Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-11-09
Continued.

lCPiiCuB 6VhIiJJ INV VIZ ANSNAS Va SAAN
conversation was that Lady Chandos
went alone.
She spent two hours with Leone, and
the result was q great increase Of lik-
ing and affection for her. Leone sang
and her great grand voice thrilled
every fiber of that gentle heart. Leone
read to her, and Lady Chandos said
to herself that she never quite under
stood what words meant before. When
1t was time to go, Lady Chandos
looked at her watch in wonder.
Il have been here two hours she
said land they have passed like min
tues. Madame Vanira, l have no en-
gagement tomorrow evening; come
and see me. Lord Chandos has a
speech to prepare, and he asked me
to forego all engagements this even
ing"
perhaps | should be in the way"
said Leone; but Lady Marion laughed
at the suggestion. She pleaded so
prettily and SO gracefully that Leone
consented, and it was arranged that
she should spend the evening of the
day following at Stoneland House.
She went-more than once. She had
asked herself II this intimacy were
wise? She could not help liking the
fair, sweet woman who had taken her
place, and yet she felt great under
current OF jealous indignation and
righteous anger-it might blaze out
some day, and she knew that If it ever
did so 1t would be out of her control.
1t was something like playing with
fire, yet how many people play with
| fire all their lives and never get
burned!
She went, looking more beautiful
and regal than ever, in most becom-
ing dress OF black velvet, her white
arms and white shoulders looking
whittier than ever through the fine
white lace.
| She wore no Jewels; a pomegranate
blossom lay in the thick coils of her
hair; a red rose nestled in her white
breast.
She was shown into the boudoir she
had admired so much, and there Lady
Chandos Joined her.
Lord Chandos had been busily en-
gagged during the day in looking up
facts and information for his speech.
He had Joined his wife for dinner, but
she saw him so completely engrossed
that she did not talk to him, and 1t
had not occurred to her to tell him
that Madame Vanira was coming, SO
that he was quite ignorant of the fact.
The two ladies enjoyed themselves
very much-they had a cup Of orange
Pekoe from cups of priceless china,
they talked OF music, art and books
The pretty little clock chimed ten.
Lady Chandos looked at her COM
panion.
"You have not tried my piano yet,
she said. at was wedding present
from Lord Chandos to me; the tone Of
1t Is very sweet and clear"
IL will try It," said Madame Vanira
"May | look through the pile Of music
that lies behind it?"
Lady Chandos laughed at the eager
ness with which Leone went on her
knees and examined the music
Just at that moment, when she was
completely hidden from view, the
door suddenly opened, and Lord Chan
dos hastily entered. Seeing his wife
near without looking around the
room, in his usual caressing manner,
i - y o,.nnpI hnr draw
her to him. and kissed her.
1t was that kiss which woke all the
love, and passion, and jealousy In
Leone's heart; 1t came home to her
In that minute, and Tor the first time
that the husband she had lost be-
longed to another-that his kisses and
caresses were never more to be hers,
but would be given always to this
other
There was one moment-only one
moment Of silence; but while it lasted
a sharp sword pierced her heart; the
next, Lady Chandos, with a laughing
blLshing face, had turned to her hus-
band, holding up one white hand in
warning.
Lance" she cried, do you not see
Madame Vanira?"
She wondered why the words seemed
to transfix him-why his face paled
and his eyes flashed fire.
Madame Vanira!" he cried, Il die
not see that she was here"
Then Leone rose slowly from the
pile OF music.
II should ask pardon" she said;
II did not know that had hidden my.
self so completely"
1t was like a scene from a play; {
fair wife, with her sweet face, its ex
preston OF quiet happiness in her hus
bands love; the husband, with {
stratled look of passion repressed
Leone with her grand Spanish beauty
all aglow with emotion. She coult
not recover her presence of mind so 4:
to laugh away the awkward situation
Lady Chandos was the first to do that
How melodramatic we all look!
she said. What is the matter9'