Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1901-05-09

antiquity. Surely nothing could be
more lovely than the fine old house,
the gray stone almost covered with
ivy, the growth OF centuries. 1t was
worth a whole mile Of modern palaces
all gliding ard stucco; no money, no
art could impart that air OF antiquity.
And, in spite of herself. in spite OF all
the ideas that had been instilied into
her, she found herself wondering
whether it were the same thing with
men as with houses--whether there
was as much difference between an
aristocrat and parvenu as between
an old house the home of many
centuries and one build in the most
modern style. And there came to her
mind, as the thought occurred to her,
the recollection OF two men, perfect
types Of each-Oscar Carstone the
parvenu, the son OF the "selfmade
man." with the outward polish and
manner of a gentleman, and her hus-
band, Lord RIVERS. with innate no.
bility in every thought and word.
For the first time in her life she
paused to think If it were possible
that the training Of Aunt Alice could
have been wrong or mistaken one.
Then the memory OF all she had
suffered at Ryversdale came to her,
and once more her heart burned with
hatred toward the class she had been
taught to despise.
When Violet arrived at Queens
Elm, she was ushered at once into
the presence OF Mrs. Ingram. She
found her very old and feeble, but
dignified and slightly naughty in man
ner. She was sitting in large, old
fashioned drawing-rOom, dressed in a
thick, rich black brocade, with point
lace at her throat and round her
wrists, her gray hair covered with a
cap of the same material. All over
the house, but especially in this room,
was the faint sweet odor Of dried
rose-leaves.
Mrs. Ingram looked up when Violet
entered. She seemd to bring with
her an atmosphere Of youth, grace,
and beauty
you are my new companion" she
said, in a sweet old voice that had in
it far-off ring and must once have
been like music itself. II am very
glad to see you"
She seemed surprised at the fair
beauty OF Violets face, and she look
ed at her intently.
you are not much like the usual
type of companions" she said gently.
81 have had so many"
A weary little sigh followed the
words. and Volets heart was touched.
81 have had so many" repeated the
old lady; land none Of them stay long.
When the natural companions OF
ones life are gone. all seems gone.
| have lost husband and children.
The only relative have left Is one
grandchid--one beautiful grandchild.
All, my dear, what companions could
fill the place OF those have lost?"
None" answered Violet; but
will do my best"
THANK you, my dear" she replied.
Il think am sure you viii please
me. You have a sweet voice and a
beautiful face; but you are young and
hopeful. This life will be dull for
you"
Violet's fair face Swallowed as she
remembered what life had done for
her.
Il do not like what people call life"
she answered 81 shall be best con-
tent here with you"
1t seemed like a haven of rest, this
grand old house with it's surround
ings. its fashioned magnifcence,
and it's faint odor Of dried rose-leaves.
Violet looked al the mistress Of the
place.
Il had better tell you frankly" she
said, that have never been out as
companion before, and that / am quite
ignorant of the duties of one. II you
will but tell me what to do, will try
my best TO do it,
81 can sum up the duties Of a COM
panion in very few words" said Mrs.
Ingram. Have you a mother liv-
ing?"
NO" replied Violet.
TRY to imagine what 1t would be IL
you had; and what you would do for
your mother do for me-"
Il will try" said Violet, gently.
IF | am cross or irritable-and old
age is full Of crotchets-bear with
me- ii | am i'll, be kind to me. live
in a world OF shadows. My lost hus-
band and my lost children are always
with me; do not startle me suddenly
from my dreams. The most merciful
part of my life now Is my dreams.
want you she continued. mot to be
always with me. but always near me.
/ do not rise until late, so that the
morning hours will be your own: my
maid attends 20 me then; but when
am down stairs, | shall wish you to
read 10 me, to walk out in the grounds
with me- TO drive out with me, to re-
ceive visitors Tor me, 10 answer my
letters. You will find plenty OF en-
ployment, and hope you will be
happy"