Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-09-21
A MID LOVE
BERTHA M. CLAY.
BY


, he always says on business. Now,
in your case what does business
mean?"
He laughed at the question.
| Parliamentary interests, my deal"
he replied, as he FASTENED away Such
close questions were very difficult TO
answer
He found the dining-rooms we'll
filed, and just as he had foreSeen. the
one subject was La Vanira. Then, in
deed, did he listen to some wonderful
stories The Marquis of Exham de-
clared that she was the daughter of an
illustrious Sicilian nouleman, who had
so great love for the stage nothing
could keep her from it. The Earl Of
Haleston said he knew for, a fact she
was the widow of an Austrian Jew
who had taken to the stage as the
means of gaining her livelihood. Lord
Bowden said she was the wife Of an
Austrian officer who was possessed of
twenty different stories aloud her, and
not one agreed with another.
II wonder" said Lord Chandos, at
last, what is the real TRUTH"
About what?" said white-haired
major, who sat next to him.
about La vanira," he replied;
every one has different story to
tell"
II can tell you as much truth as any
one else about her." said the major,
Il was with the manager last evening
La Vanria is English. l grant she looks
like a Spaniard--I never saw such
dark eyes in my life; but she is Eng
glish; accomplished, clever, a good as
gold, and has no one belonging to her
in the wide world. That much the
manager told me himself"
"But where does she come from?"
he asked, impatiently. Everybody
comes from somewhere"
THE managers idea Is that she was
brought up in the midland counties;
he thinks so from few words she said
one day"
"Is she married or single?" asked
Lord C4andos.
Single" was the reply; "and In no
hurry to, be married. Sne has refused
some of the best offers that could be
made; and yet she wears ring on
the third finger of her left hand-per-
haps 1t is not a wedding-ring.
II should like to see her." said Lord
Chandos.
The white-haired major laughed.
80 would half the men in London,
but no one visits her-she allows no
more who have tried to see her in
vain"
He was not much wiser after this
conversation than before; but he was
more determined to know. That same
evening he made another excuse, and
left his wife at Lady Blanchards ball
while he drove to the opera house
The opera was almost over, but he saw
the manager, to whom he briefly stated
his errand.
Il believe" he said, that in Madame
Vanira | recognize an old friend. Will
you Introduce me?"
Il am sorry to say that l canno,,"
was the courteous reply. Il promised
madame not to make any introductions
to her"
will you take my card to her? If
she is the lady take her to be she will
send word whether she wishes to see
me or not"
The manager complied with his re-
quest. He soon returned.
Madame Vanira wishes me to say
that she has not the pleasure of your
lordship's acquaintance, and that she
is compelled to decline any introduce
ton"
Then 1t is not Leone" he said to
himself, and chill Of disappointment
came over him.
His heart had been beating quickly
and warmly, yet he persuaded himself
1t was only that he was so pleased to
know she was all right and safe from
the frowns of the world. 1t was not
Leone, but she was so much Ike Leone
| thaI AC lClL ht HluSl 30 anu BEE HeT
again.
The opera tonight" said Lady
Marion, in her sweetest tone "Why,
my dear Lance, you were there three
nights since"
Yes, | know, but | thought II
pleased you, Marion. We will ask my
mother to go with US. 1t Is the Crown
Diamonds, a very favorite opera OF
hers"
VIII Madame Vanira sing?" asked
Lady Chandos, and her husband quietly
answered:
yes"
He was anxious for Lady Lanswell
to go, to see IL she would recognize
Leone, or If any likeness would strike
her. AS his chief wish seemed to be
to give pleasure to his mother, and he
expressed no desire TO see the beautiful
singer again, Lady Chandos was very
amiable. She sent a kind little note
to the countess, saying what pleasure