Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1898-05-26

riSter could not nelp nlHkl ludt htia
had been an apt scholar, and had done
infinite credit to her mentor. He re-
membered. the untamed girl who had
looked so sorrowfully and appeallngiy
into his face when he first paid a visit
to her.
'Packenham would scarcely recog'
nize her now" he thought, as he 0
the small, firm hand which yielded SO
frankly to his clasp.
Mr.. Cleveland was at Lady Groby's.
She ard her lawyer were dining tete-
a-tete.
"A shortened meal" her ladyship re-
marked. smiling her best company
smile. Il mustn't loiter and lose the
overture Then, after a pause, she
added. 80 they tell me there IS an
artist woman living somewhere in Ken
Sington who calls herself Mrs. Packen-
ham. Do you know anything about
herr
II have the pleasure Of the lady's &C
quaintance. and saw her to-day"
You believe in her-that she is really
Dereck's wife,"
ut was he who told me-"
HE was Observation-Disclosures TO
use a vulgar word"
HE told me that the marriage was
OF his OWL seeking. from first TO last
Lady Groby made an impatient ges-
ture.
''Dereck is a fooli' she exclaimed
II quite agree with you"
"She must be a most designing wo-
man." her ladyship continued.
"No-only a very charming one.
"Ah. she has made a conquest or
your
$50 she would of you. if o met
her." remarked Mr.. Cleavland.
MET her! An adyenturess-a design
ing"
"Ihe carriage, my lady" a footman
interrupted.
Cleavland was glad of the diversion,
for he felt that the subject was not one
to be pursued with patience.
Between the acts of the opera Lady
Groby reopened the unpleasant sub
ject.
Il am sorry you have taken sides
against Dereck," she observed.
Excuse me, | have done nothing OF
the sort" the lawyer rejoined.
You take this young persons part"
"Ou the contrary--I merely act for
him in a business capacity. If you were
acquainted with her you would probab-
ly take her part yourself, Lady Groby."
Heaven forbidr' she CALCULATED, in
an airy manner. You men are blind
when a young and probably pretty wo-
man is in question"
Not more so than women, when they
allow themselves to be led by preju-
dice"
answered. giving an annoyed little
laugh. well administered, | must
say"
Indeed, Lady Groby. this is not a
matter for mirth."
II agree with you. 1t has already
had an evil effect upon the boys
career
"And what about the lady"
''The girl? oh, you imply that he
gives her money! She played for her
stake-what more can she want?'
'She only takes that which she has
an undoubted right to take"
Mr.. Cleavland-do you really believe
her to be legally married to him.
by his own declaration-even If /
had no other evidence do"
"Dereck talks at random. 1t is of no
use placing reliance ON his wild raw
ings."
Pardon me-there is the testimony
of the clergyman who performed the
ceremony, as well as the certificate OF
the marriage, which / have in my own
possession"
Lady Groby was toying with her OPP
era glasses, and talking, in her fippant
society tone. as IL the whole matter
was of the least possible consequence.
But suddenly, thesociety smile left her
face, and became apparently intent on
sc%rutinizing the occupants of the OPP
posite box.
HAS it a price?' she asked. "Five
thOusand-nay, temp
Il must wish you goodnight, Lady
Groby." Mr.. Cleavland was on his feet
in an instant, his brows sternly drawn
together and his lips set.
Must you goY" her ladyship querieu,
laying down her opera glasses. Sure
ly a pity, when Melba has a delightful
song to sing, as well as that fascinat-
ing De Reszke. How can you tear
yourself away from such enchantment?
But you busy men-well, goodbye, il
you must leave. Come and see me
SOON"
When in the vestibule Mr.. Cleavland
paused to take breath. He was in a
white heat of rage, for Lady Groby had
limited at a bride.