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

painter.
The dowager rose quickly. It was
intolel able to her that this girl should
argue and hold her own with such self,
possession. Monica saw that her
mother was 1uffied and irritated.
you will not be long, Randolph
said her ladyship as she passed by her
son. CAS- he has chosen to marry a
girl of that kind, he may entertain
her; l shall not" she said to herself.
Monica had her own method of
managing her mother. The Countess
of Lester never attempted it; she al
lowed everything to take it's own
course. Monica placed her mothers
easy-chair for her. She knew exactly
how she liked her reading-Iamp shad-
ed; she knew the exact page at which
to open the periodical she had been
reading. 1t was Lady RIVERS whim
always to read at the little reading
table set aside for her Her favorite
periodical was Temple Bar; and it
was well understood by her daughters
that the mistress Of Ryversdale chose
those few minutes after dinner for
sleep. But there was no dropping of
the proud white -eyelids this time.
The dowager looked particularly
wide awake. Lady Lester settled
herself cozily in one of the most Iuxu-
rious Of chairs and closed her eyes
She did not intend to take any part in
what Monica called the family bat
tues" Violet looked around the large,
magnificent room. She wished that
Randolph would come She hoped he
would remember how lonely she must
feel.
Lonely, but perfectly self-possessed.
She was rot in the least nervous with
the three ladies. Mentally she thank
ed Heaven that she should not be com
PEELED to live always with them. If
she could endure her new life-and
she was not sure of it-her time would
not be spent with them. Seeing Lady
Testers eyes closed and Monica busy,
she went over to one of the side-tables
where some photographs had been
placed. She took up one. It was Of
Randolph, taken when he was boy.
Monica passed as she was looking at
it.
THAT is a good photograph she
said. ct is the one mamma likes
best Of Randolph"
Hearing the remark the dowager
went up to them. Violet held up the
little picture to her, and, as she did SO,
she saw a spasm of pain pass over the
proud face.
yes" said her ladyship, that was
Randolph as a boy. 4 fine open face.
was proud of him then" IS
Are you not proud Of him now
asked Violet.
The elder woman shook her head.
mo; l am most bitterly dfsappoint-
ed in him." she replied. Ills in
fatuation for painting has always been
a keen source Of trouble to me; and
now you must forgive NE if I say that
my disappointment is complete over
his marriage"
q am sorry" said Violet, stiff7y
sorrow will not mend it, I fear
remarked her mother-in-law. Tie is
the head of noble family and of a
grand old race. I have nothing TO
say against you personally; but my
sons marriage is to me the keene8t
disappointment in the world
Then Violet's face flushed hotly, and
a light that was not pleasant to see
flashed in her eyes.
ct may be so,'' she replied; e'bl1t [
question the good taste OF saying SO tO
me-"
There I differ from you al
together" said the dowager.. 81 feel
bound to express my disapprobation to
you. I think you did wrong to marry
my SON."
II think, rejOined Violet, trying to
speak calmly, that your son did a far
worse wrong in marrying me. Per
haps the circumstances of that mar
riage are not known to your
They certainly are not said the
elder woman; nor do 1 wish to know
them
Then would it not be better for
your ladyship to suspend your judg-
ment until you do know them? You
have spoken your mind; allow me to
speak mine. Had | known that your
son was Lord RIVERS, I would rather
have died than have married him."
The dowager Lady RIVERS looked
at her with wondering eyes.
Am I to understand" she asked
that you did not know who my son
was-that you did not know that he
was heir of Ryversdale?"
'Ryversdale." repeated Violet, with
scorn and contempt that almost an
initiated her listener. Il did not
know there was such a place: and
have been brought up to respect 9
man who makes a name for himself
name made for him."
Why, you must be "a Chartist OF
! q Radical What could Randolph
have been thinking Of" cried the
dowager, raising her hands in horror
If your ladyship wishes for an,
more information with regard to tht
marriage" said Violet, proudly. 8.
refer you to your SON"
| She walked away and entered thu
| conservatory with all the dignity AM
majesty Of an insulted queen, leavin:
the elder woman petrified with as
tonishment. Never had any person S,
addressed her in the whole course o
her life. She remained standing TO
some minutes with the photograph il
her hand; then, recollecting herself
she crossed the room to Lady Lester.
My dear Marguerite" she said
do open your eyes. I think 1 shall g