Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1900-03-01
Continued.

70 Beaulieu, and resolved to be on his
guard against Lola dc Ferras But he
had yet to learn how clever a woman
: can be when she has an object in
view
Notwithstanding his resolve not to
go to Beaulieu without very urgent
reasons, every day Lola found some
excuse TO request his presence. Mad
anne de Ferras had had some slight
difficulty with the local board, and at
lLolas suggestion she had appealed to
, Sir Karl for his help which he most
cheerfully gave her; but he now found
that it necessitated frequent interviews
with madame.
So it happened that, on the day
wnen she received the invitation to Do
lores' wedding he felt strange, mex
plicable aversion for her.
you are in no hurry to so away"
she said to him. sit down and let us
discuss this affair. Shall l accept the
invitation or not?"
you must be the judge of that" he
replied
Some people say that it is unlucky
to be a bridemaid," she remarked Il
have a great inclination to tempt fate.
Will you be there, Sir Karl?"
"In what capacity?" he asked
The capacities in this case are very
limited she laughed. There are
about your-father, bridegroom, best
man and guest The last character is
the only one in which you could APP
pear, Are you going in that?'
No he answered, gloomily; mot
even if I should be invited-and that
is not very likely"
Then | shall lose all interest in the
affair, and the wedding festivities will
be dreary enough Why will you not
go. Sir Karl?"
Il am not invited even if | were
should not go, as have said"
Not if urged ito" she interrogated,
archly.
No, not even then" he replied,
hastily.
He did not want her to think he
would do anything he disliked himself
for the sake Of pleasing her. There
must never be any mistake about the
footing he was on with her.
She was quick enough to see that
she had startled him, and that he was
not pleased with what she had said.
She changed the subject adroitly, and
went on chatting in her usual piquant
style until he was quite in good HUI
NOR Then she returned to the orig
inal subject
Il should imagine She said, that
all over the country we shall have re-
joicings and festivities. Mamma pro-
poses to have a grand ball in honor OF
the wedding. Lady Fielden has ar
ranged to have fancy ball and hear
that the Duke of Ranford will provide
series of brilliant entertainments.
He is Lord Rhysworth's greatest
friend What will you do in celebra-
ton Of the event Sir Karl?'
Nothing at all" he replied abruptly.
The wedding does not concern me in
the least Why should celebrate the
event, as you call it?'
1T would look kino and neighborly,"
she answered IF you do not, YOU will
make people think that you have
some reason for It,"
The real reason why do not antc-
ipate taking any part in the wedding
festivities is that 7 am going to Paris,
,n@ brrt 7 will
main there"
DO you really mean that you are
going to Paris, Sir Karl?' she said.
Why should you go there? How
cruel Of you! Do you not know how
much we shall all miss you? DO not
go"
He tried to laugh lightly; but in
truth he was ashamed Of being as it
were. wooed.
I shall miss you so much. Sir
Karl" she added coaxlngly, do not
90, 1t lightens the day for me when
see you do not know how l could
bear the long weeks and months II
you were not here"
he could near the vibration OF pas
sion in her voice; he saw that in her
eyes which he had never read in any
woman's eyes before.
You viii not miss ne 50 much" he
replied. you have so many friends"
Il grant it-many friends; but none
like you, Sir Karl All OF them put
together are not equal to you. II Oh,
do not 60 to Paris! do not know
What to say to you; but do not go!"
The beautiful face was all Swallowed
with pain, the dark eyes filled with
tears. Whatever were her faults,
Lola had a deep and sincere affection
for Sir Karl.
He tried to speak carelessly, but he
was touched by her emotion; yet the
more sure he felt that she loved him
he more unconquerable was his feel
ing Of distrust and vague dislike.
You are very kind TO think so much
81 me" he said, lightly Y must go TO
p,ris bauEyar Rut shall NOR al