Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1900-09-13
BY BERTHA NJ. CLAY.

ing at times a smile tender and sweet
as the smile of a little child.
Any woman might have been proud
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 upor
them.
Never mind it, Sybil," he said, after
pause. Il will make up a 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; l remember the deadly
liveliness of our expedition to Deane
Hall"
But | shall be with you, Sybil," he
said, anXiously.
"Oh, yes, l know" she replied care
lessly, 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"
Il 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 -
Il should like to see a real live cap
tain" she replied. You can not I'M
derstand me, Rupert. You have been
half over the world, and have seen the
greater part of what there is to see.
| have been nowhere and. have seen
nothing"
Put you shalt" he cried, eagerly.
wait, Sybil."
NO. she interrupted, with smile
there was no resisting. Il cannot
wait. | must go to Birley."
Before he had time to answer two
ladies Joined them. One tall and
stately with a kind, pleasant face
gentle eyes, with Swallowed depths,
winning manners, and sweet voice
That was Irene Jocelyn, the squire S
eldest daughter, who had been like a
mother to Sybil. The other, a magnifi-
cent brunette, with a 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
squiro's 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?'
q 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. Il
did object slightly but now l yield,
and shall be most happy to offer my
escort"
Sybil laughed a low, slvery 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.
Il will write to Lady Marche," said
Miss Jocelyn, and tell her that it is
an SGlIlGu.
THANK you, Sir Rupert" said Sybil
Il should have gone in any case; but
it is more pleasant to go when every
one approves, than to leave grave
faces behind"
you will let rle escort you, Sybil?"
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. ana
went out amons the flowers with a
smile of gladness.
Il shall see Captain Ayrton," she
thought. Lucy Marche says he wears
a plume in his cap like the knight in
the picture, | wonder if he likes her.
hope ne talks well, and can amuse
one. l am weary to death of gravity,
I often wish | had been a flower, or a
bud, or ANYTHING else that has a gay,
bri->t life"
Some people might have thought
Sybil Jocslyas 't'c bright enough. but