Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1900-05-31
Observation-Disclosures OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
! A Golden Heart. /
d .
BERTHA M. CLAY. L
ETElE [dizIziEllE
Continued.

Kathleen was over twenty now, and
Gertrude a beautiful, blooming girl OF
seventeen. They had not suffered by
their mothers voluntary exile. They
had received an excellent education;
masters came every day from Florence
70 instruct them. rhey could not fan
to imbibe every pure, high, and holy
principle from Dolores; and from her
they inherited also that hjgh-bre
grace of manner and refinement Of
taste that made her one Of the most
charming OF women. They moved in
the highest society. Dolores made but
one stipulation. They might make
the acquaintance of Italians, Austrians,
Spaniards-peop Of every and any
nationality except English; they were
forbidden, under the seyerest penalties,
ever to allow any intrOduCtiOns to the
latter, no matter what their rank or po-
sltion.
As the goldCu-haired lady with iho
sweet, sad face stood looking over the
hrno, the waves of which were slowly
trimming over until they reached her
feet, she thought of all those long
years, and wondered If her peaceful
rest from sorrow and shame must, on
account of her dear children. come to
an end. They would not always be con
tent here.
Everything was so peaceful and
calm. The crimson light was lying
now on the river. rhe same thought
required to her which. like u poison
Gus snake had stung her every hour
of her life since her husband had left
her-"What Is he doing now? Is he
Standing nv Lola's side wItChng with
her some scene as fair as ths?"
She turned from tho river with cry
OF pain on her lips. She felt more
lonely than usual this evening, for her
children had asked for holiday. and
with a good-natured Neapoltan Count
ess for their escort, had gone to see the
famous Pitt palace. Dolores had
wished the old butler to accompany
them-ho was In her eyes bodyguard
in himself; but her daughters had
laughed so merrly, and the C0unless
mad seemed 80 amused that she had
been compelled to abandon the idea.
Frodsham was always on the alert
when there were any English about
and Dolores knew that, She was be
ginning to think that the children were
rather late, when she heard the car
rage stop.
An what n difference those sweet.
fresh, young voices made! She heard
them In the distance, and her heart
beat at the sound. MY darIIngs!" she
said TO herself
Presently Gertrude cried:
"Frodsham, where Is mamma?"
II saw her by the river, Miss Ger
trude, not three minutes ago"
"Oh, Kathleen, there she u.s. under
the viueal | can see the CLEAN Of her
golden hair. Come, Kathleen quick
lyl"
But the elder sister drew back as
though reluctant which was something
unusual.
She will be so angry, Gertrude, and
before neyer"
Yes, ! am afraid she will be vexed
The best way win be to tell her the
truth at once We have done wrong,
but how could we HEP 1t? almost
dropped when that dear old lady
caught hold of me, Why Kathleen. 1t
Is quite an adventuro Come and let
us tell our mother All about It,"
They FASTENED to the yine-wa.n. DO
lores' fair face frightened ms she saw
them, and the sadness died out of her
eyes, Gertrude went up to kiss her
Darling mamma" she said do not
kiss us until you have heard what we
have done"
Dolores was somewhat startled. and
her face paled a little, but she ans
wered quietly;
Il am quite sure, my darnngs, that
you have done no wrong But where Is
the Couutess?"
She had to drive off at once; mes
sage came 70 her at the palace. She
left every possible apology and COM
plimant for you, mamma. She has been
very kind to us, and we have hau a hap
py day. But, OH mamma, how am
20 tell you what has happened? Kath-
leen says YOU Will be dreadtully angry
feel that too, yet cannot see how we
rould possibly have avoided It.
My dear Gertrude, you forget that
all this time you are keeping me in
suspense" her mother said half smtl-
ing
They made shrinking group, these
three fair women-Dolores in Ne fair
splendor of matronhood Kathleen with
her pathetic beauty and Gertrude in
the freshest bloom OF her girlhood.
dainty, delicate, and lovely
Il will tell you at once, mamma. :"
she said, and YOU must promise me
not to be angry"
CHAPTER MIL