Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1899-03-02
CHAPTER XII.


Great had been the CONSERVATION at
Queens Chace when Lady Brandon, in
a few curt words, said that Miss Di
Cyntha's wedding was postponed in
definitely. The worst of 1t was there
came no solution to the mystery
whether there had been a quarrel or
knot no one could say. All that was
known was that Sir Marc had left
quite suddenly one day, and that two
or three days afterward those inter-
ested had been told to cease all pre-
perations for the wedding.
No one was more astonished than
Katherine when her mother told her
the news; and at first she refused to
believe It,
There is some mistake, mammal"
she cried. II would more readily be-
lieve that Alton did not care for me-"
Unfortunately there is no mistake, .
said Lady Brandon, sadly.
II will go to her myself" said
Katherine. impulsively.
1T is useless, Katherine" returned
Lady Brandon. "She will only be
more miserable than ever"
But Katherine would not be con-
trolled. She fastened up to Veronica's
room and found her favorite standing
by the window.
My darling, you have been III" she
cried. Mamma says that you tainted. "
Then she started, for Veronica had
turned round to greet her, and the
change that had come over her was so
terrible that the young heiress was
shocked. Veronica's face was pale and
worn. the dark eyes were fearless,
but there was in them a look of
! fathemless Woe
Veronica" cried the girl. lit Is true
them j can see from your face that
is true: there is no need to ask a
question. You and Sir Marc have
parted"
Yes she said, drearily. I'VE have
parted. Katherine-not for an hour, a
day, or a year, but forever"
II will not believe II! What has
come between you who loved each
other SO well?"
Il cannot tell you" replied Veronica.
with Tong, low sigh.
Her voice had In 1t ring of weary
dependency. her eyes were fixed with
strange. dazed expression, her hands
!. we're folded, and lay on her knees. She
looked up at Katherine.
Kate, give me one promise" she
saiu-'just one. Tell me that you
will never renew this subject To re-
new 1t will be simply to give me bit
ter pain. Promise me that you will
never do So"
Her face had such an imploring look
that the young heiress could not resist
Il do promise" she said. and then
for one minute the dreary calmness OF
the beautiful face was broken.
Kate. come and sit by me-" she re-
quested; "let us talk of you, not of
me; of you and your bright life. your
happy love-" She took the young
heiress caressingly into her arms.
Come and tell me dear, how happy
YOU are; 1t will comfort me little.
You are the world to met will COM
fort me so much to hear that you are
really happy: talk to me about it,"
II seemed to the lonely. desolate soul
and the aching heart that there would
be some little support, some little COM
fort, in hearing that her great sacrifice
had not been in vain--in knowing that
Katherine would gain from her, Yer
onica's sorrow.
1T seems so selfish for me to talk
OF happiness while you are so sad,
Veronica"
1T will comfort me-" she pleaded:
you do not know why. but II will
comfort me-"
Then" said the young heiress. 81
am happy. Veronica. My life is so
bright. so beautiful. that I would not
change 1t for any other life" She
paused.
60 on" requested Veronica.
II am RICH" said the young girl.
''and--I am like child love my po-
sition. love my grand, beautiful
inheritance"
Then Veronica raised her head. and
faint smile came over her white,
troubled face.
Lyon are quite sure OF that" she
toned. eagerly quite sure?"
(npdeed. am" replied Kathe-
Epe could even guess how