Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-05-28
Continued

seventeen. They had not suffered by
their mothers voluntary exile. They
had received an excellent education;
masters came every day from Florence
to instruct them. They could not fail
to imbibe every pure, high, and holy
principle from Dolores; and from her
they inherited also that high-bred
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- people of every and any
nationality except English; they were
forbidden, under the severest penalties,
ever to allow any introductions to the
latter, no matter what their rank or po-
sition.
AS the golden-haired lady with tne
sweet, sad face stood looking over the
Arno, 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
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 The same thought
required to her which. like a 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 by l.nlas side witcfling with
her some scene as fair as this?"
She turned from the river with cry
lonely than usual this evening, for her
children had asked for holiday. and
with good-natured Neapolitan Count
ess for their escort, had gone to see the
famous Pitt palace. Dolores had
wished the old butler to accompany
them-he was in her eyes. a bodyguard
in himself; but her daughters had
laughed SO merrily, and the countess
mad seemed so 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
riage stop.
All, what a difference those sweet,
fresh, young voices made! She heard
them in the distance, and her heart
beat at the sound. my darlings!" she
said to herself
Presently Gertrude cried;
'Frodsham, where is mammal
Il saw her by the river, Miss Ger
trude, not three minutes ago."
ooh, Kathleen, there she is, under
the vines! can see the CLEAN of her
golden hair. Come, Kathleen. quick
Iy!"
But the elder sister drew back. as
though reluctant, which was something
unusual
'fShe will be so angry, Gertrude, and
we have never seriously displeased her
before never"
Yes, am afraid she will be vexed.
The best way will be to tell her the
truth at once. We have done wrong;
but how could we hlep it? | almost
dropped when that dear old lady
caught hold of me. Why, Kathleen, it
is quite an adventure! Come and let
us tell our mother all about it,
They FASTENED to the vine-waln. Do
lores' fair face frightened as she saw
them, and the sadness died out of her
eyes. Gertrude vent 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 little, but she ans
wered quietly:
L am quite sure, my darlIngs, that
you have done no wrong But where is
the Couutess?"
She had to drive off at once a mes
sage came to her at the palace She
left every possible apology and COM
pllment for you, mamma. She has been
very kind to us, and we have hau hap
py day. But, oh! mamma, how am /
to tell you what has happened? Kath-
leen says you will be dreadfully angry.
feel that too, yet cannot see how we
could possibly have avoided it,"
My dear Gertrude, you forget that
all this time you are keeping me in
suspense" her mother said, half smil-
ing.
They made a shrinking group, these
three fair women-Dolores in me fair
splendor of matronhood. Kathleen with
her pathetic beauty, and Gertrude in
the freshest bloom of her girIhood.
dainty, delicate, and lovely.
Il will tell you at once, mamma. .
she said, "and you must promise me
not to be angry. 81
. CHAPTER XIII.
Mother and daughter walked down