Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-09-11

sailor who has taken the greatest care
of her property. She was an heiress
already when her father died. That
was is years ago. She is now 49,"
is she passable-to look at? A hoi.:
den with high color. warrant"
"a cream colored complexion touch
ed with red ana pink, light hair in curls
and blue eyes, the face and figure of n
Venus, the sweetest mouth In the
world and the fondest manner"
'Hang me If the fellow isn't in love
with her himself! If she is all this,
man, why not apply yourself for the
post of spouse?"
Because her guardian keeps off all
would be lovers and destines his ward
for gentleman at least, for noble
man he hopes
HE is ambitious. Now as to her
fortune"
"She has fleet of half a dozen tall
vessels : nay, there are more, but
know not how many. l was formerly
n clerk in counting house of the
town, and learned great deal-what
each is worth and what the freight of
each voyage may produce-but not all
The captain, her guardian, keeps
things close. My lord, l can assure you
from what l learned In that capacity
and by looking into old books that she
must be worth over 100000, over
100000"
II can take this fortune without your
assistance"
with submission, my lord, you can
not. l know too much. The girls for
tune when you have 1t will go the same
way as your rents and woods have
gone. Provide for me, therefore, be-
fore you begin to spend that money"
II will give you life position, with
f200 year. The girl, you say, has no
lover"
"She has no lover. Your lordship's
rank, your manner, your appearance,
will certainly carry the day. BY con-
trast alone with the country pumpkins
the heart of the girl will be won."
"Mr. Semple,' his lordship yawned,
do you suppose that the heart of the
girl concerns me? Go and complete
your scheme"
The Lady Anastasla was in her Dress
ing room in the hands of her friseur, the
French hairdresser. and her maid She
was the young widow of IN old baron
ct. She was also the daughter of an
earl and the sister of his successor.
She therefore enjoyed the freedom of n
widow, the happiness natural to youth
and all the privileges of rank. No wo-
man could be happier. 1t was reported
that her love of the card table had
greatly impaired her income. The
world said that her own private dowry
was wholly gone and II large part of
her jointure.
She kept small establishment in
Mount street. Her people consisted Of
no more than two footmen, butler, q
lady's maid. housckeeper and three
or four maids, with two chairmen. She
did not live as rich woman. She re-
ceived, 1t is true, twice week, on Sun
days and Wednesdays. but not with
any expense Of supper and wine. Her
friends came to play cards, and she
held the bank for them. On other
evenings she went out and played at
the houses of her friends.
While the friseur was still complet-
ing her head Lord Fylingdale was an
nounced. The lady blushed violently.
She sat up and looked anxiously in the
glass.
Betty" she cried, "a touch Of red:
not much, you clumsy creature! VIII
you never learn to have lighter hand ::
So! That is better. am horribly pale
His lordship can wait in the morning
room. You have nearly finished, mon
sieur? Quick, thcn-the last touches!
Betty, the Powered satin pettlcoat! My
fan! The pearl necklace! So!' She
looked again at the glass. cam look
ing tolerable, Betty?"
"Your ladyship is ravishing." said
Betty, finishing the toilet.
Lady Annstasia swan out Of the
room with gliding movement, then
the fashion, and entered the morning
room, where Lord Fylingdale awaited
her.
"Anastasiaw he said softly, taking
her hand. ut is very good Of you to
SEQ me alone. / feared you would be