Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-07-14
Neutrality-suspicious.
kBY&
MRS. M. A. HOLMES.
MRS. M. A. HOLMES.

1t was glorious hair, OF ruddy
brown shade, that matched her eyes
in color.
The skin was exquisitely fair, tinted
with q delicate warmth Of rose on the
cheeks, and rivalling the fairest mar
BILE in It's purity
You fatter me, Valerie; but now to
| breakfast. / hope during the day to
have some line from Roy, and | hope
| also that by this time they have set
tied their little quarrel. Do you
know, Valerie, this is the first time
that | can ever recollect a GOODNESS
between Roy and Eustace, their
friendship has been beautiful in Its
strength and warmth"
Valerie rose from her knees abrupt
ly: her back was towards her hostess.
Does Captain Rivers ever stay
with his mothor?" she asked. speak
ing In a hard, dry tone.
Lady Darrell did not seem to no.
tice 1t; she laughed slightly.
We'll, no, dear; | cannot say that
he does see much Of her. Roy will
have him here. Eustace of course
has to leave us frequently to join his
regiment at the different towns in
which 1t Is garrisoned, but beyond
that, this Is his home.'
Valerie drew u sharp breath.
81 often laugh at Roy, and tell
him one of these days Eustace will
marry, and then they must be sepa
rated; but Roy does not seem to think
Eustace will ever take a wife, nor do
| for tho matter OF that. "
WHY" asked Miss Ross quietly,
taking her place at the table.
well, because he Is too selfish.
Understand me, my dear. | am fond
OF Eustace Rivers. His father was
my cousin and friend, and I cherish
the son for his sake, apart from his
own. But man to marry must give
up so much, and Eustace will give UP
nothing"
She was opening her letters as she
spoke, and did not see the look of
pain that crept over her guests beau
tiful face.
"Ah, here is n letter from Lord
whitman; he Is coming today. |
must telegraph to Roy at once. How
tiresomo! What induced them to 60
to Nostley? | cannot understand it
at ALL"
Lord Roy said something about
new harness for your ponies" OBJ
served Miss Ross, pouring some choc-
nIn N mi .,Ll
"Ah," smiled Lady Darrell. then
see what 1t Is, Roy has made that an
excuse for cementlng the friendship
afresh. He thinks no one knows
anything about horses but Eustce."
Are you not jealous of this great
atrection?" asked Valerie suddenly.
Lady Darrell's face grew grave.
Roy Is so precious to me, you
know, Valerie | might be jealous.
dear. If did not love him so much;
to seo-to know he Is happy is to me
the height of all earthly bliss"
"Oh, that | had had you for my mo-
ther!' cried the girl; Involuntary
her pale beautiful head was bent.
Lady Darrell rose softly and kissed
the young face.
Look on me as such, dear Valerie"
she whispered; who knows, per-
haps-"
Her sentence was not finished, for
the door was opened, and the butler
came into the room.
My lady, TIERS park-keeper In
the servants'-hall begging to see you.
We've told him 1t is impossible; but
he will not CO."
Lady Darrell seated herself at the
table again.
"A park-koeper, ChelmcI!" she re-
peatod. What can he want?"
! don't know, your ladyship; but
he'll ten none Of us anything
only asks to see you, my lady.
Miss Ross looked at her hostess.
who smiled.
Some begging petition, suppose.
Well, Chclmick, | will break through
my rules for once, and see the man.
Perhaps continued Lady Darrell as
the butler withdrew, poor fellow he
has got into trouble of some sort
He evidently knows where to apply
for consolation" remarked Miss Ross.
In few seconds the butler return
ed, and ushcred in n man dressed in
the ordinary fustian worn by keepers.
II look of trouble on his honest face.
An, Miles, so YOU want to see me?
We'll, speak out; | am quite ready"
The man hesitated.
y beg pardon, my lady, but If
can speak 70 you alone"
Valerie rose,
II will so into the next room" she
SAID, and swept away.
Now, Miles" said Lady Darrell
quietly, though vague sense of CON-
ing III seemed to have fallen on her.
My lady, | have bad news TO tell
you. came straight to you. for
thought 1t best"
Go on, said the lady quickly. as
he hesitated
MY lady, this morning on nv