Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-02-21


he led his wife the to Countess Of
Lester.
Marguerite" he said, I bring you
another sister
The beautiful Countess. with the
most serene expression possible on
her face. and with most innocent ez-
preston IN her eyes, made q courtesy
that would have done honor to Z prin-
cess. She did not commit herself
either by a frozen kiss or a touch Of
the hand; she murmure5 a few words
that were quite inaudibIe. Violet
never knew whether they were Of
praise, blame, welcome, or rejection;
but she felt that her welcome was Of
the stateliest possible kind.
Monica, my darling sister, said
Lord Ryvers-'my wife
Nc words could describe the proud
exultation of his voice. the ring Of
tenderness and passion; and Monica
for her brothers sake-she thought
only of hinn-fung her arms round the
young girls neck and kissed her
warmly
Then there was a pause. Lady
RIVERS and Lady Lester made q men
tai comment on the young wife's
cress.
Worth" said the Countess to her
self, and Worth at his best" The
traveIing-dress was so rich, SO elegant
in its mplicity-dark- gray velvet,
trimmed with a slight edging Of fur
and it fitted the girls figure perfectly,
showed the beautiful lines, the grace
full curves, the fine contour. It was
the dress of a lady; they felt it i'm
stinctively.
Violet did not raise her veil; she
stood perfectly still; but, when her
husband turned to her. and said.
Darling, you are welcomed home at
last!'' a culver ran through her. She
thanked him in her heart; but she
spoke no words. You are tired,
probably said Lady RIVERS; and, try
as she would, she could not take the
pride and hauteur from her voice.
4 am very tired" said Violet; eve
had a rough passage"
How eagerly they listened for her
reply! The voice was sweet and
musical the accent refined, the intona-
ton perfect.
You will like to go to your rooms
said Lady RIVERS. Have you
brought maid with you?"
mo" replied Violet.
'I thought you would be kind
enough, mother. to recommend one"
her husband interposed. Violet has
not had much experience in that way"
Il have never had a maid" said
Violet, "and should hardly know how
to engage one"
81 never had a anticipated Lady
RIVERS; and her accent was one of I'M
disguised horror
The Countess of Lester smiled the
smile OF one who was learning strange
things.
MY maid Fisher would not perhaps
mind" said Lady RIVERS. doubtfully.
"She is clever; but one hesitates in
these days to ask favors from SER
wants"
Z should not ask favors; I should
issue commands" put in Randolph,
st which a faint CLEAN of approval
was visible in the eyes of the Coun-
tess.
Mamma" said Monica. timidly, IF
you will permit me. I will take"-then
she paused for moment, as though at
a loss for a word-'I will take Lady
RIVERS to her rooms"
She saw by the sudden flush that
covered her mothers face, the sud-
den, angry light that flashed in her
eyes, that she had done wrong. 1t was
almost more than proud Lady RIVERS
could brook to hear the name she had
borne SO long given to another.
IF you wish. you can show your
brothers wife to her rooms. Monica"
she said, stiffiy.
(Which rooms have you given IL It's.
mother?" Lord RIVERS asked. an1-
ious to make a diversion.
THE white suite in the western
wing, just for the present; you can
make your own choice afterward, :"
she replied.
Lord RIVERS did not know whether
to feel pleased or angry. The white
suite, as the beautiful set of apart
ments was called, was generally set
apart for visitors; but there were
handsomer suits in the house.
Thank you," he said, simply. 81
am sure we shall find them comfort
able
For the whole world his mother
could not have refrained from a slight
toss of her head. If those rooms were
not good enough for this young person
from the country, she would like to
| know what were.
Monica saw the danger-signals, and
fastened from the room, taking Violet
with her.
To be Continued.