Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-12-27


: dear, and rest assured that | have no
in the least exceeded my means"
She was comforted, and hastenet
back to Mrs. Carstone.
| 1T 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. 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 not" 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.
81 cannot say that 7 am surprised,
Mary" he remarked, after listening at
! tentively to his wife's disclosures. Il
have always thought there was some
thing mysterious about Mr.. Randolph.
She is open and frank enough, but I
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, I could not guess; but I am
quite sure there is something amiss,
! even if we never find it out. I should
not trouble about it, Mary; they are re-
! spectacle, and he is an artist-a clever
one, no doubt. I quite agree with Os-
car: if you can get Mrs. Randolph to
! visit you in London, your position will
! be made"
Il felt, when I 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 depend 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
all the grandees in the neighborhood
inviting her. If you play your cards
well we shall be invited too, Mary"
TT 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 a 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
the ball.
No one dreamed that that night
would bring about crisis in many
lives.
The Hotel de Vile was brilliantly il
Illuminated. 1t was 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 magnifcent-in-
deed, the scene altogether was one of
great brilliancy and animation.
The guests 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 it's dainty flush, on the
exquisite figure, with its graceful float
ing draperies, she made as fair pict-
ure as could we'll be imagined.
OF course she was the queen and tie
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. 1t 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
pair, was disguised. He relieved him
self il some measure by opening his
mind to his mother
This shows" he said, that I have
been right in my estimation OF the
man; he is no gentleman. Would
gentleman monopolize his own wife,"
Certainly not" replied Mrs. Car
stone But, Oscar hear that there
are some distinguished English people
here, Is it true?"
Il heard something of the same
kind; but I was too vexed to listen"
he replied.
Never mind Mrs. Randolph now"
said his mother; discover who these
people are. Mind, Oscar, if they are
worth knowing, be sure and get some
introductions."
He returned after few minutes,
looking somewhat excited and inter-
ested.
"A good old English family" he said
in low voice, 1.-The Forest-Hays Lady
Forest-Hay will be pleased to know
you; they are staying at the Lion
7 dor I wish we had gone there, in
stead of to the English hotel"
What and who are the Forest-Hays?
, 1 have never heard Of them" said Mrs
Carstone.
Every one knows them" replied