Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1902-12-22
Continued.


but not content; nothing seemed to
interest her long-the sweetest music,
the most witty or animated converse
ton, could not hold her for any time.
She was restless, as one always seek
ing something better than that yet
found. The only time when she
seemed quite satisfied was when she
poured out all the pent-up passion and
poetry Of her nature in music OF her
own. Men were quick to perceive that
she was not Of the ordinary type OF
girls, that fattery did not touch her,
that she was above all coquetry and
Irritation Half of those who met her
went home that night raving Of her.
The duchess was delighted with her
success. She had felt sure of it, she
had prophesied it; but it had far ex-
ceeded even her most sanguine an
ticipations.
''The world is at her feet, Sir
Arthur" she said; "she can do as she
will No girl ever made a more sue
cessfuI debut. l am proud Of her
Look at her now" The duchess was
seated watching the dancing; Sir
Arthur stood by her side. Look" she
continued, 'at the easy self-possession.
There is not the faintest flush on her
face not even the faintest stir in the
diamonds that lie on her breast, not
a culver in the blossoms Of the lovely
flowers she holds"
Yet on one side of her stood a gal
liant, genial prince, on the other
group of the most notable men in the
world of fashion. She turned with
ready attention from one to another,
without coquetry, without affectatiOn.
The professional beauties fought shy
of her, and we're very hard in their
criticisms, much to the amusement of
the sterner sex; they did. not see what
there was to rave about. Lord Dun
bar, who was supposed to be good
authority on beauty, said that if she
had no other charm but that of the
long dark silken lashes that fringed
her eyes, she would still be the fairest
of women.
The scene was like dream to
Leah, dream that never quite faded.
The golden flood of light that made
everything so clear and distinct, the
thousands of lovely fragrant flowers,
the magnificent decorations, the grand
crashing of the music, the fair faces,
the rich dresses, the subdued silvery
murmur Of laughter and of sweet
voices, the rhythm of the flying feet,
the 'admiring eyes that rested on her,
the deep voices, that lad whispered
nj +c To IN
memory for years. No other ball in
after years was like this.
When they reached home Sir
Arthur was surprised 10 find that his
niece looked almost as dainty and as
fresh as when she had started. The
flowers had not withered in her
hands, there was no sign of fatigue in
the beautiful face, or of WEAKNESS in
the dark eyes.
Il has been a grand success; Leah"
said Sir Arthur, as he bade her good
night-"one of which we may both
be proud"
"A grand success indeed" she re-
piled. Yet even as she said the words,
a sense Of desolation and loneliness
filled her heart.
A little later she stood in her
luxurious dressing-room. Everything
that surrounded her was costly; rich
Jewels cleaning in their satin cases,
fans, slippers, ornaments Of every
kind, inteTmiXed with choice flowers,
made q very confusion Of beauty: the
delicate carpet Of velvet pile was soft
and thick; the hangings were of white
and pink; a few choice engravings
adorned the walls; treasures of mar
Quetry, dainty carvings, and lovely
statuettes told of the artistic taste
which made the room a gem She
stood in the midst Of it, her heart
still beating with the emotion she
had not been able to control A sue
cess indeed! Yet in the olden days,
SO far off, when she had been with
Hettie for a stroll in the wood or by
the sea, or even in the crowded
streets of the city, she had felt hap
pier and less lonely than now. She
had everything that wealth and af-
lection could lavish upon her, and yet
she was lonely. If only the fair,
loving sister were here! If only the
loving arms we're round her, and she
could kiss the sweet face! A success?
Ay, it was that indeed! But was she
really happy? Her maid had gone
away, so she drew aside the curtains
and stood at the window, watching
the. moonlight on the trees.
Was she happy? What were the
vague, curious desires that filled her
heart?
No girl in this world had brighter
future. True, there was a dark back
ground to the past: but the time to
come seemed bright enough. She
wondered what would make her
happy? Not money; she had already
many thousands, and the time would
come when she would have more.
Money had nothing to do with it. 1t
was not rank or position title or
grandeur. She remembered that but
a short time since she had heard the
story of a beautiful and beloved