Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1898-05-28
xxx.
FATE FASORS PAULINE.

Autumn. WIN It's golden grain, its rich
fruits, and its luNuriant foliage, had come
ana gone; then Christmas snow lay soft and
white on the ground; and still Captain Lang.
ton had not paid his promised visit to Darrell
Court. lie sent numerous cards, letters.
books, and music, but he did not appear him
self. Once more the spring flowers blooned
SIR Oswald had been lying for twelve months
in the cold, silent FAM Y vault. With the
year of mourning the last Of Lady Darrelrs
gracefully expressed sorrow yanished-the
last vestige OF gray and lavender, OF Jet beads
and black trimmings, disappeared from heI
dress :: and then she shone forth upon the
world in all the grace ana delicate loneliness
of her fair Young beauty.
WHO could number her lovers or count her
admirers? Old and young, peer and com,
mOner, there was not one who would not
have given anything he had OH earth 10 win
the hand OF the beautiful and wealthy young
widow.
Lady HLmpton favored tire suit of Lori
AynSley, onr Of the wealthicst peers in En-
gland. He had met Lady Darrell while on a
visit at the Fins. and was charmed with her.
SO young, fair, gifted, accomplished, so per-
feet taar 2 an m b4n 1S,& q ever 2rt and gr2ee, vet 50 50
man before.
Lady Hampton was delighted.
II think. Elinor,'' she said, THAT yoiaTe one
of the most fortunate of IN You have
a chance now Of making a second ana most
brilliant marriage. think you must have
been born under a lucky star
Lady Darrell laughed her soft, graceful!
little laugh.
Think, %auntie," she returned, that as
married the first time 10 pease you, may
marry Tow to please myself and my own
heart"
Certainly, said her ladyshlp, obviously;
.'but remember what | have always told you
sentiment Is the ruin of everything
And. as Lady Hampton spoko, there came
before her the handsome face OF Aubrey
Langton. She prayed mentally that nc
might not appear again at Darrell until LORD
| Aynsley had proposed and had been ac-
ceptcd.
But Fate was not kind to her.
The next morning Lady Darrell received a
letter from the captain, saying that, as the
summer was drawing near, h. should be very
glad to pay his Compromised visit to Darreli
Court. He hoped to be with them on Thurs
day evening.
Lady Darrell's fair face flushed as she
read. He was coming. then, this man who
above all Others had taken her fancy captive
this man whom, with all her worldly Schem-
Ing, she would have married without money
ii he had but asked her. He was coming,
and he would see her in all the glory OF her
prosperity. He would be almost sure to fall
in love with her; and she-well, 1t was moi
the first time that she whispered TO her own
heart, how gladly she would love him. She
was too excited by her pleasant news 10 DC
quite prudent. She must have a ~coniidant-
she must tell some one that he was coming.
She went to the study, where Miss Hast
ings and Pauline were busily engaged win
some water-colors. She held the open iettei
I'm her hand.
Miss Hastings, 7 have news for you" she
said. Il know that all that interested Sr
Oswald is full of interest for you. Pauline
you too will be pleased to hear that Captain
Langton is coming. Sir Oswald loved mn
very much"
Pauline knew that, and had cause to resre'
it.
al should be much pleased" continue,
Lady Darrell, 'if, without interfering VIII
your arrangements, you could help me to EN-
terrain him"
Miss Hastings looked up with a smile o.
assent.
.Anythlng that lies in my power" sh'
said, Il shall be only too happy to do; but
fear l shall be- rather at a loss how to ANUS
a handsome young officer like Captain Lang
ton"
Lady Darrell laughed, but looked much
pleased. d,
"You are right she said-..he Is hand
some. l do not know that l have ever seer
one more handsome
Then she stopped abruptly, for she cangh
the CLEAN OF Pauline's scornful smile--ths
dark eyes were looking straight at her. Lad,
Darrell blushed crimson, and the smile Oh
Pauline's lips deepened.
Il see my way now" she said to herself
"srime. fate. and opportunity will combine
at last"
And you, Pauline" inquired Lady Oar
rell In her most caressing manuer-"you vii
help me with my visitor-will you mott"
pardon me, I must decline" answered
Miss Darrell.
.Why, l thought Captain Langton an,
yourself were great friends!' cried Lad,
Darrell.
II am not answerable for your thoughts
Lady DARRELL said Pauline.
aBut you-you sing so beautifully! oh
Pauline, you must help mer' persisted Lad,
Darrell.
She drew nearer to the girl, and was abou
10 Law one white jeweled hand ON her arm
but Pauline drew back with = naughty gcst
uro that was no installing.
spray understand me, Lady Darrell" Oh
said-"all arts and persuasiOns are, ~ yo'
know. lost on me, decline 70 DO anythla