Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-10-16
CHAPTER Xxx

open in his hand. I'VE must go this once,
and then we can please ourselves AFTER
ward. What do you say, Felix!
ITO tell you the truth, father, l think
| would rather not COL do not like the
idea. To transact Sir Owens business is
all very well, but to dine with him is
quite another thing"
You shall please yourself" returned
Mr.. Lonsdale.
But Kate would not have it SO; for the
first time almost in her life she differed
from her sterSon.
You must go, Felix" size said. "Only
think what people viii say if you stay
away! Even Lady Chevenix herself will
be flattered and think you dare not meet
her. Go, Felix; l should not like to give
her that triumph. You will have to meet
her some time or other-do it now"
1t was the first time he had met her
in her own home, in the midst of the
splendor that was now hers, and his eyes
were dazzled by her wondroGs beauty.
Her dress of white silk with trailing
roses was richly trimmed with fringes
of gold She wore a tiara of diamonds.
Her exquisite beauty and her exquisite
dress dazed him for few moments, but
he made no sign; and Darcy Lonsdale
was proud of his son, as BE advanced
with princely grace and carriage into the
room and bowed to the lovely woman,
who despite all her efforts, grew deathly
pale as she saw him.
Lord Arlington, who never neglected
any opportunity of publicly showing his
great affection and regard for Darcy
Lonsdale, went up to him and began a
long and interesting conversation with
him. Lady Maude called Felix to her
side. And so the Lonsdales' arrival pass
would have done.
Il am glad you came" said Lady
Maude to Felix Il was afraid you
would refuse-and / should have been
sorry for that
Then dinner was announced, and the
long and stately procession moved for
ward to the dining room. Felix, from
where he sat, could not only see Lady
Chevenix, but he could hear all that was
passing He wondered at her perfect
grace and elegance.
Sir Owen, awed by the presence of his
distinguished guests, behaved with great
propriety, and altogether the dinner was
Il great success. Lady Cheyenix gave
the signal TO the Countess of Arlington,
and the ladies rose. Felix sprang up to
open the door for them. His eyes met
Violet's, and he saw a red flush cover her
face and rise even TO the roots of her
hair.
Was she ashamed of the price of her
faithlessncss? he wondered. Was she
ashamed TO parade before him her
wealth, her grandeur, her jewels? The
more shame she felt the better for her
it was good sign.
surely" thought Lady Chevenix, IT
shah be able TO see him, to say few
words to him. / must know if he always
intends to be as he is now, so cold, so
proud, SO unforgiving.'
But it was far more difficult matter
than she had thought She could not
speak to him without attracting observa-
ton. unless he either purposely or acct
dentally found himself near her. Perhaps
he would make the opportunity, she
thought-but he did not. He talked
great deal to Lord and Lady Arlington,
and at times TO Lady Maude; but at last
came an opportunity. Someone asked for
the old-fashioned glee. when shall we
three meet again?" and Lady Chevenix
remembered that she had the music.
Felix was 20 take the tenor part-he
had glorious tenor voice. rich. clear and
ringing. She turned to him with charm
ing smile.
''The music is with some old books of
mine in the canterbury-will you help me
to find it?' So, while the room was filed
with laughter and song, Lady Cheyenix
and Felix bent over the old music hooks
to look for the glee. She turned her
head and said in low voice;
Il want 10 speak 10 you, FeliN-will
you listen 20 me for a few minutes:
IF you wish il, he replied. coldly.
II do wish il. | want TO know if all
our lives we are TO be like this
Like what, Lady Chevenix@ be ask
ed.
''You know what mesn-if our lives
are to be so entirely apart, il you will
always be cold and distant aad proud to
me-if you viii always avoid me and Is
more my presence"
He looked at her in mute wonder.
Must remind you Of one thing, Lady
ChevenixT he asked.
What is thats" she asked
That 1t was your hand that separated
us-that broke ali ties
Yes, ! know that; but could we not
be friends? Could you not come TO see
us sonetimes-talk 70 me. share cur
am1sements. and be really a friend
could you not do this. Felixg''
"No," he said. Il could not"
Why" asked the sweet, soft voice.
Because | happen TO i.e a man. not a
ststue-becauSe | have a human heart.
and am not made Of marble. Our lives
lie apart. Lady Chevenix."
You might be kinder. she said; and
the beautiful Woman shrsnk from han as
though he had struck her blow.
NO" he Tejoined. ii w0did not be
possible. As the wife OF smother man.
you are nothing TO me: to enter into a
compact 81 friendship with yon would be
fsa er1anuar Whist hnnA 81 kaan stain