Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1900-12-27

have it. Randolph must send it back
again"
Then she few. rather than walked, to
her husbands studio.
Randolph" she cried, Mrs Car
store says the things you have pur-
chased for me have cost two hundred
pounds! Is it true?'
NO" he replied, they were within
that sum-"
81 am so glad" she said, her face
frightening. "They are so beautiful,
and / should like to keep them; but ]
would not IL they cost that sum-"
Violet, never mind Mrs. Carstone;
trust me. We artists have opportuni-
ties of purchase known only to our
selves. Wear your pretty dress, my
dear, and rest assured that | have not
In the least exceeded my means"
She was comforted, and FASTENED
back to Mrs. Carstone
ut is all right" she said to that as
tonished lady; "Mr. Randolph says
need not be in the least uneasy about
It,"
"Of course, my dear, he knows his
own business best" said Mrs. Car
stone. 1.-THE dress is fit for a duchess,
and you will look magnificent in it;
but you must never talk about your
husband having money trouble again
never"
Il will moi" replied Violet, simply.
No more was said, but Mrs. Carstone
did not feel quite satisfied. There was
some mystery, she felt sure; and she
could not rest until she told her hus-
band.
Il cannot say that / am surprised,
Mary" he remarked, after listening at
tentively to his wife's disclosures. II
have always thought there was some
thing mysterious about Mr.. Randolph.
She is open and frank enough, but l
have never understood him"
What can be wrong with them?"
asked Mrs. Carstone.
Il should not like to offer an opin-
ion, my dear" replied her husband,
Gin fact, / could not guess; but / am
! quite sure there is something amiss,
even If we never find 1t out. l should
not trouble about it, Mary; they are re-
spectacle, and he is an artist-a clever
one, no doubt. / quite agree with os-
car: If you can get Mrs. Randolph to
visit you in London, your position will
be made"
II felt, when l saw her, that she was
TO bring good luck to me-" said Mrs.
Carstone, 'but | should like to know
what this mystery is"
you may depe.d upon one thing"
remarked Mr.. Carstone, Mrs. RAN
dolph will be the belle of the ball; and,
when she. has been seen. we shall have
al the grandees in the nelghborhood
inviting her. If you play your cards
well we shall be invited too, Mary"
1T seems a strange thing that a
beautiful face can gain admittance
where money cannot" said Mrs. Car
stone.
The world is full of strange things,
my dear" rejoined the retired corn
factor. Il think myself that beau
tiful woman is far more to be admired
even than a moneyed man."
And then Mrs Carstone forgot her
doubts, fears, suspicious, and every
thing else, in her great anxiety about
tho ball.
No one dreamed that that night
would bring about crisis in many
lives.
The Hotel de Vile was brilliantly il
Illuminated. Ii was a grand building,
with fine old carvings and arched win
dows-a noble specimen of archi-
lecture; there was an excellent band,
and the flowers were magnificent-in-
deed, the scene altogether was one of
great brllliancy and animation.
Theguests were numerous and select.
BY far the most beautiful woman pres
ent was Violet Randolph. As she
stood under the great chandelier, the
light falling full on her golden hair,
with its spray of pearls, on the beau
tiful face. with its dainty flush, on the
exquisite figure, with its graceful float
ing draperies, she made as fair pict-
ure as could well be imagined.
OF course she was the queen and the
belle; admiring eyes followed her: a
little crowd of worshipers gathered
round her. She was overwhelmed
with entreaties for dance. but as she
knew nothing except the waltz. she
was compelled to refuse many invita-
tons
violet" whispered her husband, !
etiquette or not. shall have the first |
dance with YOU II Is your first ball, !
your first waltz, and it must be with !
me-"
She complied laughingly.
Oscar. on seeing this, and hearing
such warm praise Of the beautiful l
pair. was disguised. He relieved him.
self in some measure by opening his
mind to his mother,