Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-10-23
CHAPTER VNuu

CHAPTER XXIII.
The long French windows were open,
and great heavy red roses came peeping
in. Lady Chevenix went to them: Felix
followed her, and they stood talking to-
gether In some vague way the years
seemed to have fallen from them, the ter
rible past for few moments was forgot
ten. lie was like the Felix of old. she
was like beautiful Violet Haye. They
had Just a few happy minutes, during
which they spoke only of the roses be-
fore them and the pleasant prospect.
Then Sir Owen came in. and it was as
though the whole face of the heavens had
changed.
The baronet and his legal adviser went
away together, and Felix spent the whole
Of the day in the strong room, reading
documents and papers of all kinds. He
did not see Sir Owen and his wife again
until dinner, and thus the first day of a
necessary business visit passed quietly
enough.
On the second the tenants came to dine
at the Hall, and the grand banqueting
room i'll the western wing was thrown
open. The dinner passed off well, and
the tenants drank Sir Owens health with
noisy cheers. Nor were they much less
enthusiastic about Felix when his health
was proposed. After a pleasant day
they left Garswood early in the evening.
Lady Chevenix had been alone all day;
the servants were in attendance on the
numerous guests, and in the evening she
asked for tea, thinking that Sir Owen
Lnd Felix would join her. Felix was sor-
ry to decline. but he had some hours of
hard work yet in the strong room; the
leases were all to be signed on the NOR
row.
When the visitors We're all gone, be re-
turned to the strong room and resumed
his work Lady Chevenix went to him
TO persuade him 10 let her send some lea
there, and he consented. He looked at
her. as she stood in that darkened room,
in the evening dress of white silk and
trailing lace. She wore a superb suite
of opals, which shone with the fire that
lives in gems She looked like a dream
of beauty in that dull, gloomy room.
She sent him some tea. aid asked him
to come to the drawing room when he had
finished, and he promised to do so. When
she returned, Sir Owen lay on one of the
couches fast asleep. He awoke at last,
but the sun had long set, and the fra
grant silence Of night lay over the earth.
She had cooling fruit that was pleasant
to eye and taste ready for him, she had
everything that was refreshing, but no
stimulant. He pushed aside the purple
grapes and the crimson strawberries.
Where is the brandy?" he asked her.
THE idea OF offering a man such things
as thosew he exclaimed. Run for the
l-andy!'
She dared not refuse moreover. refusal
would have been of no use. She rang the
bell and gave the message, but, before the
brandy came, with sweet, womanly tact
she had lured him from the room. hoping
that he would forget it. She walked
through the long corridors for some min
utes, talking to him; then he suddenly
remembered Felix, and said that nothing
would satisfy him unless he left his work
AMI joined them. He went TO persuade
him, while Lady Chevenix ordered the
lamps in the drawing room to be lighted.
The two gentlemSl returned together.
and they played for some time at crib
bage, a game for which Sir Owen had a
great liking Suddenly he remembered
the brandy, and asked for *. Lady Chew
enix dreaded its coming; she said the
evening was warm, and begged of him to
take some iced cup instead. He laughed
ar her.
Listen to her ladyshipr' he cried.
iced cupl The very name of it makes
me shudder. want brandy nothing
else"
The brandy was brought. but even then
he did nor recover his good numor Felix
was miserable He longed to put down
his cards and say goodnight. but he saw
the face of Lady Chevenix growing
white, and he was afraid TO leave her.
He would not leave her TO the mercy OF
that violent man; yet every moment he
remained with her was a torture to him.
Sir Owen had no moderation. In vain his
wife and Felix engaged him with cards
ard in conversation. Despite everything,
he filled and replenished his tumbler. At
length the alcohol began TO take such
an effect upon him that Lady Cheyenix
deemed ii prudent to rise.
1t IS growing late she said; 1--WE had
better put aside the cards.
Yes agreed Felix; Il am tired"
He had no time to finish his speech
Sir Owen did not seem 10 hear it. He
merely turned with scowl to his wife.
and cried in a voice of thunder.
Sit down and go on with the game"
Felix saw that She trembled in every
limb. vet she kept all sign Of emotion
from her face; nothing but its pallor be
trayed her fear. She SAT- down. but the
Young lawyers spirit was reused. lie
threw the earsis upon the table.
Lady Chevenix Is very amiable 70 so
On playing be said: II shall not. Ii 5
late, and quite time 70 leave Of
Without : word. and 50 suddenly taat
there was no time to prevent il. SIR Owen
turned ana struck his wife on the face.
Take that" he said. and mind - 10
not interfere With me again
The next moment q pair of strong arms
had seized him and had literally thrown
him acroSs the room. His face white. his
whole body trembling with passion. Felix
stood ever him.
IF you touch her lsdysaSe ASIA. 4 sss