, 1898-12-09
CHAPTER XIG-Continued.1

The lips that had never ~sighed-had
known naught but smiles-touched the
lips to whom smiles were rare. Then the
radiant lady, whose life had no care, went
away, leaving Lady Selwyn once more
alone under the gladiolus, with those
words of caution and advice ringing in her
ears.
Had it really come to this, that strang-
Frs noted and commented upon the state
of things in their household? Could it
really be that strangers saw that Bea-
trice Leigh had more influence over her
husband than she hadi 1t was her own
fault. In those early days, when Nivlan's
love was untouched by doubt, If she mad
complied more with his wishes, things
would never have come to this pass. Bet
ter to have made a few blunders-to have
committed a few faults-to have made
mistakes; better that a thousand times
than for Miss Leigh to have grown accus-
timed to taking her place.
WAS it too late to changer she asked
herself, YEARLY. ''If she could summon
M courage now, and try, step by step, to
regain all she had lost, would it be of any
useY" She was young, and held life dear.
It seemed hard that hope and happiness
should gradually fade from her. The sun'
shine and the flowers seemed to smile up
on her. Bending over the golden gladi-
olus-in whose fragrant bells the bees
were humming-she said to herself that
she would try.
An opportunity came that very day.
During dinner Vivian spoke of the even.
ing, and laughed at the countess piquant
notion of a committee.
ut Is some distance to her house." Vio-
Eante said. "How shall we gop
AS usual, Miss Leigh, who considered
the formation of all plans her own par
ticular province, spoke.
ut will be a fine evening"" she said,
"and a walk by the Arno will be delight
full"
How fond you are of that river, Bea.
~trice," said Vivian.
No one appealed to Lady Selwyn, or
seemed to think she had any wish in the
matter. Now was the time to try.
''If you have no objection" she said,
turning her fair, flushed face to Miss
Leigh, II should like to drive. The walk
is rather long for me-"
They looked at her with some surprise
lit was the first time she had dissented
from any wish.
1t was Lady Selwyn's first triumph. She
had not time to feel pleased over 1t be
fore seeing the expression o. Miss Leigh's
FACET startled her; fo~-~e~~Athat she
should suffer for the contradiction, and
she considered the victory dearly bought
CHAPTER XIII.
The Villa Pisani was brilliantly illu.
minated. The rooms were filled with
guests; the queen of the fete was Bea-
trice Leigh. 1t mad been given in her
honor, and she was the most beautiful
and brilliant woman present at it.
A little group stood together near one
of the numerous fountains that played
among the fowers-Beatrice, looking su-
Derbly beautiful; Countess Sitani; an Eng
lish lady, Mrs. Rochester; Lady Selwyn,
and Prince Cesare; they had been admir-
ing a rare Indian plant, whose flowers
assembled a crimson bell.
Prince Cesare thought, as he looked al
the group of fair women, that he had new
or seen Lady Violante look to so little ad-
vantage. The chief attraction in her beau
ty had always been its brightness, the
light of her violet eyes, the sheen of her
golden hair, the exquisite coloring of her
face; but tonight she looked dim and
faded-it was as though tears had washed
away all radiance-had quenched the light
of the starry eyes. She looked pale and
wearied; there was no animation in her
Manner; she was distracted, Indifferent
and dull, differing far as the moon from
the sun to the bright, queenly woman by
her side.
Lord Vivian Joined the group, and he
was struck as he had never been before
BY the superb beauty Of Beatrice Leigh.
Shining down a rival was an occupation
i - AL.A hD- Ano. xlaxxval
with trumph-the diamonds on her white
breast were not brighter than her dark
eyes. Lord Vivian looked at her, then
at his wife, who stood by her side "eclips-
ed" He wondered what Violante could
have done to herself-even her dress seem.
ed either Uniting or ill-chosen.
81 came In search of a runaway part
aer," said Lord Vivian to Miss Leigh
are you ready. Beatricer
Her face was good to see as she raised
il to his.
This will be our last lance for many
long months" she said, as they walked
away together; "and, Vivian, when it is
ended | shall not care to dance again"
leWhy notT' he said simply. 1t never
entered his head to imagine that Miss
Leigh was what would be called flirting"
with him..
Because she said promptly, II never
find another partner like you; every one
else seems awkward and stupid; too tall
or too short"
you hatter me, Beatrice" he said. 81
mad no idea you valued my dancing Sc
highly"
Il value all you do and all you say"
she replied, and he touched the white
jeweled hand that lay upon his arm
Then they passed out of sight. Prince
Cesare went away with the countess,
Mrs. Rochester was joined by her bus.
band, and Lady Selwyn, in a few min.
ates. found herself alone.
mo one will miss me-" thought the
poor child; there, in my husbands own
aouse, no one cares for me. l am only in
the way; no one will miss mev