The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1898-01-15
CHAPTER XII.

ne great event Oh inc year SuCtteullIS
was the appearance of the Duchess Of
Hardwood. Miss LEstrange, the belle
and the heiress. had been very popular;
her Grace of Hazelwood was more popu-
lar still.
If the duke had been asked to continue
the history Of his wedding day, he would
have told a strange story-how, when
they We're in the railway carriage togeth-
er, he had turned to his beautiful young
wife with some loving words on his lips.
and she had cried out that she wanted air,
to let no one come near her-that she had
stretched out her hands wildly, as though
beating off something terrible.
They fell into the general routine of
life. One lovcd-the other allowed herself
to be loved. The duke adored his wife,
and she accepted his alteration.
At times. she would tease Lord Arleigh
about his ideal woman; but that was al
ways in her husbands presence.
You have not found the ideal woman
yet. Norman?" she would ask him, laugh
ingly; and he would answer, NO, not
yet"
Then the duke would wax eloquent and
tell him that he really knew little Of life
that if he wanted TO be happy he must
look for a wife
You were easily contented," the Ouch
ess would say, Norman wants an ideal.
You were content with a mere mortal-he
will never be.
Then find him an ideal, Philippa,"
would be the dukes reply. You know
some of the incest girls in London; find
him an ideal among them
Then to the beautiful face would come
the strange. brooding smile.
Give me time would her grace Of
Hazelwood say; Il shall find just what
want for HMM time"
1t was beautiful, pure morning. For
many years there had not been so bril-
liant Il season in London; everyone SEEM
ed to be enjoying it; ball succeeded ball;
fete succeeded fete. Lord Arleigh had
received, a note from the Duchess of Ha-
zelwood. asking him if he would call be
fore noon as she wanted to see him.
He went at once 10 Nerdun House, and
was told that the duchess was engaged.
but would see him in a few minutes. Con
trary to the usual custom, he was shown
into pretty morning room, one exclusive
" used hy the ducheSS-a small. octa gonal
room, daintily furnished which opened on
10 a small rose garden, also exclusively
kept for the use of the duchess.
He smiled to him self. thinking that in
all probability it was some mistake of the
servants: he pictured To himself the ex-
preston Of PhiIppa's face when she
should find him there. He looked round:
the room bore traces of her presence
around 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 picture that never for
sock his memory again-there he met his
fate-saw the ideal woman of his dreams
at last.
This was the picture he saw-a heautl-
full but by no means a common one In
the trcIliSed arbor which contained a
stand and one or two chairs, was a young
girl Of tall. slender figure, with a fair.
sweet face. inexpressibly lovely. lilies and
roses cxquiSitely blended-eyes like blue
hyaciuthS. large bright and starlike. with
lids and dark long lashes. SO dark that
they gave 4 peculiar expression to the
eycS-ouc Of beauty, thought and original
ity. The lips We're sweet and sensitive
beautiful when smiling, but even more
beautiful Wien in rcpu>e. The oval con
tour of the face was perfect: from the
white brow. where the veins We're 50 clear
y marked. rose crown Of golden hair.
not brown or auburn, hut of pure pale
gold dover Of beauty in itself. Lord
ArleiGh looked nj her like one in dream.
If she had an aureole round her head,
| should take her for an angel" he
thought To himself, and stood watching
her.
# seemed 70 him that he had been there
,, :, y,
enci and her grace of Hardwood enter
ed
Norman" she said. rs though in sud
den wonder. why did they show you in
hcrc:"
4 knew they We're doing wrong" he re-
Piled. This : your own special sauctum.
Ph;ljppa:'
''Yc~. il : indeed; still. as you are here.
you may stay. What Do you think about
my roses"
They are beautiful" he replied. and
then. in a low voice. he asked. 'Philippa
who Is that beautiful girl out there among
your f"werS:'
Nhc dnl not smile. but q sudden light
came into her eyes.
"Ir would IL great kindness not to
r"'l yau.' >hr answered. You see what
O., i.le~ of tre>EaS>inS in forbidden places
iii Uor intend you To see that young
lady"
My dear ph.lippa. she is the ideal WON
an her>"tt-neither more nor less"
Pound nj last" laughed the duchess
For all THAT. Norman. You must not
look at her
WHY not? l. she marriej-engaced -
Married: That girl, Why she has
just left school. Ii You really wish 10
know who she i l will tell you: but YOU
must give me your word not to mention
it,"
I promise" be replied.
He wondered why the beautiful face
grew crimson and tie dark eyes dropped