Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1899-05-27

o0iA AlnhJ IIllllOl vi
back among the luxurious cushions, and
closing her eyes. "Well, / think Valerie
Is wise. Lawford will make a very good
husband, as husbands go; and she will have
every wish gratined. What moro can q
girl require?"
They don't seem to require more.n
"Ah, you have romantic ideas, Max; you
are . regular Bayard. What a PITY You
might marry millions IL you chose"
What nonsense you talk, Nellie,r he
said, laughing. "If you must chatter,
chatter about Henley"
But Lady Ellnor yawned, and relapsed
into silence. There would be no Henley
for her this year, nor for Valerie; but Meth
er Of them dreamed of this now.
CHAPTER XXvIII.-MR. LAwFoRD's PRRPLEx-
ITY.
Four days before Henley Regatta, and
Colonel Beauregard and his sister-in- law
were alone together-a not very frequent
condition Of things.
1t was just before afternoon tea, and she
was reading a society paper-especially the
items about the Marlborough House ball
two night ago, where Valerie Herbert had
been the belle; and he was reading a letter
from Mrs. F~anshawe.
Il actually heard from Valerie Herbert
the other day." wrote the lady. "She
rarely writes now. | suppose old friends
don't count. Not a long letter, and what
l should call superficial. I never was so
disappointed In anyone. And 1t seems she
is going to marry Aston Lawford-not that
she says so, but others do. Perhaps she
will be happy in her way. She seems to
have grown hard and worldly. Ionly hope
you haven't let her make n conquest Of
you, as she has of all the other men, for
such n girl could never make you happy"
Beauregard closed the letter, and, rising,
walked into the conservatory, and sac
down, leaning his forehead on his hand.
"Happy!" he said, inwardly. "No! l
must honor as well as love the woman l
make my wife; | must know that her love
Is for me, not for mine; but oh, Heaven! II
l could tear this love out Of my heartl Use
less to try; it is a very part Of my life
nay, / must carry it with me beyond the
gravel'
He rose after a few minutes, and turned
back to the d~rawing-room; and as he en-
tered, the door opened, and Mr.. Lawfcrd
was announced.
Lady Elinor dropped her paper, and held
out her hand cordially.
Delighted to see your she exclaimed.
"You are just In tim for n cup Of tea.
How fortunate! Max, ring the bell, please"
Mr.. Lawford shook hands with Colonel
Beauregard, and sat down by his hostess.
81 have been reading about the ball ut
Marlborough House," continued Lady Eli
nor, while Beauregard threw himself INTO
an armchair opposite, and wished Aston
Lawford at-well, at home!
The little lady saw that her visitor look
ed "glum," and she wanted to "draw him
out" convinced that the oaprlcious beauty
of the season was In some way accountable.
Him." he said; 'haye you? A brilliant
affair.""
Indeed it vast And Valerie danced
with the Prince. She carried off the hon
ors-cd "a sans dire. l saw her dress be-
fore she went; it was q dream-a marvel
a."
IA poem in satin and lace" concluded
Beauregard, gravely. "Rossetti in fabric.
Pray don't underratel"
BE quiet Max! don't be sarcasticl Did
you see the dress, Mr.. LawfordP"
"No," he replied, grimly; but she was
at Lady Nonpareil's ball last nightp'
Indeed! And how many times did you
dance with her? Come-confessr
81 am not in a mood for testing, Lady
Elinor," said Lawford a little grufly.
"Whatv' she said, startled. "You don't
mean that"
That Miss Herbert has refused memo
l haven't asked her yet; but ! shall do so,
and speedily. Her aunt breaches patience;
but mine Is tired out. She has had tether
enough to fiirt with oil the world, and
bring men to her feet only ospurn theml'
Take care!' said Lady Elinor, warning.
ly; she may deal the same with you, think
ing to beckon you back at her will"
she Is too wise for that" said Lawford,
with the consciousness Of possessing over
whelming advantages, land she would
hardly dream of flying directly in Mrs.
Langley's face, with the alternative of be-
ing sent back to the country!''
Not" he added, quickly, for he knew
how Colonel Beauregard would look upon
anything like coercion in such a case, and
dreaded some sarcasm; mot that | would
accert, on any terms, an unwilling bride;
but then | know she is not u~nwilling-she
Is simply trying to stretch her power to its
utmose ltmits; and no man will be played
with too long!''
lis she not going with your party to
Henley" asked Lady Elinor, after a pause,
gliding of, automatically, from the main
question.
'She has given no definite answer vet,
though | know she has over q dozen inyi.
tations."
Dear, dear! she plays the coquette to
ION 80 No. Iz- D-A
there's much to fear: in fact, you know"
said Lady Elinor, decidedly, "she could
hardly draw back now-it is too late; every
one talks Of the affair as settled. Her aunt
says right and left that it is. She can't for
a moment mean to throw you over finally;
even II, out of sheer coquetry, she does so
first. Blu then, certainly, Mrs. Langley
interfere"
II shall make her understand" said As
ton Lawford, with a heavy frown, "that |
intend to be thrown of, and beckon-
back at will"
This was more Than Max Beauregard
could stand. He rose and walked across
the room, n sat down, taking up a book.
Max thinks he is de trop," said Lady
Elinor, In a low voice, and with a smile.
But pray don't let me drive him away,
Lady Elinorl"
"Oh, never mindl The tea will be up
directly. But, If I may be permitted to Of
Ter advice, Mr.. Lawford, deal gently with
Valerie; she has a very strong will, and has
been so petted and spoiled, that l really
don't think she realizes there is a point be-
You'd which even a beauty may not gor'
Il am too fond Of her." said he, ito be
than gentle; but 1 am no boy to
De a girls sport-to be encouraged one
minute, and snubbed the nextl'
why, no! you are quite right there.
Shall you see her before He~nley?"
Il shall write to her, Lady Elinor."
"Ahhthe best way, perhaps, under the
circumstances. Here comes the tear' said |
Lady Elinor. relieved I'm more WAYS than