Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1898-05-07
CHAPTER XIII.


Inc Dllue ) lkESl ulllDtl AT nome was over,
and had been a great success. Lady Darrell
had not eyinced the least emotion; she had
married for her present social p~oSition-for
a fine house, troops OF servants, beautiful,
warm, fragrant rooms, choice wines, and
luxurious living; it was only part and parcel
of what she expected, and intended to have.
She took the chair of state provided for her,
and By the perfect ease and grace Of her
manner proved that she was we'll fitted for It.
Sir Oswald watched her with keen delight,
only regretting that years ago he had not
taken unto himself a wife. He was most
courtly, most deferential, most attractive. II
Lady Darrell did occasionally feel weary,
and the memory OF Aubrey Langton'S face
rose between her and her husband, she made
no sign.
When the three ladies withdrew, she made
no further efforts 10 conciliata Pauline. She
looked at her, but seemed almost afraid TO
speak. Then shs opened a conversation with
Miss Hastings, and the two perseyered in their
amiable small talk until Pauline rose and
went TO the piano, the scornful glance on her
face deepening.
This Is making ones self amiable.' she
thought. What a blessing it would be il
people would speak only when they had
something sensible to sayF'
She sat down before the piano, but sudden
ly remembered that she had not been asked
to do so, and that she was no longer mistress
of the house-a reflection sufficiently CALLING
to make her rise quickly, and go to the other
end of the room.
Pauline" said Lady Darrell, pray sing
for us. Miss Hastings tells me you have a
magnificent voice"
Have /? Hiss Hastings is not so compli.
mentary when she speaks 10 me alone"
Then q sudden resolution came TO Lady
Darrell. She rose from her seat, and, with
the rich robe Of silver and white sweeping
around her, she went 10 the end of the room
where Pauline was standing, tall, stately,
and statuesQue, turning over the leaves Of a
book. The contrast between the two girls
the delicate beauty OF the one, and the grand
loveliness OF the other-was never more
strongly marked.
Lady Darrell laid her white hand, shining
with jewels, on Pauline's arm. She looked
up into her proud face.
Pauline, she said, gently, will you not
be friends9 We have to live together-wlll
you be friends?'
Nor replied Miss Darrell. in her clear,
frank voice. II gave you warning. You
lfAAAA W ~ " - NO EIdAk IlNNCA ~
friends"
a fai mile played round Lady Darrelrs
lips.
But, Pauline, do you not see how useless
all your resentment against me is nowP My
marriage y ith Sir Oswald has taken place,
and you and l shall have TO live together per
haps for many years-it would be so much
better for us to live in peace"
The Ur1ul face yNpra IFS haughtinSt look
1T would be better for you, perhaps, Lady
Darrell, but ii can make no difference TO me-"
1T can, indeed. Now listen 10 reaSon-
listen to mel' and in her eagerness Lady
Darrell once more laid her hand on the girls
aim. U.I face flushed rs Pauline drew back,
with a look OF aversion. letting the jeweled
hand fall. Listen. Pauliner" perseyered
Lady Darrell. You know all this Is non
senSea-sheer nonsense. My position now Is
established. You can do nothing to hurt me
Sir Oswald will take good care OF that.
ANY attempt that you may make 10 injure
me will fall upon yourself; besides, you
know you can do nothing" in spite of her
words, Lady Darrell looked half-fearfully al
the girls proud, defiant face. You may
have all kinds of tragic plans for vengeance
In your mind, but there are no secrets in my
life that you can find out to my d~iscredit-
indeed, you cannot injure me in any possible
way" She seemed SO sure of ii, yet her eyes
sought Pauline's with an anxious, question
ing fear. Nov, l, on the contrary" she
went on, "ean do much for you-and | will.
You are young, and naturally wish to enjoy
your life. You shall. Yon shall have balls
and parties, dresses-eyerything that you can
wish for, II you will only be friends with
me-"
She might as well have thrown drops OF oil
on an angry ocean to moderate its wrath.
Lady Darrell" was the sole reply, ''you
are only wasting your time and mine. I
warned you. Twenty years may elapse be-
fore my vengeance arrives. but ii win come
at last"
She walked away, leaving the brilliant fig
nre or the young bride alone In the bright
lamp-light. She did not leave the room, for
Sir Oswald entered AZ the Moment carrying
a small, square parcel in his hand. Hesmiled
as he came in.
How pleasant It Is to see SO many fair
facesp' he said. 'Why my home has indeed
been dark until now
He went up to Lady Darrell, as she stood
alone, AL the light In tho room seemed TO