Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-03-07
Continued.

soon dissipated, and she was more an
noyed than ever by the expression Of
intense love and fervent admiration
she saw on her sons face.
There was little chance of finding a
flaw in marriage where the husband
was 50 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 bride.
Tue dow qr had had some vague
ide, that S. could make her feel how
unwelcome hi 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 a far more
difficult case than she had thought.
There We're 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
Iadyship'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
# 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 q country
doctor to have such grace and dignity
and beauty? What right had she to
nave 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 dowager
Lady RIVERS saw plainly enough that
she had a rival to fear
Il am glad, mother" said Lord
RIVERS, while dinner was progressing,
that you did not ask any one to meet
us. ! was half afraid you would think
it needful to have a dinner party"
1T was hardly probable" replied
the dowager. Il never move in The
dark"
Violet looked up with a sudden
smile and a keen appreciation OF the
little allegory.
why did you smiIe?" asked the
elder woman.
Because | understand perfectly
wei what you mean" answered
Violet. You did not invite any one TO
meet rs because YOU were not sure
whether l should be presentable OF
not"
1t 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-ball
falling in their midst could not have
startled them more It was the
throwing down of gauntlet, which no
one at first picked up. Lord RIVERS
hardly knew whether to admire his
wife's spirit or to regret that she had
50 spoken. The dowager recovered
herself, feeling that it was q kind of
crisis, and that if she allowed it to
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 it would be better 20
wait a short time before sending out
any invitations. l think so still"
Did you like Parfs?" asked Lady
Lester, anxious to aveI1 a collision.
Very much; there is plenty of life
there" replied Violet Randolph
likes solitude: l like cities. l like the
great tide of human life flowing to and
fro"
You have All active, energetic ma
ture, perhaps said Lady Lester.
Il am afraid have a great deal OF
energy said Violet.
And the Countess of Lester sighed.
as though that were thing deeply TO
be deplored.
You will want it all, said Monica,
suddenly.
And, if an oracle had spoken, they
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
if Randolph does as we have always
wished, and turns his attention to
politics instead of painting, you will
not have energy enough"
I'm what way would that affect
me?" asked Violet.
The wife of a great politician or g
great statesman has many cares,
said the dowager. 1T is not probable
that you would understand"
81 do not see why I should not un
derstand," rejoined Violet. Ever!
wife is supposed to be more or less en-
crossed in the pursuits of her hus
band"
L thought, having lived all you
life in the country, you would hardl.
enter into these Matters explained
the dowager.
Living in the country" said Violet
with smile that was both bitter am
sweet, does not place limit to an,
ones Intelligence, hope"
Il do not know" returnrl Lad
RIVERS, slowly. Il have always un
derstood that it did