Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-03-02
MIFFLINTOWN JUNIATA PENNA. WEDNESDAY. MARC

If was a beautiful, pure morning. For
many wears there had not been % bril-
liant a season in London; everyone SEEM
ed to be enjoying it; ball succeeded ball
fete succeeded fete. Lord Arledgh had
received n note from the Duchess Of Ha.
ze!wood, asking him if he would call be-
fore noon, as she wanted to see him.
He went at once to Verdun House, ana
was told that the duchess was engaged,
but would see him in few minutes. Con-
trary to the usual custom, he was shown
into a pretty morning room, one exclusive
" used by the Duchess small, octagonal
room, daintily furnished, which opened on
to a small rose-garden, also exclusively
kept for the use Of the duchess.
He smiled to himself, thinking that in
all probability It was some mistake of the
serrants. he pictured to himself the ex.
nress,ou of Philippa's face when she
sbould find him there. He looked round;
the room bore traces of her presence
oround him were some Of her favorite
flowers and books.
He went to the long French window,
wondering at the rich collection Of roses,
and there he saw a picture that never for
scok his memory again-there he met his
fate-saw the ideal woman Of his dreams
at last.
This was the picture he saw-a beauti-
f,l but by no means a common one. In
,l,c trelIised arbor, which contained a
stand and one or two chairs, was young
Girl of tall, slender figure, with a fair
sweet face, inexpressibly lovely, lilies and
roses exouisitely blended-eyes like blue
bvacinths, large, bright and starlike, with
| lids and dark long lashes, so dark that
thew gave a peculiar expression to the
ayes-one of beauty, thought and original
| lty. The IIl,s were sweet ana sensiu'>
beautiful when smiling, but even more
beautiful when in repose. The oval con.
tour of the face was perfect; from the
white brow, where the veins were so clear
ly marked, rose a crown Of golden hair
not brown or auburn, but of pure pale
| gold-a dover of beauty in itself. Lord
Areigh looked at her like one in dream
I IF she had an aureole round her head
| [ should take her for an angel" he
thought to himself. and stood watching
her.
1t seemed to him that he had been there
long hours, when the door suddenly op
ened, and her grace of Hazelwood enter
ed.
Norman" she said, as though in sud
den wonder, "why did they show you il
here"
Il knew they were doing wrong" he re
piled. This is your own special sanctum
Philippa?'
Eyes, it is indeed: still, as you are here
you may stay. What do you think abou
my roses?"
They are beautiful" he replied, ant
then, in low voice, he asked: "Philippa
who is,that beautiful girl out there anon:
your fowers?"
She did not smile, but sudden lGh
came into her eyes.
1T would be a great kindness not t
tell you," she answered. You see wha
comes of trespassing in forbidden places
l did not intend you to see that youn
lady"
my dear Philippa, she is the ideal won,
an herself-neither more nor less
Found at iast!' laughed the duchess
"For all that Norman, you must no
look at her."
why not? Is she married-engaged? :?
Married? That girl! Why she ha
just left school. II you really wish t
know who she is I will tell you; but yo
must give me your word not to mentio
it."
| prOmlsc, ne repileu.
He wondered why the beautiful fac
grew crimson and the dark eyes dropped
"She is a poor relative of ours" sal
the duchess, poor, you understand-notl
ing else"
Then she is related to the duke?' h
Intercepted.
Yes, distantly; and, after a fashion, W
have adopted her. When she marries w
4 l-r Il L.
married unfortunately"
"Still, she was married?" said Lord Al
leigh.
Yes, certainly; but unhappily married
Her daughter, however, has received
good education, and now she will remain
with us. But, Norman, in this l ma
trust you, as in everything else"
you may trust me implicitly" he re
Piled
"The duke did not quite like the idea o
having her live with us at frst-and l
not wish it 10 be mentioned to him. If h
speaks of it to you at all, it will be as M
caprice. Let it pass-do not ask any qucs
tions about her: 1t only annoys her
only annoys him. She is very happy wit
me. You see," she continued, "wome'
can keep a secret. She has been her
three weeks, yet you have never seen he
before, and now it is by accident"
But" said Norman, what do you in
tend to do with herr?
The duchess took a seat near him, an
assumed quite confidential air.
Il have been for some time looking on
for a companion," she said; Lady Peter
really must live at Verdun Royal
housekeeper is not sufficient for that larg
establishment-it requires more than thai
She has consented to make 1t her home
and 1 must have some one to be wit
me-
"You have the duke" he put in, wor
deringly.
True, and a husband must, perforcc
be all that is adorable; still, having bee
accustomed to a lady companion, l prefe
keeping one; and this girl, SO beautiful
so pure, so simple, is all that l need, o
could wish for
What is her name?' asked Lord Al
leigh.
The duchess laughed.
"Ah, now, manlike, you are CROWN
curious! shall not tell you. Yes, will
it is the name above all others for a
ideal-MedaHne."
"Madaline," he repeated; '.it is yer
musical-Madaaine."
TT suits her." said the duchess; "an
now, Norman, l must 60. have som
l pressing engagements to-day"
"You will not introduce me, then, Phi
: ippaT'
"No-why should I? You would onl
disturb the child's dream"