Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-03-02
CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.
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 it was there
came no solution to the mystery
whether there had been a quarrel or
not, 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-
we that Alton did not care for me-"
Unfortunately there is no mistake, .
lid Lady Brandon, sadly.
Il will go to her myself" said
Katherine, impuIsively.
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 Veronicas
room and found her favorite standing
by the window.
My darling, you have been I'LL" 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 we're fearless,
but there was in them a look of
fathemless woe.
Veronica" cried the girl, ''it is true
then! / can see from your face that
is true; there is no need to ask
question. You and Sir Marc have
parted"
Yes" she said, drearily, 1--WE have
parted Katherine-nOt for an hour, a
day, or year, but forever"
Il will not believe it! What has
come between you who loved each
other so well?"
Il cannot tell you," replied Veronica,
with long, low sigh.
Her voice had in it a ring of weary
dependency, her eyes were fixed with
q strange, dazed expression, her hands
we're folded, and lay on her knees. She
cooked up at katherine.
Kate give me one promise" she
saiu-'just one. Tell me that you
will never renew this subject. To re-
new it 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; it will comfort me a 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. -
1t 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.
Il 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 it will
comfort me-"
Then" said the young heiress, 81
am happy, Veronica. My life is SO
bright, so beautiful, that I would not
change it for any other life" She
paused.
Go on" requested Veronica.
Il am rich,' said the young girl
"and-I am like child love my po-
sition. I love my grand, beautiful
Inheritance"
Then Veronica raised her head, ant
a faint smile came over her white
troubled face.
questioned, eagerly quite sure?"
Yes. indeed, I am" replied Kathe
rine. mo one could even guess hov
dearly love the mace"
Now tell me about your love-" sal,
Veronica
What can tell you, dear, save tina
my love and my life are one-that
have no thought, or wish, or desire
that does not begin and end in AltoT
Now has that comforted you?"
Eyes, more than anything you coul
have said. You could have though
of nothing that would have comforte
me one half so much. You will leav
me now, Kate-I am better for you
coming, dear-and when we NEE
again all will be forgotten except tia
we love each other"