Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1899-04-01

WAS stronger In her beauty than a strong
man in his strength, that her little hand
might grasp and crush q life. And this
was the London world! They were men
whose names were household words In the
grand monde who crowded around the
debutante, and counted IL an honor to hold
| her fan, her bouquet, her gloves, or carry
| a message for her; they were women uni
v~ersally admired, who envied her her tri-
umph, and resolved to copy her gown.
Ay, sweet was the knowledge of power,
sweet the homage: and when all was over,
and too excited still for WEAKNESS, the girl
went up to her dressing-room, her aunt
came TO her, and embraced her with actual
tears Of delight.
Dear childr' she cried, twas ever great
err success than yoursl You have surpassed
even my expectations, Your name will be
in eyeryone's mouth, Valerie. The crown
Of beauty is yours!"
No word Of warning; Only pleasure In the
triumph; and more incense added TO the
clouds that had Il Dated around the golden
heal tonight. Anil when Mrs. Langley
kissed her niece's soft cheek and told her
to lie down and rest, she babe her dream
pleasant dreams of the brilliant future be-
fore her.
And left alone, Valerie turned to the long
cheval-glass, and stood before it, stretching
her white arms above her head.
"Yes," she whispered, II am beautifulp'
She pushed her hand through the rich
curls, golden in the light, dark where the
shadow fell, and laughed n low, soft laugh.
why should beauty give me power' but
II does-it does!'
She paused, and her eyes grew wistful;
a mist swept before them, blurring the
dazzling image IN the mirror. She turned
away slowly, and threw herself Oh a couch,
hiding her face in the cushion.
Queen lily and rose I'm one" was ring
ing through her heart, music that banished
the girlish thought Of triumph and brought,
back the noble nature TO its purer self.
~ done want power" she said, pressing
her hands on her burning forehead, ~ only
want to see him again more and more
every day! What shall dos lam always,
always thinking
A gentle tap at the door. Valerie start
ed. and sprany to her feet.
Come in" she said, and Fanchon APP
peared.
"Oh! Fanchon!" said the girl, ''you need
not have staid up: ] could have taken on
these things myself"
"Mademoiselle is too kind. / am used to
It," replied the Frenchwoman; and then,
while she removed robes and jewels, she
poured out her admiration Of mademoiselle,
and her pleasure in mademoiselle's sue
cess, But Valerie gave no heed; the stream
OF flattery wearied her; and she was glad
when Fanchon's duties were over, and she
was once more alone.
And at length she slept-a restless, ntful
sleep, troubled by coafuSed dreams, in
which, however, last night had no part;
but it was the ball at bennington, and
though Max B.auregard was there, he
would not speak to her, or LOOK at her,
turning from her in anger.
What have done? What have ldonef'
she cried, in anguish, in her dream; but
he seemed to vanish away, and would not
answer; and the dreamer woke herself with
sobbing. to find it broad daylight.
1t was only a dream, then, after ALL ahl
thank H~eaven-only IA dream. Her hand
stole to the little embroidered bag that lay
on her breast, as il what it held were u
talisman TO save her from future evil;
and with n long low sigh she whispered TO
herself. "Onlv - H." a"
concluded Next Weekly J