Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1900-04-12
CHAPTER XIV.

What first drew Lola attention TO
the fact that something unusual was
passing was the significant smile on
Lady Fielden's face when Sir Karl
name was mentioned Her ladyship had
given dinner party limited in num-
Der, in honor Of his return, and during
the after-diuner chat some Of the ma.
irons present remarked how we'll he
looked, and that ! was to be hoped he
would settle down now. Lola, listening,
blushed and looked conscious; but
there was a strange smile on Lady
Fielden's face, as though she knew
something, but would not speak
II do hope, said Mrs. Marbout, one
Of the most noted mateh-makers in the
neighborhood, that Sir Karl will
marry from his own country.
And again Lola watched the quiet
smile that spread over the face of her
hostess as in quiet voice, she
answered.
II wonder if she means me?' thought
Lola She must mean me; there can
not possibly be any one else.
She wondered if l.2dy Fielden would
say anything to her and she did her
best to ingratiate herself with her
hostess. But although Sir karlS
name was frequently mentioned, no
one seemed to think it had the least
interest for her. 1t was evident that
Lady Fielden must have had some one
in her thoughts, and Lola reflected
long and earnestly on the subject. 1t
could not be Dolores; that was utterly
impossible. She secuted the idea;
fate could have nothing in store for
her one half so cruel But her eyes
were suddenly opened; for Lady
Fielden, speaking in low tone to Mrs.
Marabout. said
Il felt sure--I knew he liked her be-
fore her marriage.
There was the usual raising of eyes
and uplifting of hands; but the words
went like sword through Lola S heart.
II was of Dolores then that Lady Field
en- was speaking, and the shadow that
mad hung over her life was deepening
instead of passing away.
Lady RhysWorth had received an in
vitation to the dinner but had declined
it, She did not care to go into society
at present Lola had been anxious
that she should go; she was DESTROYS
chat Dolores should put away the last
remnants of mourning She longed to
see the old times OF festivity back at
Deeping Hurst. Now she felt thankful
that Lady Rhysworth was not there
She would be able to speak to Sir Kari
without Interruption. and find out for
herself how matters stood.
But Sir Karl was not in the mood
Cor talking; some Of the young people
mad proposed dance, and he was one
Of the first to join in it. He chose
Miss Fieden for his first partner; and
the seeing Lola's dark eyes following
MIN reproachfully, he asked her to join
him But during the dance there was
no opportunity for conversation. When
ii was over and Lola, flushed with ex-
citement and looking most lovely,
stood tanning herself, she said to him
Have you been to Deeping Hurst
and seen Lady Rhysworth yet, Sir
Karl"
II have been three times and have
been fortunate enough to see her each
time, he replied.
DO you find her much changed
asked Lola.
Yes; she appears taller, and is alto
gether far more beautiful woman
chan when | left England.
A sudden terror seized her, But
she would attach no Importance to his
words; she felt that if she did she
should despair or die
did you see the little one?" she
asked presently" Kathleen? What
lovely child she is. But what sad eyes
she has! Did you notice the pathetic
expression Of her eyes?"
Yes, and tried to dispel it by giving
her some wonderful dools he ans
wered.
Had you thought so much OF her as
~ u lLS Ivy Iui I'9'4s A0i llIA ~
CURED Lola.
Certainly had; why not? have
thought OF the little one continually
since she was born
The flush deepened. With the bitter
ness of death in her heart, but a care
less smile on her lips, she said
That is because you thought so
much OF the little ones mother l sup
pose"
That is the precise reason. he ans
wered, That was a shrewd guess OF
yours"
Some one interrupted them then:
but Lola had made up her mind as 70
what she would do She could not say
70 him, Tell me at once whether you
are really In love with Dolores, or not
She would have given much for cour-
aua "a Al en- She had caid inet as