Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-07-28

ohC Woo Va SAilCCB anu the
thought brought yexation.
But for her." she muttered, chow
changed 1t would all be- How blind
/ was. But Eustace woye the veil
round my eyes. Fool that / was to
believe him and lose my chance with
Roy. Roy did love me, but does he
still? Two months are not life
time. We shall see. And that puny
creature shall yet learn the extent
my power"
The dowager came in slowly while
she was still musing. Valerie smoothed
the frown from her face as she ad-.
vanced to meet the elder woman.
Il nave not heard the wheels on the
gravel" said Roys mother as she
sank into her chair; at is getting
late-nearly eight, and he has not
come"
You are over-anxious, dear" re-
piled Valerie. Does Roy bring any
one with him? fancy l heard you
mention something about guests"
Yes; he will be accompanied by
two gentlemen-cne, Lord Radine
think you know him. The other is
! a man he met in Italy, Count Jura
from Roy's letters, most de-
lightful companion. am glad,
I Valerie, he has brought guests, other
wise the life here at first might prove
trying"
Valerie turned at the last words.
The doors had opened, and soft
rustic told that some one had en-
tered. 1t was the young countess.
She had heard the last sentence from
her husbands mothers lips, and
her face whitened a little as she put
her own construction upon 1t.
Lady Darrell had been thinking OF
Captain Rivers, his terrible death and
the maddening anxiety that had come
to Roy when she spoke. She rose
from her chair and bent low before
the girlish figure.
Welcome. countess" she said
haughtily and coldly.
Alice courtisied while Valerie
gazed at her in speechless vexation.
Roy, before he took his departure,
had given his wife to understand she
was expected to comply with soclety's
laws, and had left instructions with
Davis, most experienced lady's maid,
to have everything obtained as be-
fitted her mistress position.
The woman had obeyed him well.
Dresses and numerous things were
sent down from London, though,
until this evening, Alice had seen
none Of their maryels, contenting her
self with wearing but the simplest
garments made by Davis own fingers,
Tonight she had abandoned her
Cinderella robes, and stood before the
cold, unappreciative eyes of the
two women, u vision Of loneliness,
draped from head to foot in black
gossamer material and rich lace.
/ Her masses of golden hair were
coied and gathered in picturesque
profusion on her dainty head, her
| shoulders rose white, fresh and
round from her black gown; her fair
young throat was euc1rcled by gems.
Once again the question rushed to
I Valeries mind Where mad this girl
inherited her grace, her natural re-
finement, her beauty? She was no
common girl as she stood before
them, her figure drawn up to it's
! graceful height, her tiny, well-gloved
hands holding her plumed fan. She
i was a lady, every bit as dainty, as
/ beautiful and as proud as one Of
their own favored class.
Valerie bit her lip, and turned her
back on the young countess.
Alice took no notice Of this cold
ness. She was MISUNDERSTANDING
yet dreading the first sound Of that
step, the first glimpse of that tall
form and handsome face.
"Will you not sit DOWN. asked
Roy's mother.
Alice moved towards the chair she
Indicated, and sank into it. while
Lady Darrell gazed at the girl with
establishment and admiration.
Valerie was beautiful, but this girl
was peerless in her strange, young
loneliness.
In all her long life Lady Darrell
never recollected Il more purely patrl-
clan face, and she marvelled at 1t.
Have you any recollection OF
your CHILDHOOD" she asked. suddenly
and Involuntary. Did you always
live with your aunt?"
=, Alice looked up. strangely sur
prised.
II can remember nothing clearly,
she replied; "but have dim
recollection Of large house and a
beautiful face that seemed to bend
over me; then came the long years
with Aunt Martha and all her angry
words"
What a pity you cannot remember
anything" drawled Valerie who was
watching the older woman's interest
with jealous eyes, I'VE might have
discovered secret or lost father
YOU might have developed into a
queen: as 1t is"
AS It is, am only Alice-Alice the
farm girl" the young countess finished
uuintly