to be
/ heard of; he would go to Woodheaton,
where he would have his lovely child-wife
all 10 himself She went with him with
oHt remonstrance, but Lady Lansmere.
more worldly wise than herself, advised
the duke to let her have a companion. He
was quite willing, and made Lady Hilda
very WELCOME.
Lady Hilda found the life very dull;
how the beautiful young duchess bore it
she could not tell. There was the same
monctonous routine every day. One
morning the duchess met her coming down
the dark staircase that led to her room.
she had found a pet name for her, she
always called her Mamie. Now she clap
ped hey arms around her.
M"nie.' she said, 81 have come to
stern determination; guess what it is.''
i cannot guess replied Lady Hilda.
Let me tell you. then. l will not stay
here; | will so to London for the season.
Why should be shut up here: OF what
use is it to be a duchess, if l am never
TO see anyone or anything? Why should
The will of an old man be stronger than
tie will Of a young girl? l shall assert
myself
Lady Hilda smiled. She had heard the
same story before.
I'VE will see," persisted the duchess.
! am going to make myself mistress of
'!'e situation. l shall begin to-day Il bold
attack. and something tells me l shall
conquer-you will help me!'
Yes, will help you, with all my heart"
replied Lady Hild:l, not very sanguine,
though. of success. and so after luncheon,
the grand attack was made. The unsus-
pectlng duke appeared as usual to enjoy
his siesta; he murmured some very affec
honate but very indistinct words, when
he was surprised by an unusual move
ment on the part of his chld-wife. In
stead of bending her charming head for
MS usual sleepy kiss. she stood in front of
Inn. her beautiful face uprased with
Slight flush on it.
"lldephonse," she said. ''before you go
TO sieep. | want to speak to you. / am
quite tired of this gloomy abbey, and |
wish to leave it,
But, my charming Lurline. that is i'm
possiole. l have made my arrangements
Tor the summer, and they cannot be
changed"
y am SO tired of it, she said, plain
lively; "it is SO dull l want to go to Lon
don for the season. she said. Nothing
else will either please or satisfy me-
l DO not see how it can be DONE" said
the duke, II have made every arrange
mc!lt''
you will have to alter them to bury
Inc, If remain here" he said; "alter them
10 please me-" She went nearer to him,
alq bending her lovely face over his, kiss
c0 hin. You should give me what ask
1Gr ROW."
ne would have refused her if he could.
GU are so young" he murmured.
MI the more reason why l should en-
10Y my life," she said
VIII consent on one condition. said
'iie duke You are very young, Lurllne.
"''' am not strong enough to go out with
~" always You shall go to London for
qt: sIie season, if you will promise me that
SfAt'sS Dunn shall go everywhere with you.
nave implicit faith in Miss Dunn"
:, "hE. it will be heaven on earth. said
,,s' Slr.. III an ecstasy of joy. II shall like
''FF}hng twice as much if Miss Dunn is
".'A me-
49, Ae duke smiled--she was but child
i,-'er All. He turned with courteous
',,G 10 Lady Hilda.
Sna!l be pleased to make Miss Dunn,
S0id, "a very handsome allowance that