Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-08-29

things close. Ny lord, l can assure Won
from what learned in that capacity
and by looking into old books that she
must be worth over 100000, over
f10O,OOOw
II can take this fortune without your
assistance"
with submission, my lord, you can.
not. I know too much. The girls for.
tune when you have IL will 20 the same
way as your rents and woods have
gone. Provide for me, therefore, be-
fore you begin to spend that money"
81 will give you life position, with
1900 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"
mfr. Semplc," his lordship yawned,
do you suppose that the heart Of the
girl concerns me? Go and complete
your scheme"
The Lady Anastnsia was in her dress.
Ing room in the hands Of her friseur, the
French hairdrcsscr, and her maid She
was the young widow Of an old baron
ct. She was also the daughter Of an
earl and the sister Of his successor.
She therefore enjoyed the freedom of a
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 large part Of
her jointure.
She kept small establishment in
Mount street. Her people consisted Of
no more than two footmcn butler. a
lady's maid. n housckecpcr and three
or four maids. with two chairmen. She
did not live as a rich woman. She re-
ceived, II Is true. twice n 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-
ne her head Lord Fylingdalc was an
bounced. 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, Will
you never learn to have lighter hand?
So, That Is better. I am horribly pale.
His lordshp can wait in the morning
IL G,,g
sieur? Quick. thcn-the last touches!
Betty, the lowered satin pettcoat. My
tan! The pearl necklace. So,' She
looked again at the glass. Am look.
ing roferable. Betty"
Your ladyship Is ravishing" said
Betty, finishing the toilet.
Lady Anastasia swan out Of the
room with a gliding movement, then
Me fashion, and entered the morning.
room. where Lord Fylingdale awaited
her.
/ "Anastasia" ne said softly, taking
her hand. ut is very good of you to
see me alone. I feared you would lie
surrounded with courtiers and fine Ia.
dies or with singers, musicians, hair.
dressers and other balloons. Permit
me-" and he raised her hand to his lips.
You look divine this morning. 1t is
long slice have seen you look so per-
fectlv charming
The lady mu:mured something. She
was one of those women who like
above all things to hear praises OF
what most they prize, their beauty, and
to believe what they most desire to be
the truth, the preservation and perfect
ing Of that beauty.
But you came to see me alone. Was
II to tell me that | look charming +?
Other men tell me as much In compa-
ny"
Not altogether that, dear lady,
though that is something. l come TO
tell you OF n change of plans"
"You have heard that the grand jury
Of Middlesex has presented me by
name as corrupter of innocence, and
l know not what, because | hold my
bank on Sunday nights
II have heard something of the mat
ter 1t is almost time, | think, to give
these presumptuous shopkeepers a les
son not to interfere with the pursuits
OF persons of rank. Let them confine
themselves to the prentices who play
at pitch and toss"
"Oh what matters their present
ment? I shall continue to keep the
bank on Sunday nights. Now, my dear
lord. what about these plans? What is
changedT
I'VE thought, you remember about
going to Tunbridge in July"
"Well. shall We not so there?'
perhaps. But there is something to
be done first Let me confde In you
"My dear lord, you have never con-
flded in anybody"
Except In you. l think you know
all my secrets. If have any. In whom
else can | conflde? In the creatures
who importune me for places? In
friends OF the green table? In friends
of the race course? My dear Anastasia,
you know. l assure you, as much about
my personal affairs as | know myself"
"If you would always speak so kind
ly" Her eyes became humid. but not
fearful. lady OF fashion must not
spoil her check by tears.
well, then, the case Is this: You
know OF the condition Of my affairs
no one better. An opportunity presents
itself to effect great improvement. |
am invited by the highest parsonage to