Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-11-06
round the great city wore n faires


round the great city wore IN faires
dress.
They sat at breakfast one bright morn
ing, with the uneqpaled baby" as Fee
lix called him, rolling on d thick rug at
their feet, when a leiter was brought.
Ere opened it quickly, and then, pale
and GREATNESS, looked up at her hus-
band.
Listen, Felix she said, after few
seconds; and she read:
My Dear Eve-I should like to see
you and Felix once more. Ny husband
is not well, and the doctors have ordered
him ID go to Florence-and it may be
years before / return. Let me see you
both before / go. When / read your
names among the arrivals, it seemed to
me that breath of Lilford air passed
| over me. You will not refuse me the
last favor I shall ever ask from you'll
Call at Rokely House at two o'clock ro
day. / shall wait for you. Ever -FOUR
friend, VIOLET K0KELIp
Eve looked up again.
"Rokely"' she said Why. Felix, is
Violet married again.
''She married the Duke OF Rokely three
months ago." replied Felix. Il said moth
ing TO you about it. She has married one
of the wealthiest dukes in England"
'She was beautiful enough for a duch-
ess," said Eve. gently.
''She is not so beautiful in my eyes as
you, my pearl rejoined Felix-and there
vas truth in his voice. His wife smiled.
I'VE will go and see Violet, Duchess OF
Rokely,' she said, IF you are willing.
That is not the letter of happy wom-
am
1t was one of the finest ducal mansions
in London. Eve was awe-struck as the
great hall door opened and she saw the
liveried servants and the magnifcence
that might have be6tted the palace of a
king. Her Grace the Duchess of Rokely
was at home, and awaited them.
Violet had grown even more beautiful.
Her superb figure was more fully deyel-
oped; her fair face had something in IL
| laughter and colder. Very proud she
looked as she stood there, dressed in her
favorite colors. blue and white-a dress
of blue velvet relieved by trimmings Of
white silk. In one hand she held a price
less fan; the other white and jeweled
hand lay upon the table.
Her lovely face grew white even to the
lips as Eve and Felix entered the COR
geous room-but she advanced to meet
them; she took Ewes hands in her own,
and looked at Felix.
Il am glad to see you. 1t was kind OF
you to come. l longed to see you beth
before l went away. Sit down and talk
to me--tell me all about Lilford. | shall
never see it again"
Very soon Eve had told her all she
| knew. and then, as Lilford-to her
meant the baby, she entered into de-
scription of his charms. Was she mis-
taken, or did she really see tears shining
in the proud eyes?
II am so glad you have little son,
Felix. | hope he will grow up like you,
as good, as true, and as noble" Then
| Vioiet's face flushed, and she bent her
| proud, charming head before them. II
may never see you again. she said; 'let
me say to you all the thoughts that are
| in my heart. | am glad that you are
married. am glad, Eve, that Felix has
! found comfort in your love; love him al
ways, love him truly, love him well;
and doh, believe me, Eye!if you have
| little daughters, teach them that life
holds no treasure like love. that wealth,
fame, titles, honors, are the shadow, leve
the substance"
Il shall be sure to teach them so, for
l believe it," remarked sweet, wise Eve.
''gou are very happy?' said Violet.
Tell me that; it will be the pleasantest
| thing | can hear"
YES" replied Felix, ''we are very hap
py.s
she drew costly ring from her finger.
Eve" she said, wear this for my
sake-it would grieye me so much if you
refused. Now put your arms round my
neck-you, the true wife of a true man
and kiss me- Say 'Good-by, Violet I
never hear my own name now, and am
tired of titles"
Felix held her hand one minute in his
owa.
"Good-by, she said. I'm the midst of
your happy life do not quite forget me;
try to remember NE as you knew me
years ago-not as you know me now"
And they went away, leaving her. in
the midst of her desolate splendor.
CThe end.)