Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1901-02-14

or tear at passion; the calm mnmoved
loneliness would be the same when
she lay in her CONN.
She had come to listen to her moth
er's troubies but she was careful how
the folds OF her dress fell. as though
she, were posing for a statue. It was
wonderful to see the face OF Monica,
who stood watching her with some
thing between a sigh and smile.
Shall ring? Will you go to your
room first, Marguerite, or will you
waltz"
81 will walt, mamma. | am anxious
to know why you sent for me-
| "To tell you, my dear. the worst
news you ever heard In your life"
cried Lady Ryvers-"the very worst"
Not an eyelash on the beautiful face
quivered, the dainty, delicate bloom
underwent no change.
bad news, dear mamma? Is 1t
anything about Arthur?
NO; what could | know about
Arthur? You have just left him
strong and well, suppose. 1t is
much worse, much more important.
Briefly, Marguerite. it is this. Your
brother Randolph, my only SON
Heaven help me!-has married with
out my knowledge; ! will not speak of
my consent.
Randolph married." cried Lady
Lester-and for once the delicate
brows were arched-"married without
informing you, mamma? That is
very wrong"
Il knew you would feel it, Mar.
guerite although you are not given to
displays of emotion; | knew you must
feel It, Monica persists in attempting
to comfort me; you will not try.
has shattered me?"
| Then Monica came forward II she
loved any one on earth, it was her
brother Randolph, with his beautiful
face and poets soul. She formed a
complete contrast to her stately moth
er and sister. Monica RIVERS was not
| tall, she had a slight, girlish figure,
about which there was nothing re-
markable except it's supple grace.
She walked well, danced WELL moved
we'll She had not the statuesque
| elegance that distinguished Mar
guerite. Countess of Lester. She
would have flown through
| six rooms While the stately
beauty crossed one. Her charm
| lay In her quick, light, active
movements. She was the very child
of impulse. She was not beautiful, In
the common acceptation of the word
although she had Irish eyes, and hair
that was black and waving, Hers was
face that, without being noticeably
lovely, yet flashed intelligence, was
| full of sparkle and of fire. full of wit
and humor, and capable of any
amount of pathos. With smiles and
tears always close together. she was IA
girl whom it was impossible for her
mother to understand.
why do you laugh she would ask
her at times; and again. Why do you
cry?" she would say, when the girls
face flushed with passion or paled
with emoti~n.
| Lady RIVERS would have found it
easier to have read a Greek volume or
translated Hebrew than to have under
stood her charming. impulsive, gifted
child. She came forward slowly now /;
that constant reference to her attempt
at consolation troubled her.
Mamma, dear, If knew what bet
ter to say, would say it," she said
1T is better to be silent than to
give utterance to foolish platitudes. q
returned Lady RIVERS. How many
times this day have you told me that
what cannot be cured must be en-
dured?"
1T is perfectly true, mamma said
the girl
so it may be; but that is no earthly
reason why you should repeat it."
Monica said Lady Lester, lit
would be better for you to be silent
you never did understand mamma"
! Il only want to comfort her. ! can
not bear to see her so unhappy"
But tell you there is no comfort, :"
cried Lady RIVERS. "Oh. Marguerite
my heart is broken"
Nay mamma, let us hope ii is not
quite SO bad as that" said Lady
Lester.
/ But she asked no questions as to
who her sister-in-law was, or any
thing about her
lit is as bad as It can be, Mar
euerite, He has married some poor
obscure girl without birth, fortune. or
anything else TO recommend her"
Except beauty" put in Monica.
Yes" allowed Lady RIVERS, with
some irritation. except beauty. Now
Thorns and Orange Blossoms ...,..4
what is 10 be done? IL is our social
ruin. He is the head of the House of
RIVERS. What is to be done, Mar.
suerite?"
When tiiat most serene of women
did utter an opinion. It was very often
! what her sister with some Justice