Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1899-03-30
Lord Lynne's Choice


strong upon me. do not like my
nights, Philip. In the daytime | can
dispense my ghosts, the ghosts of
lost years; but In the night they
draw round me, and do not let me
rest. | have been thinking as ! stood
here that perhaps ii is not too late
to begin even now to do something
better. Do you know what would hap
pen to Florence if | were TO die?n
mo, replied Mr.. Lynne, looking at
him with surprise.
why, she would be left penniless,
said his lordship-"poorer even than
the poorest housemaid in the kitchen,
literally and truly penniless.
have got through every farthing of
her mothers fortune. / have lost
five thousand pounds in one nights
play. There is nothing left now but
the entailed estate; and ID 49,. f'loy, poor
child, will receive no benefit from
that | ought to have saved money
for her. he added, despondingly.
% 1t is a strange position for her to
be placed in said Philip Lynne,
grayely.
You would say so if you knew how
she has always been treated-like
some queen rsgnant, said Lord Wy
verne. She has been mistress of Sew
ernoke ever since she was old enough
TO walk; and there are not many
places in England to compare to it.
Just imagine being penniless after
reigning here!"
1T will no the so bad as you think,
said Philip, anxious to console him.
There will be some provision found
for her"
Il tell you if | died tomorrow she
would not have a sixpence, said his
lordship. Il looked my affairs in the
face yesterday, the first time for many
years, and if anything happens to me,
Lady Florence Wyyerne will be
neither more nor less than a beggar."
But she has friends" interrupted
Mr. Lynne.
What are they WORTH" said Lord
Wyverne, with a sheer. II know the
world. OF all those who have fiat
tered and sought her now, how many
do you think will even remember her
name after am gomez"
II for one" began Philip, warmly.
II have long wished to say
"A telegram, my lord" interrupted
footman, who entered the room hur-
riedly. and presented Lord Wyverne
with one of those unmistakable folded
n 10
sorrow or joy
1T is not for me, said Lord Wy
verne, looking at it. 1T is for you, Mr..
Lynne, no lad news, | hope"
My uncle is ill-dying, said the
young man. Il must go at once. How
can | get from here to Lynnewolde?
Drive TO the station and take the
train to Bathurst, the quick
est way" said Lord Wyverne. How
sudden He has not been i'll long,
has hep
Il have not heard from him for
some months" replied Mr.. Lynne, who
had grown pale. and looked half be-
wildered. "The telegram is from my
cousin lnez Lynne. 1t says, Lord
Lynne is ill-dying, we fear. He
wishes to see you. Come at once.
How did they know where to find
your asked Lord Wyverne.
II wrote to my uncle three days
ago, replied Philip, and Lord Wy
verne noted the warm color that flush |
ed his face.
What a solemn council' / never
saw the owls in committee. but even
they could not look wiser" said Flor |
ence, whose bright face smiled in at
them from the window Pray. do be |
like ordinary mortals," she continued. |
How can | make tea or coffee for
gentlemen who. look as though the |
world depended on their next word?" /
Hush, Floy, said Lord Wyverne |
Mr.. Lynne has bad news. Lord
Lynne is ILL.,"
II am so sorry" said Florence, as
her face changed. Pray forgive me.
Mr. Lynne | never dreamed there
was anything serious, What can we
do?"
Nothing at present" said Lord /
Wyverne. Give Mr.. Lynne a cup OF /
tea, while | order the carriage. / will /
so down to the station with you my /
self, he added, turning to Philip. and .
then he left them alone
Il am so grieved. Mr.. Lynne" said /
Florence: bad news always seems 10 4
me doubly sorrowful coming on such /
a bright day as this. Half an hour
ago. while we were so careless and
happy out in the garden there. how
little we thought what was coming for
you,"
She held out the cup OF tea. and
Philip drank 1t hastily; he could not
eat, and she watched him wlstfully as F
he pushed the plate away
Are you very grieved?" she asked .
suddenly.
Yes be replied Il should es-
TEEN Lord Lynne very much. l should
grieye to lose him; and II he dies.
The first trouble is, that I have to
leave Severnoke and you
but Won will come ayaf,qu .h