Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1901-01-31

Violet was proud, and she had little
more than her natural share OF OBJ
stinacy ff
''1iave you thought" she asked,
what your mother and sisters will
think Of me-"
80, have thought Of nothing hat
YOU" he replied. 81 have not had room
iii nay hefaft4fof 81; :: eIss. !s;tz
Tell me all about them" she said.
more gently. 81 suppose they are
quite as prejudiced in their ways as |
am in mine?'
yes, think so. Not all. though
not Lady Lester. she is not perju'
diced. She is one of those grand,
serene, calm women. who have no
prejudices."
Tell me all about them. she said;
and this time she did not shrink so
yehemently from his carressing hand.
Il will begin with my mother" he
said; and | will sketch really faithful
portraits for you. My mother" he
continued, as essentially q proud,
dignifled, stately woman. The one
great pride of her life is that she was
born an Alton-the Atoms, | may tell
you, are one of the very oldest
families in England"
He saw the delicate brows contract
with frown; still she must hear.
81 and my mother Violet he con-
tinued, are concentrated all the
prides you most dislike-pride of race,
of birth of name She is tall. with
stately figure, and she moves with
dignified grace; there is a certain
grandeur about her. She is lavishly
generous and kind to all her servants
and dependents She thinks much Of
appearances ard of the world; she re-
Oices in splendor, and knows nothing
of the dark side of life; she has a
grand, condescending fashion of deal
ing with her interiors; she was most
excellent wife; she has been a most
devoted mother. You VIII find her
still a beautiful woman. although
she is no longer young. Do you like
the sketch. Violet?" he asked, anxious
ly.
81 am afraid" she said. that in
everything she is antagonistic to my
self Tell me where she lives. and
all about her.
"Sbe has lived principally at
Ryversdale." he went on. RIVERS
dale is the home of our race. My
father died when was quite young,
and | was for mHny years what Is
called minor; my mother was kind
OF queen-regent. She lived at the
castle-Ryversdale is a castle; and
she managed everything, all the
estates and their revenues. She has
wonderful talent for government
and administration. She has an es-
tate of her own, called Alton-Hall. and
during the last year she has lived al
most entirely there. My mother IS
one of those who so to Court
regularly. She would not miss a
Drawing room on any consideration,
and she is, believe, great favorite
with the Queen"
Again the delicate brows were
daintily arched. Lord RIVERS did not
pause to chide. but fastened on
There is not much more to tell
you. My mother always looks like a
picture just ont of frame. She has
three weaknesses-ric black velvet,
fine point lace, and rare diamonds"
Tell me-" said Violet, thoughtfully;
what would your mother say to or
think of woman like Mrs. Car
stone?"
Lord RIVERS laughed.
They could not live in the same
hemisphere" he answered She
would be an impossible woman to my
mother"
Would Lady RIVERS patronize
her?' asked Violet.
mo. think not. She would not
tolerate her, My mother is the very
ideal of well-bred, dainty refinement"
81 should like Mrs. Carstone best"
said contradictory Violet
81 care little whom you like, IL You
will only love me-"
"And your mother, being what she
is, said Violet. mo doubt wished you
The supplemented young man fell
into the neat little trap laid for him.
My mother wished me to marry
Gwendoline MARI he said
THAT will make is doubly unpleas-
ant for me. said Violet. IF ever
should know her Now | have a fair
idea of your mother. ten me about
your sisters"
That will be easier" he said.
They are not at ali complex charac-
trrs My elder sister, Lady Lester. is
one of chose calm serene woman. the
contemplation Of whom gives rtpose.
She holds a very high position in
English society Now, Violet, darling,
do not draw those pretty brows Her
husband, the Earl Of Lester has q
beautiful place at Drayham, and they
are. suppose very happy Lady
Lester has great influence over my