Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1899-03-30
Lord Lynne's 'Choice
BERTHA M. CLAY.
BERTHA M. CLAY.

remembrance of a lifetime of folly
strong upon me. | do not like my
nights, Philip. In the daytime l can
dispense my ghosts,-the ghosts of
lost years; but in the night they
draw round me, and do not let me
rest. l have been thinking as stood
here that perhaps it is not too late
to begin even now to do something
better. Do you know what would hap
pen to Florence if l were to die?"
NO." replied Mr.. Lynne, looking at
him with surprise.
why, she would be left penniless,"
said his lordship-"poorer even than
the poorest housemaid in the kitchen,
literally and truly penniless. l
have got through every farthing of
her mothers fortune. l have lost
five thousand pounds in one nights
play. There is nothing left now but
the entailed estate; and F'loy, poor
child, will receive no benefit from
that. | ought to have saved money
for her" he added, despondingly.
1T is strange position for her to
be placed in," said Philip Lynne,
gravely.
You would say so if you knew how
she has always been treated-like
some queen regnant," said Lord Wy
verne. "She has been mistress of Sew
ernoke ever since she was old enougA
to walk; and there are not many
places in England to compare to it.
Just imagine being penniless after
reigning here!"
1T will no the so bad as you think"
said Philip, anxious to console him.
There will be some provision found
for her."
Il tell you if 1 died tomorrow she
would not have a sixpence," said his
lordship. Il looked my affairs in the
face yesterday, the first time for many
years, and if anything happens to me,
Lady Florence Wyverne will be
neither more nor less than a beggar."
But she has friends" interrupted
Mr.. Lynne.
What are they WORTH" said Lord
WyVerne, with Sneer. Il know the
world. Of all those who have fiat
tered and sought her now, how many
do you think will even remember her
name after I am gomez"
81 for one," began Philip, warmly.
Il have long wished to say
"A telegram, my lord" interrupted
a footman, who entered the room hur-
riedly, and presented Lord Wyverne
with one of those unmistakable folded
papers, always the harbingers of
sorrow or joy.
ut is not for me-. said Lord Wy
verne, looking at it. 1T is for you, Mr..
Lynne,-no bad news, hope"
MY uncle is ill-dying," said the
young man. Il must go at once. How
can | get from here to Lynnewolde ?'
Drive to the station and take the
train to Bathurst,-that's the quick
est way" said Lord Wyverne. How
sudden! He has not been i'll long.
has he?"
Il have not heard from him for
some months replied Mr.. Lynne. who
had grown pale, and looked half be-
wildered. THE telegram is from my
cousin lnez Lynne. 1t says, Lord
Lynne is ill-dying, we fear. He
wishes to see you. Come at once"
How did they know where to find
your" asked Lord Wyverne.
Il wrote to my uncle three DAYS
ago." replied Philip, and Lord wy
verne noted the warm color that flush
ed his face.
What solemn councill l never
saw the owls in committee, but even
they could not look WISER" said Flor
ence, whose bright face smiled in at
them from the window. pray, do be
like ordinary mortals," she continued.
How can l make tea or coffee for
gentlemen who. look as though the
world depended on their next word?"
Hush, Floy," said lord Wyverne.
"Mr. Lynne has baD news. Lord
Lynne is ILL.,"
Il am so sorry" said Florence, as
her face changed. Pray forgive me,
Mr.. Lynne. l never dreamed there
was anything serious. What can we
do?"
Nothing at present." said Lord
Wyverne. Give Mr.. Lynne a cup of
tea, while l order the carriage. l will
go down to the station with you my
self, he added, turning to Philip. and
then he left them alone.
Il am so grieved, Mr.. Lynne" said
Florence; bad news always seems to
me doubly sorrowful coming on such
a bright day as this. Half an hour
ago, while we were so careless and
happy out in the garden there, how
little we thought what was coming for
you!"
She held out the cup of tea, and
Philip drank it hastily; he could not
eat, and she watched him wistfully as
he pushed the plate away.
Are you very grieved?" she asked
suddenly.
Yes" he replied. 81 should es-
TEEN Lord Lynne very much. / should
grieve to lose him; and IL he dies.
The first trouble is. that l have to
leave Severnoke and you.'