Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-08-02
Continued.

What is it, Helen? Tell me; l
neither like nor dislike anything.
Il am afraid that is true" said Lady
St Norman; but, ethel, it should not
be. If you could see the weary, listless
expression on your face, the tired look
of your eyes. Oh, my darling child,
why should it be so? Why should you
not be bright, blight, and gay?"
Because I am tired" replied the
girl. "But, Helen, you did not come to
discuss my looks. What is it that you
know l shall not like to hear?'
Your father insists upon our ac-
ceptance Of this invitation to Holme-
dale Park. We shall be compelled TO
CO.
HE does not include me, Helen; he
is speaking only OF you and himself
Why should I go to Holmedale?"
II am afraid darling, he does include
you. He has been very patient, Ethel
you must remember that; for soma
years he has allowed you to remain at
home, and do as vou would in every
way"
why does he wish to alter that
now?" asked Ethel, but there was no
impotence in her voice, no interest.
1T would require a long explanation
to tell you why" replied Lady st. Nor
man. There is some grand political
combination on foot, and our party
want to win Lord Leighton to their
side, and he is at present wavering in
the balance He has invited us all to
visit him; ard your name was especial
~ mentioned, as his only daughter
CIarice Leighton, is at home, and he
wishes you to know her. Ethel, |
have never asked you to give up your
own wishes or your own incIinatlonS
before but I do so now. 1t will please
your father; and if you can please him,
do"
II will go" agreed Ethel. ut does
not matter much where one is. will
go to please him"
And a little to please yourself,
added Lady St Norman, with a smile.
Confess, now that it will be pleasant
to meet nice people and have little
enjoyment.
II cannot see any prospect OF
L
would do anything else in reason to
please papa"
If she had known what going to
Holmedale was to bring fOrth-if she
had known that the dreary mOnotOnT
of her life was to be broken up, never
to be resumed-if she had foreseen the
troubled joy and the bitter sorrow in
store for her-she would not have
spoken 50 quietly of going.
Two days after they went to HOlme.
dale, a beautiful estate in the most
picturesque part of Cornwall, Lord
Leighton's family seat, known to every
artist and lover of English home
scenery. Lord Leighton had met the
St Normans during the previous
season in London. He had conceived
a great liking for the society of Lord
St Norman, as his wife had done for
that of Lady Helen and the visit was
the result of promise made in Lon
don.
Lady Leighton had expressed a
great desire to see Ethel and Lord St,
Norman had promised them that he
would bring her to HOlmedale. AS
Lady st. Norman had said, a great
political combination had arisen. and
the visit was one of policy as we'll as
of pleasure.
The journey was delightful, and
their welcome at the Hall warm and
affectionate Clarice Leighton, who
had hoped for the gay society of 4
--uautiful girl, was somewhat dismayed
wnep she was introduced to the
magnificently lovely woman whose sad
eyes had a story in their depths
There was no hope of gay companion
ship with her. Lady Leighton was
startled by her wondrous beauty She
said afterwards to her husband:
Miss ST. Norman is the most
beautiful girl l have ever seen; but
there is some sad experience in her
face"
large party was gathered at
Holmedale and Lord Leighton told
the st. Normans that other visitors
were expected; and they looked for
ward to a pleasant and agreeable So
journ. TWAS on the third day after their
arrival that some one expressed a wish
to see the beautiful Holme Woods
already famed in song and in story.
Lady Leighton proposed a picnic
luncheon there. and the idea was
cordially welcomed.
During dinner the discussion turned
on the education of the lower classes.
for which Lord Leighton himself was
a great advocate
L was astonished the other day" he
said, ION going into cottage belong
ing to one of my keepers, to find a
volume of Racine's on the table, and
to see one of GOethe's most famous
works on the bookshelf The man
came in shortly afterward. and | found
he was an excellent French and Ger
man scholar"
THAT is the march of education, in
deed" said Lord St. Norman-"a
keeper who is good linguist"
Il confess TO have felt some degree
of surprise myself" acknowledged Lord
it? The man may have had a good
education, and what an infinite source
of pleasure it must be to him."
q should imagine him to be some
body in disguise said Miss Leighton.
laughingly-"t heir of some noble
house,
He is one of the best servants I
have ever had" observed Lord Lieg
ton. He has been with me rather