Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1898-02-03
CHAPTER IX.

Hildred's heart sank lower and lower
every day brought her some fresh reve-
lation of her husbands character which
was utterly uncomfortable to her. The
worst trait of all was that he seemed to
her, as it were, to lounge through life.
He literally did nothing-no useful occu-
patton ever seemed to attract him. He
never read, he never wrote. If any letter
of Importance required an answer, he
passed it to her or threw it aside. If the
agent brought the accounts he said in his
INDECENT manner, clay the books down
4 will see to them soon;" but he never
looked at them. He had but one idea, and
that was amusement. No idea of work
ever seemed to occur to -self-indul-
gence and Incidence were all that he
cared for.
When the month of May came round
he decided upon going to London. Halby
House was prepared for them, and the
handsome earl's friends made ready to
receive him with open arms. He had
been welcome in his penniless state, and,
having married a wealthy heiress, he was
now doubly welcome. Those who had
won money from him before looked for
ward to winning more; those who had
gambled and bet with him before looked
forward to a renewal of those delights.
He would be welcome.
A proud day for Arley Ransomc was
that of his daughters presentation at
court He drove to Halby House to see
her before she went, and to him his daugh-
ter looked like miracle of beauty Full
dress enhanced her loneliness wonderful
ly; her neck, arms and shoulders were
beautifully nodded, and they were shown
to the greatest advantage, as was the
perfect. rounded figure. The court dress
was one of unusual magniicence-a sill
yer brocade deliberately trimmed with rich
lace. She wore q parure of diamonds; the
waving plumes that lend so grotesque an
effect to some faces gave her an air of
majesty. The lovely Spanish face and
dark eyes were a study in themselves.
She was alone with her maids in her
dressing room when Arley Ransome
came. He sent up little penciled note,
saying:
Mildred, can you come into the draw
ing room for a few minutes? / want to
see you in your court dress"
There was no elation in her heart as
she raised her ma gnifcent train in her
hand and threw it over her arm. She
went down stairs, grave, collected, almost
sad.
Arley Ransome started as she entered
Then he made low bow. My dear
Hildred," he said, II congratulate you.
How beautiful you look. You were born
to be a countess"
81 am glad that you are pleased" she
replied. He was her father and she was
compelled to honor him; but she felt that
she could never forgive him for having
sold her-sold her for title.
81 think, my DEAR said Arley Ran
some, nervously, that it would be quite
we'll if you could try toto look little
bright. You do not look happy. How
is it:'
did YOU ever expect that I should be
happy, papa?'
"Of course. Most certainly you have
everything to make you So
She made no reply. The lawyers eyes
glistened with keenest satisfaction as he
looked at her.
1T is a proud day for me, he said
'.the day on which / see my daughter in
her court dress. Throw down the train;
let me see the fuH> effect
Without smile on her face she COM
piled. standing before him.. calm, beauti-
full self possessed. At that moment the
earl, not knowing she was there, entered
the room. He stared at the lovely appali-
tian.S
- Hillred, did not know that you were
here, You are ready, sec Z a;..sss
quite ready she replied, briefly.
Then we will start at once he said.