Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1899-09-07

her hand in his own, saying, as he
did so, Lady Florence, | cannot ex-
press my delight at seeing you. Lady
Lynne ana myself have searched
Rome 10 find you.
Lady Florence" cried the Misses
Caldwell and Mrs. Goodwin in one
breath and in one key, while Mrs. Cad
well sat too dismayed to speak.
Then a handsome lady, with an air
Of dignity, stepped forward, aud clasp
ing the young girl in her arms, kissed
her warmly, uttering, in sweet,
musical voice, the kindest of greet
ings.
After that a younger lady, with a
sweet, fair face and golden hair, whom
Lord Lynne introduced as his sister,
Miss Lynne. welcomed her Just as
kindly while the lookers-on were
peiriied with amazement. The Lynnes
the best and most exclusive people
in Rome-were positively in raptures
at meeting with their companion!
calling her Lady Florence, too! What
could it mean? Like a flash Of light
ming the recollection OF the magnificent
dress ran through Maria's mind. What
if, after all, she were mistaken, and
the despsed companion proved to be
a lady" instead Of an adventures!
They heard every word OF the dia-
logue.
Where are you staying?" asked
Lord Lynne.
am tfaYelfng companion 70 thred
ladies' answered Florence, with a
smile. 1--WE are staying in the Via
GregOriana."
you must go home with u.s." cried
Lady Lynne IF you only knew how
we have searched for you We will
not lose sight of you again"
"Why did you not write to me?"
said Lord Lynne, reproachfully. WAS
| not your fathers friend? can
hardly forgive you"
Come with us for the day at least,
said Lady Lynne, watching the sweet
face as it alternately paled and flushed,
we can arrange for the future. /
am not willing to part with you"
you are very kind, Lady Lynne"
replied Florence; but | am engaged;
my time is no longer my own. | will
ask for the day, but ! am not quite
sure if / can be spared"
do not speak so, Lady Florence,
you horrlfy me" cried Lord Lynne.
Introduce me to your friends, and l
will arrange that,
He noted the halr-reluctant expires
sion that came over her face, and
smiled as he did so
Am 10 take the law in my own
hands and introduce MYSELF" he
asked with a smile.
NO, she cried hastily. But, Lord
Lynne, | call myself Miss Wyyern to
to these people 1t seemed so absurd
for a Lady Florence to go out as com
panion."
ii is absurd, indeed" he replied,
dryly we must alter that l will
make it straight for you at once. In
troduce me, If you please"
Then Lady Florence brought Lord
and Lady Lynne up to the tluttered
and agitated group, and introduced
Them to each individual composing it.
Mrs. Goodwin went through the cere-
mony like a lady; the Cadwells were
nervous They had attained the end
and aim Of their existence at last;
they were introduced to real lord
and his lady.
adv, ,,pca ,,,au most ora pio,1u and
her smiles bewildered them, Lord
Lynne spoke very pleasantly for few
minutes about Rome and then turned
10 Mrs. Caldwell with polite bow
Mrs. Caldwell said he, this young
lady, | find, has been masquerading
You must allow me TO introduce her
as Lady Florence Wyvern, the daugh
ter Of my late dear friend, the Earl
of Wyyeru. Lady Lynne and my
self" he continued, have been seek
ing all over Rome for her We heard
She was here, and nov that We have
found her, [ am sure you will allow us
to monopollze her for the day
Certainly my lord, replied the
poor lady, whose ideas were all dis
arranged 81 hope Lady Florence will
make no stranger OF me- but do just
as she likes
You are very Kind, said Lady
Lynne, replying for her husband "lf|
Lady Florence goes with us now, she
will return this evening. and tomor-
row, il YOU will allow us.--we will
,an upon you and arrange for the
future"
Ii was with feelings Of envy and
wonder that they saw the Lyunes dis
appear, taking with them the very
companion whose responsibility they
bad that morning doubted
AN earIs daughter'" said Maria
as she watched them disappear Well
/ always though, there was something
very distinguished about her"
II knew she was an aristocrat the
urst moment 1 saw her" said Mrs.
Goodwin. amy one accustomed to good
society woud know that mt once,
n am sorry 10 lose her sighed Mrs.
f51 1lr