The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1898-10-01
CHAPTER VII


tall hill, whose sides, covered with trees
and flowers, slope down to the sea. No
park surrounds it, but the pleasure
grounds are extensive and magnificent.
There is, too, a deep, clear lake of vast
extent, bordered by dropping trees whose
branches touch the water. Though there
Is no park, the Thornleigh woods are close
md the River Thorne runs at the foot of
the hill.
On this morning, a lair one in June, the
windows of the breakfast room at the
Castle were thrown wide open; the wind
came in, in great perfumed gusts; the
flowers outside seemed as though they
bowed their heads in greeting; lilies and
roses were at their farest: the sunbeams
swept through the flower shaded windows,
and they fell upon n quiet, pretty scene
that spoke Of home, aff1uence and ele-
gance.
They fell first upon the proud, imperi-
Gus face Of an elderly lady, the mother of
the carl, the Honorable Mrs. Gerald Sell
wyn, a lady who sits calm and erect.
There is not bend in her figure, not n
wrinkle in her calm, patrician face; one
can see that she is proud to a fault. scru-
pulous. AMBITIOUS, 'worIuly anu fond Of
life
The sunbeams fall on something else
on the proud, high-hred face of young
girl, who is arranging some lilies so as to
form bouquet-on beautiful oval face,
with short upper lip and a fresh, ripe
under one, with clear, calm, proud eyes,
and straight brows-a girl with long,
graceful, white throat and small white
hands. with every mark of race about her
a thorough patrican; no smiling, dim
pied beauty, full of wild, fresh impulse,
such as Niolante Temple. A court beau
ty, this-an aristocrat. with all the haugh-
ty loneliness and dignity of a queen. And
this young lady, who moves with such
calm, serene, proud grace, is called Bea
trice Leigh. She is the niece of Mrs. Sci
wyn, and cousin of Lord Vivian.
Next to her own son, Mrs Selwyn loved
Beatrice Leigh better than any one else
i'll the world, and from the first moment
the child entered her house, she had one
wish. and it was that her proud, beauti-
full niece should marry her son.
AS children. Vivian and Beatrice spent
much of their time together When he
finally went to Oxford, and then into the
army. they We're separated. Vivian re-
tanning for his beautiful little payfellow
warm, kindly, brotherly affection. She.
fed by his mothers continual praises of
nm. and constant rciteration of her
wishes, gradually came to love the brave
young captain better than all the world
besides.
She looks very fair and serene, as the
sunbeams kiss the beautiful face and the
white dress; her hair, dark and shining
Ike the wing of a rare bird. is braided
round her beautiful head, after the fash
ION of Grecian statue, leaving the two
pretty, pearly ears to be seen
Letters, cried Beatrice, as the foot
man entered. Il wonder if Vivian has
written: if he is still lingering at that
wonderful place-what is it-Woodeaves.
in Leicestershire? What possible attrac-
ton can he find there? All! this is his
handwriting. am sure
From a number Of envelopes she select
ed the one having his writing upon it.
Mrs. Selwyn smiled as she did so.
How quickly you have found out. Bea-
trice.'' she cried. Now, what does he
say
She read the letter hastily.
lie is coming tonight she went on:
land, Beatrice. he says he has a surprise
for us. What can it be -
a surprise!" she cried. n sudden CLEAN
of light making her face still more love
ly: perhaps he has brought you some
thing. auntie."
But Mrs. Selwyn shook her head.
1t do not fancy that is it." she replied.
Il fancy, Beatrice, it is something about
himself. What has he been staying at
this place for: Listen to what he saws;
4 hope to be with you on Tuesday night
prepare yourself, dear mother. for a sur
prise that WILL hope, be pleasant one.
What can this surprise lie. Beatrice :" con-
tinued Mrs. Selwyn; he has done some
thing that he thinks will please me, rely
on it
Beatrice had reganed all her calm.
We shall know tonight, aunt" she
said quietly; and the day is too warm
for conjectures."