Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-08-18
Il refuse to consult Miss Ross.

ue edII SdZSu DIT MS young vile
in stern amazement, Her lovely face
vas set ard cold, her figure was
drawn up to its full height, defiance
was in every graceful line of it.
Il do not understand you. l sug-
gest this, not only for the sake of
yourself, but for the sake of my name
and my family"
He fears l shall disgrace him,
and he despises me-" thought Alice
to herself; aloud she said slowly;
Il will remember all, my lord; your
name and family shall be respected
as of old l have no fear
Roy could not repress a feeling Of
genuine admiration at her proud
courage; but the next instant it died
away and he only remembered her as
the bar to all his happiness.
''Please meet me in the large
drawing-room at seven this evening""
he said coldly. I'VE must stand to-
gether and receive the people"
Then with a low bow he turned
Her face burned with shame and
pain.
Would he never treat her with
aught but contempt?
His presence brought her such an
agony of humiliation as almost to
Danish the thrill OF gladness that,
do what she could, would steal into
her heart when near him.
Yes, now more than ever she was
determined it must end.
She would seek another life, and
perhaps in the future have content
ment and peace, if not happiness.
Davis came iu after a while, and
was full of the preparations for the
grand dinner that were in progress.
"All the grand folk for miles round
are coming, my lady" she declared.
Lady Darrell sent messengers on
horseback to all the houses, and
they We're delighted to come. You
see there's been so much excitement
about the castle lately. First poor
Captain Rivers being murdered and
then the earl marrying, and of
course all the folk want to see what
his bride is like, as of course
81 understand, Davis" Alice said
gently, as the woman stopped, cover
ed with confusion, they want to see
how Farmer Browns niece plays the
countess 1t is natural"
ooh, my lady, forgive me, but
can't help it. You amt anything
but a countess, I'll swear. There
must be some mistake about it.
You amt like farmerfolk are; you
are a lady born-I am sure on it
we all say So"
Alice's face flushed.
"a lady born!" she said to herself.
"Oh, if that could only be true-that
| might be his equal, what happiness
it would be! No, Davis she an
swered aloud; 'it is but too true.
am the countess now, but l was
Farmer Browns niece, and people
won't forget it."
They'll call you queen when
they see you tonight" Davis cried
enthusiastically.
She was draping the dinner-gown
as she spoke Alice for once de-
leIulueu W SuIHS' OHS Cuooc d AlooG
beautiful robe of cleaning white
satin. In this, fitting he, graceful
rounded form to perfection, she
scarcely knew herself as she glanced
in the mirror.
Her glorious golden hair was
gathered in one great knot at the
back of her head, her delicate throat
aNd neck rose from the soft lace
like marble in their purity. She
drew on a pair of long, white gloves,
and then prepared to descend, when
a tap came to the door and footman
stood disclosed, bearing case and a
message from the Dowager Laday
Darrell, begging her sons wife to
don the Darrell diamonds tonight
and to keep them in the future.
Al ce waited till the man had gone,
tlen hesitated.
Should she wear these gems?
What right had she, the low-born
girl, to put them on-jewels that a
race of patrician woman had worn
for years?
bdN 10 uIlOGhCu LlC cast anu dltW
out the glittering ornaments with
slight shrieks Of admiration.
oh, my lady, you must put them
chi" she cried excitedly.
Alice hesitated 40 longer.
She was the earl's wife and true
mistress of all he owned
A something thrilled through her
as the maid clasped the magnificent
necklace round her throat-a feel
ing that the maids words had been
true-that she had the right to wear
cld honored jewels, not as his wife
only, but through her birth.
Davis placed the diadem on the
wavy golden locks, clasped the CLEAN
ing bracelets on the rounded arms,
then stood and looked at her mis-
tress in silence.
She could find no words to ex-
Iress her admiration, and, after a
brief glance at her own reflection,
Alice dismissed the good-natured
woman and remained alone.