Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1903-12-24
Continued.

He admired her youth, her grace, her
beauty, and her shy, timid manner, So
different to fashionable faStness. But
he perceived one thing, and it was that
Lady Selwyn was not the mistress of
her husbands home. He was one of
the few who seemed completely to I'm.
derstand the politics of Beatrice Leigh.
Then Lord Vivian, who had stood by,
silent listener, came forward with
the gravest expression Violante had
ever soc1 on his face.
"YcG u4aa,d have complied with
Lord Calder's request Violante," he
said 1T is not dignified to refer
everything to my mother or Miss
Leigh. They are both very kind in
helping you; but you must learn to-
bear your own responsibilities. You
are mistress in your own house"
The girlish brightness died out of
her face, Her lips quivered, and the
dark eyes fell. He had never spoken
to her so gravely before, and the words
seemed to pierce her heart,
Are you angry with me. Vivian?"
she asked. And he never forgot the
expression of her fair young face.
"Angry-no,' he said; but you
must remember that you and no other
are mistress here. Take your share
bravely. 1t will all come right, but do
not fall into the way of leaning upon
Others Miss Leigh will marry and
leave us some day; then what shall
you dor
She looked at him so wistfully that
he laid his hand caressingly on the
golden head.
you know | do not understand,
Vivian" she said piteously. please
do not be angry; but these ladies al
ways seem to treat me as though they
knew | was not one of themselves"
Lord Vivlan's face grew dark
What do you mean?" he cried.
mot one of themselves. Who are you,
then? Do not talk nonsense, Violante,
it annoys me-
Still, it is true" she replied; -
never had the training of a fine lady,
and they all find it out at once"
Come with me- he said, angrly,
anu lSi TO llllitlSS II NosaNNiiNi'
But when they reached the morning
room. where the rehearsals were TAX
ing place, they saw Miss Leigh already
tnere, calm, proud and beautiful, with
the highbred air that never forsook
her. She was the center of an excited
group and Lord Vivian could not re.
frain from admiring her graceful tact,
the exquisite grace with which she
reconciled conflicting claims, and the
Judgment with which she settled what
might have been a tiresome dispute,
leaving the rival ladies better friends
than ever. Almost involuntarily a
wish crossed his mind that Violante
mad some of Miss Leighs talent and
high breeding.
Take lesson, Violante," he said.
You see how Beatrice manages such
matters. The mistress of every large
house requires to know something of
diplomacy"
1t occurred to her to retort, Know
ing that, why did you marry me?" but
she wisely refrained from giving utter
ance to the words.
Such little scenes were repeated con-
tinually. With kindly encouragement
Lady Selwyn might in time have taken
courage and have learned to fulfill all
the onerous duties of her station. AS
it was, she grew more timid and more
unfit for them every day.
Then came another minor trouble
the incident upon which the strange
event Of her life turned. Pauline, the
maid who was engaged at her wedding
to attend upon her, was suddenly
obliged to return home, and Lady Sci
wyn had to advertise for another
maid
Il advise you strongly, Lady Vic
lante," said Mrs. Selwyn, mot to en-
gage any person without an interview.
You will have many replies to your
advertisement. Choose a few from
the number. and have the applicants
here. You can pay all expenses. That
I will be better than making mistake
hin the engagement. | always consider
good maid. clever and faithful, is one
of the greatest comforts that can be
. had"
And Lady Selwyn. caring little
about the matter, adopted Mrs. Sell
wyn's suggestion She advertised in
the Times. and received many ans
wers, all of which she submitted to
Mrs. Selwyn, who was pleased with
Sthe Difference shown her.
Three were chosen from the number.
The first who appeared was thor
oughly grand lady, full of airs and
graces. She had lived with the Ouch
ess of Malroyson, and required so
many privileges that ady Violante
dismissed her without entering into
details.
The second was pert. pretty Paris
ian: but as her head seemed to be al |
ready turned by her own good looks, {
she was not engaged.
n The third Theresa Bowden, pleased
Lady Selwyn at first sight. She had a
koft. graceful pleasant manner, a.
rlear voice. with perfectly refined
.accert She seemed anxious. too. and
ID by-ot,yf4Y 49,