Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-01-26
CHAPTER VI.

A new life, a glorious new life
bright, hopeful, pleasant, full of
soetry, full Of wonder and romance!
The time came when Veronica began
to wonder what it was that had fallen
over her life. What was the dazzling
light that had fallen at her feet?
Why was It that from morning to
night and from night to morning she
had but one thought, and that was
about Marc Caryll?
Christmas had passed now, and the
beautiful springtide had set in. The
air was halmy with the sweet breath
of flowers, yet Sir Jasper had not re-
covered much OF his strength. The
doctors would not allow him to re-
turn to his duties; he must rest if he
would live. In vain the active, en-
ergetic statesman rebelled. He re-
fused for time to submit, until ne
saw the absolute necessity for 1t.
Then he found Lord Wynleigh OF great
use to him. He had been returned
as member for Hurstwood, and had
made his maiden speech; to every
body's great surprise, it was simply
masterpiece OF eloquence. Sir Jas
per gave up some of his duties to the
young politician, about whom people
prophesied great things.
The baronet was very pleased. 1t
had always been a source of sorrow to
him that he had no son to succeed to
his honors; but he loved the brave
young nobleman in whom all Kathe-
When respondent thoughts came to
him, he said to himself that he should
have a successor. He insisted upon
Lady Brandon's taking Katherine and
Veronica to London for part of the
season at least, and nothing pleased
him better than to read her ladyship's
letter III which she told OF Veronica's
successes and triumphs.
''The girl can marry whom she will"
wrote Lady Brandon; her magnifi-
cent beauty has brought all London to
her feet She does not seem to care
about any one in particular"
Veronica had suddenly become ia
nous. Her rare style of face and figure,
her wonderful grace and musical voice,
had made her the observed of all.
She received more invitations than
she could possibly accept. Every one
admired and liked her But when
Lady Brandon had been in town a
few weeks, she decided upon return
ing. Sir Jasper was no better, and
the doctor attending him did not
think it advisable that he should de-
lay consulting some eminent physician
So they went home again, and, as he
looked at his two daughters, the mas
ter of Queens Chace was struck afresh.
Katherine's animated loneliness and
yeronica's pale beauty seemed to have
acquired fresh lustre.
Those few weeks in town had Won
derfully improved Veronica; they had
given finish and elegance to her such
as can be acquired only by mixing
with the most refined She had en-
joyed her visit, but not much, because
Sir Marc was away. The season had
but little attraction for him. He was
not man of fashion. A cruise to
Norway had more charms for him
than a season in London.
He had written to say that he hoped
TO pass through Hurstwood in July
or August, and would very much like
TO spend a few days there: TO which
Sir Jasper had replied by sending hin
most cordial invitation, guessing
shrewdly what was the attraction. Sc
that Veronica had that to look for
ward to; and the knowledge of it made
her profoundly Indifferent to all th2
homage offered her.
The old, bitter struggle was still go
Ing on in Sir Jasper's mind VIVA
should he do? His heart was tori
with thousand doubts. a thousant
fears. mere was hardly an hour o
the twenty-four during which he die
not again review all his reasons an,