Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-09-17

of his love and have worn it with
pride, as her brightest jewel. The
dainty, lovely girl by his side thought
but little Of it.
They made beautiful picture-she,
light, defiant, and charming; he, grave,
tender and wistful-and the sun shone
down through the cedar-tree upon
them.
Never mind it, Sybil," he said, after
a pause. Il will make up party to
Langley Abbey. You like ruins. 1t
will be quite as enjoyable
"And papa would drive there in a
close carriage; we should follow suit
in an open brougham, and all yawn
over a cold dinner, wishing it were
time to go home again. No, thank
you, Rupert; I remember the deadly
liveliness of our expedition to Deane
Hall"
'But I shall be with you, Sybil," he
said, anxiously.
ooh, yes, I know" she replied care
1essly, seemingly little charmed at the
prospect; "but do you never feel your
self as though you would like some
new element in your life-one golden
thread among many gray ones?'
'You are my golden thread" he said,
earnestly. ''Sybil, speak more kindly
to me; say you are pleased when l am
with you
II can only think of one thing at
once" she replied, coquettishly; and
just now my mind is bent upon Birley
Woods"
GO later when the. leaves change and
the nuts grow ripe" he urged.
"That would not do at ALL" she said,
turning her light, laughing eyes full
upon him.
Then, Sybil, must suppose this
Captain Ayrton to be the attraction"
''I should like to see real live cap
TAIN she replied "You can not un-
derstand me, Rupert You have been
half over the world, and have seen the
greater part of what there is to see.
I have been nowhere and have seen
nothing"
But you shall!' he cried, eagerly.
'Wait, Sybil.'
mo- she interrupted, with a smile
there was no resisting. II cannot
wait I must go to Birley."
Before he had time to answer two
ladies joined them. One tall and
stately, with kind, pleasant. face,
gentle eyes, with Swallowed depths,
winning manners, and a sweet voice.
That was Irene Jocelyn, the squire's
eldest daughter, who had been like a
mother to Sybil. The other, a magnif
cent brunette, with face rarely seen
out of sunny Spain, dark, glowing, and
magnificent, with almond-shaped eyes,
and long, dark lashes-a queenly head,
crowned with masses of black hair-a
beautiful, dazzling, brilliant woman.
And this was Violet Ruthers, the
squires niece, a constant visitor at
Glynn Castle.
what is it?" she asked, seeing
Rupert's clouded face, and the half
triumphant air of the young beauty by
her side. 'What are you doing, Sybil?
Something wrong and mischievous?'
81 want to go to Birley," she replied,
turning toward them.
"And Sir Rupert Objects" said
Violet, her dark eyes growing bright as
she looked at him.
''You must speak in the past tense,
Miss Ruthers," said Sir Rupert. II
did object slightly; but now l yield,
and shall be most happy to offer my
escort
Sybil laughed low, silvery laugh
that fell on the summer air like the
soft chime of a sweet bell.
Miss Ruthers turned away; there
was both pain and contempt in her
proud face.
81 will write to Lady Marche," said
Miss Jocelyn, "and tell her that it is
all settled
"Thank you, Sir Rupert" said Sybil.
81 should have gone in any case; but.
it is more pleasant to go when every
one approves, than to leave grave
faces behind"
he asked, anxiously
IF you like" was the careless reply;
and then having secured the wish of
her heart, the delicate, dainty beauty
left the shade of the cedar-tree. and
went out among the flowers with a
smile of gladness.
81 shall see Captain Ayrton,' she
thought. Lucy Marche says he wears
a plume in his cap, like the knight in
the picture. I wonder if he likes her.
I hope he talks we'll, and can amuse|
one. am weary to death of gravity.
I often wish l had been a flower. or a
bud, or anything else that has a gay,
bright life
Some people might have thought
Sybil Jocelyn's life bright enough, but
she did not. In her gay, innocent,
willful way she declared herself tired
of all she had and longing for more.
Sir Rupert watched the graceful
figure and lovely face among the