Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-11-26
CHAPTER XVII.
Chartered A Life of Happiness for a
Week of Bliss"

BarCereo Lie OF 7appineSS Tor a
Week of Bliss"
A group of fashionable young men
stood on the steps of fashionable
clubhouse in Pail Mall The morning
was bright, the streets of the great
city gay and thronged, nature was
smiling, and the world seemed summing
itself in the smile.
They were lounging in all kinds of
attitudes, discussing the latest news,
the latest scandal, the intrigues, the
loves, and failings of their acquain-
lance in general and their friends in
particular Three Of them had been
to see the colleen Bawn." and had
met Lyster Ayrton.
II tell you," said Major Brezil, 81
never saw lovelier girl in my life
than Ayrton had with him last night.
I cannot think who she is. He gave
me cool nod, and passed me by. l
should have liked an Introduction. |
never saw such eyes in my life"
Some ballet-girl," sneered Sir
Harry Lowe. "Ayrton has gone down
dreadfully this last year.
mo- said Captain Peters. "she was
no ballet-girl. Such a face as hers
does not spring from the people. 1t
takes centuries of culture and train
ing to produce such delicate love
liness, so refined and dainty Ayrton
is in luck"
Perhaps he is married" suggested
the major, as a capital joke. 1t GER
tainly answered, for the three laughed
heartily
mo, no." cried Sir Harry; "Ayrton
knows better than that"
At the very moment. the gentleman
in question went by. There was a
general call upon him. and Captain
Ayrton ran gayly UP the steps.
"You used to be a good-natured
fellow, Lyster.' drawled Captain
Peters; you keep all the good things
to yourself now. Who was the dainty
beauty you took to the Adelphi last
night? By Jove, I never saw such a
face! Who is she?"
Lyster Ayrton drew back haughtily
Bad as he was, he could not tolerate
light words from them about her
THAT lady, gentlemen" he said, is
my wife"
There was a moments dead silence,
then Major Brezil raised his hat, as
though in recognition of the sweet,
pure presence. Then Captain Peters
apologized, and the others joined in
congratulations
"You are very fortunate" said Major
Brezil, dryly He had no great respect
for Captain Ayrton, and wondered how
on earth he had won that lovely girl.
AFTER this" said Sir Harry, II shall
believe anything. Who is the lady,
Lyster? If I could see any one like
her, really should not mind sacrifc-
ing myself
my wife is the youngest daughter
and coheiress of Squire Jocelyn, of
Glynn CASTLE" said Captain Ayrton
He felt almost insulted at the
majors start of surprise and low
whistle of incredulity.
'"The Jocelyns! Why, they are one
of the Oldest families in England .
said Sir Harry. There are two
daughters. | have heard my mother
speak of them. You never mean to
tell me, Lyster, the squire has given
the youngest and fairest to your"
The contemptuous accent upon the
word stung Captain Ayrton more than
anything else could have done.
why not?" he asked. proudly.
Because, if he did So" said Sir
Harry, 81 should say, with all respect
to you, Ayrton, he was a fool for his
pains. Such men as you-or I, too,
for the matter of that-ought to think
twice before asking any girl to share
! our lot
I Speak for yourself" said Captain
/ AyrtOn, rudely.
j To be Continued