Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1903-01-19
Continued.

see L1dC ne pOIuLSu out all IuS
beauties of the place to Leah, and
listened with interest to her remarks.
She had been ambitious for Leah
once upon a time; she had hoped to
see her a duchess; she had hoped
that she would make some wonderful
marriage But now she felt that the
best thing would be for her beautiful
prOtegee to marry for love. Sir Basil
would be an excellent match for her
He was wealthy; even if he were not,
Leah would have so much money her
self that there was no need for her
to make it a consideration in marry
ing. The young baronet was gifted
with every good quality. She might
certainly, with her brilliant beauty
and grand prospects, have done much
better; but she might also have done
worse. With a girl of that kind, full
Of romance and fancies and strange
ideas, the first consideration was her
happiness.
She was startled from her thoughts
by sudden exclamation from Leah;
her face had grown pale, as it did al
ways in times of great emotion.
Look, Duchess" she cried, what
a beautiful pictured"
The approach to Glen was through
a magnificent avenue of beech-trees;
they we're not to be surpassed for
size and beauty in the county. The
avenue was wide and we'll kept, the
grass green and smooth, and, when
it terminated, the full gIories Of
Glen were to he seen. Now, with the
sunlight falling upon it, it was daz-
cling to the eyes of those who viewed
it. The house itself was built of red
stone, with white facings, and the
front Of it was Ornamented with rich,
quaint carvings. There was a terrace
gay with white and scarlet blossoms,
a broad fight of steps, ornamented
with huge vases and fine statues
leading to the gardens below In the
gardens we're several superb foun-
tains, the silvery spray of which rose
high in the air and glistened in the
sunlight; the flowers were of every
immaginabIe hue The whole formed
a picture so brilliant that even the
duchess could not refrain from a cry
of delight.
ut is the most beautiful place
have ever SEEM" she said.
''YOu would not think it was dark
ened by tragedy" observed Sir
Basil
Nor is it," said the duchess.
quickly. Life and death are every
where side by side. You must try to
forget; think Of the bright side"
Etiquette compelled Sir Basil to
give the duchess his arm as he led
the way up the broad marble steps.
She looked at the statues with
admiration,
This reminds one of Italy," said
Leah fountains, flowers and marble
statues"
He turned to her eagerly.
''You like it, then?" he asked,
anxiously. 81 think it is beautiful, and
I am pleased that you agree with
me-"
They passed into the entrance-hall,
with it's deep groined roof, it's old
fashioned stained-glass windows and
armor, it's stained oak flooring and
eXOtics.
With graceful courtesy Sir Basil
babe them welcome; and Leah, look
ing at his face, saw that it was dead
ly pale
twas this the place." she asked,
where the accident"
yes" he replied; "it was here
that my poor sister rushed, en-
veloped in flames; and just here
where these white lilies stand, she
fell down to die. By my mothers
orders they are kept there. When
ever I pass, I seem to see the flying
figure again, and hear my sisters
cry"
Leah stepped forward and stood by
the white lilies.
Look at me-" she said, flushing
slightly, "as I stand here; it will fill
your mind with fresh thoughts"
cit may we'll do So" thought the
duchess, as she noticed the un-
conscious grace and beauty of the
girls attitude. Would he ever, as
he passed through the hall where his
fair young sister had met so sad a
fate, forget the girl now standing
there with her pleading passionate
face, trying to make sweet what had
been so bitter to him?
Thank you," he replied, simply.
''You have been kind to me, Miss
Hatton, from the first happy moment
saw you; you add to your goodness
by giving me a pleasant memory
L1eah's face showed her delight; it
was indeed pleasant to her to hear
such words of commentator from
him. But the duchess said to her
self, pretty little scene-sentimental
enough; hut there is no love, Sir
Basil, on your side"
Then the other visitors reached the
hall. There was a discussion as to
the roof and the armor, and as to the
date of a fine old window, and then