Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1899-07-08
CHAPTER xxxIx.-A GAME OF cuFss

Another ten days made Mrs. Langley's
hopes In regard to Valerie sink to very few
degrees above freezing point. She certain
ly did nothing, but rather the contrary, TO
win Max Beauregard's homage; she flirted
with Lord Westbrook and Major Travers,
with the former principally, and left the
field entirely open for Lilias Dudley and
Angela Musgrave; nor did Colonel Beaure-
gard seek Valerie, that was clear, though
even astute Mrs. Langley could not per.
ceive that he avoided the girl. Angela, on
the other hand, was not slow TO profit by
her opportunities, ably assisted by hen'sis-
ter; and Valerie seemed perfectly uuEIoved,
quito willing to allow Angela "a walk
over"--R contamination Of which, how
ever, Mrs. Langley had no fear. Angela
musgraVe was not a girl Ma b-~ tregaru
would have selected If Valerie had never
been born. But what possessed Valerie to
fling away the very opportunity for which
she had rejected Aston Lawford'
Mrs. Langley was beginning TO grow an
cry, impatient. Was it possible that Va
lerie still cherished Louis memory? Alb
surdl And yet, she reflected, anything
seemed possible with this extraordinary
girl.
~ must speak to her!' said Mrs. Lang
ley to herself. II thought things would
right themselves, but it doesn't seem as If
they would; and if there is risk in speak
ing, there is certainty of failure if matters
60 on as at present. She can't be falling
in love with Westbrook; no girl would look
at him with Max Beauregard by"
1t CHANGED one morning that, as Mrs.
Langley was breakfasting In her dressing
TnnnN about n1nNvnN A1o1nn1y Nn1anfa nyyar
whose shortcomings her aunt was musing
at the moment, came in, after a prelimin-
airy tap.
Aunt Constance" said she, seating her
self, not on the couch, but on the head OF
it, LADY Elinor wants to know if you
would like a drive in the park by-and- by.
1t is not a bit hot out, ever for your
"Yes!' said Mrs. Langley. II should,
very much. But what are you doings'
glancing at an open book in the girls hand.
"And where are all the othersp
Valerie held up the book, laughing.
"Do you see the title?' she said. "'Beg-
gar my Neighbor'-a lovely novel! have
been ensconced in the library for an hour
reading this; and when I leave here l am
going on with it. The others-let me see.
Obi Harry Dallas and Amy, they're al
ways together, those two are on the ter
race. Westbrook, Travers, Lady Elinor,
Mrs. Dudley" counting on her fingers,
''are playing lawn-tepnis;and Colonel Beau
regard is on the terrace (apart from the
other two, Of courseD teaching Angela
to play chess. At least, he was half an
hour ago"
"And what on earth, !" said Mrs. Langley,
exceedingly annoyed by this last piece of
intelligence, "makes you withdraw your
self from all the rest in this wayl"
II wanted to read" said Valerie, swing
ing her foot backward and forward. "And
one cam read and chatter. tool'
"You don't come to a co~untry-house to
sit in the library and read. You, Of all
peopleT'
81, of all people" returned Valerie, cool,
ly, want a little time to myself now and
then. am bothered to deathV'
1.-THE penalty beauty always has to pay,
my dear. You certainly" said Mrs. Lang
ley, tartly, don't seem TO find Westbrook
disagreeable."
Valerie laughed, but drew in her breath.
She knew this was only skirmishing, the
attack would come by-and-by.
81 like W~estbrook," said she, The is aw-
full fun; and l can't flirt much with Dallas,
because of Amy"
Mrs. Langley slipped her chocolate for a
moment in silence; then she asked, abrupt.
ly:
"Who proposed the chess, Angela OF
Beauregard?"
angela, Ithinkr' indifferently. 'She'l
never learn!' added Valerie. with another
laugh.
"Nonsensel You don't suppose for an
instant that Max Beauregard cares for An
gelal"
No, Valerie did not. Somehow, that kiss
pressed on her hand, more than a week
ago, chung to it still; the thought Of it made
her heart beat and her veins glow now;
yet she answered, carelessly:
mot now, but he may; and Angela likes
himI'
"And pray, Valerie, is it on her account
that you do all you'can to assure Colonel