Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-09-21
CHAPTER XXI.

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CHAPTER XXI.
How strange it SEEMS said Sir
Allan to Agatha, ''for us to meet here
in Rome! But how altered your sister
looks! She must have been very ILL"
"She has, replied Agatha; "but
Rome suits her; she is much better
and stronger now"
DO you know what brought me to
Rome, Agatha?" he continued.
NO said she, looking up into his
face; but she saw something there
that caused vivid crimson to flush
her own, while her sweet eyes dropped
shyly before the ardent gaze that
seemed to read her very thoughts.
1t all came out then,-the long
treasured secret of his love; and his
story was so we'll and so eloquentIy
told, and bore in every word the i'm
press of such truth and nobility, that
no girl could have listened to it un-
moved.
"You are as far above me, Agatha,
as that blue sky" said Sir Allan; 'but
if you will try to love me, my whole
life shall repay you. Do not keep me
in suspense, beloved; tell me, will you
try to love me?"
He could hardly hear the family
whispered answer. 1t was favorable
to him, he knew, by the droop Of the
golden head and the f1utter of the
little white hand in his own.
Miss Lynne, are you not afraid of
the night dew" said a voice which
made Agatha start and look guilty.
Turning round, she saw Count Ri
naldo, with a strange expression on
his face and light like flame in his
eyes. There is a splendid view from
this balcony" he continued carelessly
turning to Sir Allan, who heartily
wished him at the antipodes,- while
Agatha made ner escape and re-
entered the room.
The half-quizzical smile she saw up
on Lord Lynne's lips, sent her, with
burning face, to her sisters side.
Count Rinaldo was the first to take
his leave; as he did so, he silently
placed a small folded piece of paper in
Lady Lynne's hand. Then Sir Allan
and Evelyn rose to go.
philip" said the young baronet, in
a low voice, you are Miss Lynne's
guardian. What time can I see you
About three" replied Lord Lynne;
land Allan, dear old fellow, I under
stand it. I wish you all the happi-
ness in the world, and I believe you
will have it
When their visitors had departed
Lord Lynne went to Inez
Are you tired?" he asked, kindly.
Il am afraid all this talking and
laughing has been too much for you.
1t is like old times to see Allan and
Evelyn once more. Do you remember
the charades and the tableaux, Inez?
If BERTHE Bohn were here we might
have them all over again"
Did she remember them? A pang,
sharp and bitter as death, shot through
her heart. Was not every hour of that
happy time burned in upon her mem
Dry? Had she dreamed then, in the
hour of her beauty and triumph, of
the fate that awaited her?
Come here, little sister," said Lord
Lynne to Agatha. ''T wonder what took
balcony. l wonder what Allan is
coming to say to me tomorrow"
DO not tease her, Philip" said
Lady Lynne, as she saw her sisters
face grow crimson.
Il will not tease her, my dear" re-
piled Lord Lynne. 81 will only say one
word,-I think she showed good taste
when she returned the white hyacinth
to me-
Returned it to you!" cried Agatha,
with a wondering face. "Why-"
But the words were arrested upon
her lips. Inez had fallen back with a
cry that rang through the room.
That is my fault" said Lord Lynne,
raising her tendarly. 81 invite people
here, and forget how necessary quiet
and repose are to her"
Inez had not tainted; it was rather
as though some sudden blow had
struck her.
Philip" she said, in a low, faint
voice, what trouble 1 give you! But
you love me, my husband, do you
not?"
"Of course I do. darling" he re-
piled; and 1 ought to be more care
full of you
Tell me just once again that you
love me-" she said gently.
He bent over her, and smiled into
the beautiful pale face, while he whis-
pered that he loved her better than
his life.
Lady Lynne would not go to he1
room until Agatha and Lady Florence
had gone to theirs. Then, when she
was sure her sister and her husband
would not meet again that evening
| she went up stairs to her own cham.
| Der, a handsome apartment, with some
| traces of the old Roman luxury in it
large mirrors, rare statues land pic
lures, silken hangings, and thicl
soft carpets. were all there; bu
Lady Lynne noted nothing Of the mag
nifcence that surrounded her. Ste
phanie awaited her mistress, a blu
| ci1I- bp