Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-05-11
CHAPTER Nj.
The Lawyers Statement.

at Dunmore House, her handsome face
flushed with irritation and annoyance,
her fine eyes flashing fire. She looked
like one born to command; her tall,
stately figure bore no signs of age;
her travelling dress of rich silk swept
the ground in graceful folds. She had
not removed her mantle of rich lace;
it hung from her shoulders still, She
had removed her bonnet and gloves.
With one jeweled hand resting on the
table, she stood, the picture of indigna-
ton and anger,
LoW Lanswell had sent telegram
at once. when his son left him, beg
ging her to come at once, as Lance had
something important to tell her.
My lady lost no time. She was far
more quick and keen OF judgment
than the earl She never thought of
gambling or betting-her thoughts all
went to love. 1t was something about
a girl, she said to herself, but she
should stand no nonsense. Lance
must remember what was due to his
family. If he had made any such mis-
take as that Of falling 10 love with
one beneath him, then he must rectify
the mistake as quickly as possible.
There could be no mesalliance in a
family like theirs. AS for any prom
lse Of marriage, If he had been SO fool
ish as to make one, he must break it.
A sum of money would doubtless have
to be expended over the matter; then
it would be all right.
SO thought my lady; and as the eX-
press drew near London she promised
herself that all would be we'll. Her
spirits rose, her fears abated; no son
of hers would ever make a mistake
so utterly absurd. There was some
thing of scorn in my lady's face as she
entered Dunmore House.
Il have lost no time, as you see"
she said. What is all this nonsense,
Ross"
He did not answer until they stood
together in the library, with the door
closed, and then she repeated the
words. Something in her husband
race ulSmayed Her
Speak, Ross; | dislike suspense.
Tell me at once. What has the boy
1one?"
"ITe is married." said the earl, SOL
EMMY
Great Heaven!" cried my lady.
Married! You cannot mean it. Mar
w-whom-when?
You will be dreadfully distressed"
he began, slowly.
My lady stamped her foot.
II can bear disgrace better than sus-
pense. Tell me quickly, Ross, has he
disgraced HIMSELF"
Il am afraid So" was the brief reply.
And | loved him Sol trusted him
So it is impossible; tell me, Ross"
"He has married farmers niece,
The girl is beautiful. ! have seen no
one SO beautiful. She seems to be
well educated and refined. Her uncle
has a farm at Rashleigh."
"A farmers niece" cried my lady.
You cannot possibly mean 1t. There
must be some mistake-the boy has
been playing practical joke on you"
1T is no joke; only wish it were.
Lance gave me the details. He was
married yesterday morning by the
Reverend Mr. Barnes, at the Church Of
st. Barnabas, at Oheton. village
somewhere near Rashleigh."
"Married-really and actually mar
ried," cried my lady. Il will not be-
lieve 1t"
"Unhappily, it is true. He expected
| think, TO make his home here; he
had no dea OF leaving Dunmore House;
but told him that could not receive
him or her"
Her, You do not mean to say tina.
he had the audacity to bring her here
Ross"
yes, they came together last night;
but ! would not receive her told
them plainly that you must settle the
matter. as could not"
Il should think not" said my lady,
with emphasis.
81 must own, though" continued the
cal J.. LbhS bOily IOA
Lance He had trusted entirely to my
good Offices and seemed to think 1t
very cruel OF me to refuse to plead for
him."
And the girl" said my lady, what
OF herr"
You will think me weak and fool
ish. without doubt" he said, but tho
girl distressed me even more than
Lance. She is beautiful enough TO
arouse the admiration Of the world;
and she spoke so well for him"
"A farmers niece-an underbred,
forward, designing, vulgar country girl
TO be Countess Of Lanswell." cried
my lady. In horror.
Nay" said the earl, she IS
farmers niece, 1t is true, but she Is
not vulgar"
TO be Continued.