Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1901-03-07
ThOrns and Orange Blossoms.
AUTHOR OF
ROMANCE OF A YOUNG GIRL
Continued.

Perhaps the dOWager Lady RyVefs
did experience some little sense of re
lief when she saw how beautiful and
graceful the girl was. But that was
soon dissipated, and she was more an
noyed than ever by the expression oil
intense love and fervent admiration
she saw on her sons face.
There was little chance of finding a
flaw in a marriage where the husband
was so devoted! There was no flaw
either in the manner or behavior of
the young girl who sat so perfectly
self-possessed, evidently expecting to
be feted, and to receive all the atten.
ton due to a bride.
The dowager had had some vague
idea that she could make her feel how
unwelcome her presence was by ignor-
ing her in the calmly cruel fashion
adopted by fashionable women; but
there was no chance of it. No one
could ignore the beautiful, queenly
presence; and, as the dinner pro-
crossed, conviction came to the
elder woman that this was far more
difficult case than she had thought.
There were character and deter
mination in the beautiful face; there
were pride and dignity, although of a
kind differing from her own; there
was principle; there was plenty of
individuality. It dawned across her
ladyship's mind that this was no
country girl to be crushed and quietly
disposed Of but a rival who might
possibly prove more powerful than
herself.
II Violet had been of her own class,
her mother-in-law would have re-
ioiced In these characteristics. She
would have said. Here is one to do
honor to the grand old race" Identi.
fed with one whom, in her own mind
she called "a daughter of the people, -
they were distasteful to her. What
right had the daughter of country
doctor to have such grace and dignity
and beauty? What right had she to
have such clear musical voice and
refined accent? The more beautiful
the more attractive the girl, the less
chance there was of getting rid of her
OF hiding her from the world. Be
fore dinner was over, the dowagei
Lady RIVERS saw plainly enough that
she had a rival to fear.
Il am glad, mother" said Lore
RIVERS, while dinner was progressing
that You did not ask any one to NEE
US. ] was half afraid you would thinl
1t needful to have dinner party"
1T was hardly probable" replied
the dowager. II never move in the
dark"
Violet looked up with sudder
smile and keen appreciation of the
little allegory.
why did you smile?" asked tn,
elder woman.
Because | understand perfectly
well what you mean" answered
Violet. "You did not invite any one t.
meet us because you were not sure
whether should be presentable OF
not"
II was so exactly the truth, it was
so exactly the thought which had
passed through her mind and which
she had uttered to Lady Lester, that
there was perfect CONSERVATION for
some few moments. A cannon-bal
falling in their midst could not have
startled them more. II was the
throwing down of gauntlet, which nc
one at first picked up. Lord Ryvers
hardly knew whether to admire his
wife's spirit or to regret that she hat
so spoken. The dowager recovered
herself, feeling that it was n kind o
crisis. and that. II she allowed II L
pass by, she would in some measure
have lost ground.
You are quite right" she said
you are quick to understand. Ger
tainly did think II would be better e
wait short time before sending out
any invitations. think so still"
Did you like Parish" asked Lad,
Lester, anxious to avert a collision.
Very much; there Is plenty of life
there" replied Violet Randolph
likes solitude: | like cities. like the
great tide of human life flowing to ant
fro"
tou nave an active, energetic ma
ture, perhaps" said Lady Lester.
Il am afraid I have great deal o.
energy" said Violet.
And the Countess of Lester sighed
as though that were thing deeply e
be deplored
You will want ii ALL" said Monica
suddenly.
And, IL an oracle had spoken. the,
could not have been more surprised
She flushed crimson when she realized
what she had said; but the Countess
with unusual good nature. came to the
rescue.
You will indeed" she agreed; "and
IL Randolph does as we have always
wished, and turns his attention 70
politics instead of painting. you will
not have energy enough"
I'm what way would that AFFECT
me?" asked Violet.
THE wife Of great politician or a
great statesman has many cares"
said the dowager. 1T is not probable
that you would understand"
Il do not see why should not un.
derstand." rejoined Violet Every
wife is supposed to be more or less en-.
crossed in the pursuits OF her hus.