Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-02-05

because she would see Sir Karl; and
if he did like her, she would find it
out.
Dolores" cried Lola, you are keep
ing something from me! 1t is quite
useless for you to deny it; your face
betrays you. Now, what is it? All
the time l have been talking to you,
you have been looking out there over
the trees, with a far-aWay expression
in your eyes which I understand, if no
one else does. l do not believe that
you have heard a word of what
have said"
"On the contrary, [ have heard all "
''You know Dolores, it is better to
make a friend than an enemy of me, -
said Lola. ''You will do better to
trust me- You are keeping some secret
from me, and am quite sure to find
it out for myself.
81 give you permission" answered
Dolores carelessly, yet vexed in her
heart that Lola had guessed SO cor
rcctIy What shall I give you to
amuse yourself with while I get
ready?"
Il will talk to the Squire said
Lola
The beautiful French girl, with a
smile ON her lips, lay back in her
chair watching her, the very picture
of luxurious ease. She was thirsty,
and had asked for some fruit With
her white, slender fingers she held
lovely, ripe peach, talking while she
ate it; and Dolores, looking at her,
thought she was more like a picture
than ever.
you are debating in your mind,
Dolores, about your dresses observed
Lola. II can see the perpIex1ty in your
face. Let me decide"
But Dolores had already decided.
She took from her wardrobe, a dress
of creamy silk with rich lace trim
mings, the only ornaments she chose
being a beautiful parure Of pearls. The
dark eyes watched steadfastly.
Evidently" said Lola to herself
Dolores means to eclipse us tonight
Now for whom is she going to dress in
this style? Not for Lord Rhysworth
that is certain; for he is not COM
ing. It must be for Sir Karl.
[ must put a stop to that. Dolores, y
she said aloud, with the girTish frank
ness no one could better assume, "you
have selected your very prettiest
dress; yet Lord Rhysworth will not be
with us
But Dolores was on her guard and
made no answer.
She was more silent than usual, all
the way to Beaulieu. Lola laughed
talked, told her some absurd anecdotes
of the Partisan visitors; but on the
sweet face of Dolores there was look
of anxious thought. What would
the evening bring for her.
Dolores had vowed to herself that
Sir Karl that she would give him
every opportunity of speaking to her,
and that she would be as amiable as
possible to him. Yet, when the first
sound of his voice came to her, she
grew faint and sick at heart; she
seemed to realize all at once the great
stake she was to win or lose that
night
He did not come straight to her.
Lola had gone forward to meet him,
and kept him for some minutes in
close conversation about the French
guests.
''You must talk to Madame Glen
lise,'' she said. E'She was a great favo
rite with the Empress, and knows
more about the French Court than
anyone else. She is a devoted I'm
perfa1ist," continued Lola. "She would
give her last shilling for the cause.
When you have heard her speak of the
Empress, you will be compelled to love
her"
''Be explicit, Miss de Ferras. Love
whom? Madame Glenlise or the En-
press?"
'"The Empress, of course! You know
that. I love the Empress too. Her
life always reminds me of tragic
poem | think she is the most beauti-
full, the most charming woman who
ever graced a throne; and if you wish
to please me"-she paused and looked
at him archly-'that is, if you really
wish to please me"
Can you doubt it," he said, with
laughing gallantry.
Il do not want to doubt; I want
to believe it," she answered. $50, if
you desire to please me, you will talk
to Madame Glenlise and learn to
love the Empress, Sir Karl"
''Have you any other commands"
he asked, with a low bow.
81 will tell you as the evening goes
on" she replied; and her dark eyes
seemed to flash light into his.
He said to himself that to look at
the fair, angelic beauty of Dolores,
after a flash from those dark eyes,
was like changing the sultry beams
Of a hot, MONDAY sun for clear, calm
moonlight. Unfortunately he put his
thoughts into words.
How beautiful Miss Cliefden looks
tonight! What a poetical face she
has," he said
The remark gave Lola the very