Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-12-29


Otis CURIOUS DONE"
spread their carpets, bear dancers gave
their little spectacles, and Jockeys con-
ferred as to the merits of horse or
hound. Hawk-nosed Jews passed
among the vehicles, cursed or kicked
by the young gallants who stood about,
hat in hand, at the steps of their idols
carriages.
Back Of sadler's little court the coun-
try came creeping close up to the
town. There were fields not so far
away on these long highways. Wan
dering and rambling roads ran of to
the westward and to the north, lead
ing toward the straight old Roman
road which once upon time ran down
to London town.
1t was on one Of these less crowded
highways that there was this morning
enacted a curious little drama. The
sun was still young and not too strong
for comfort, and as it rose back of the
square Of Sadler's it cast shadow
from a hedge which ran angling
toward the southeast. Its rays, there
fore, did not disturb the slumbers of
two young men who were lying be-
meath the shelter of the hedge. Strange
enough must have been. the conclu-
sions of the sun could it have looked
over the barrier and
faces of these youths
were of good breeding and some s.a
ton, albeit their garb was not Of the
latest fashion. The gray hose and the
clumsy shoes plainly bespoke some
lacked the latest turn, perhaps the coli
lar of the coat was not all it should
have been. There was but one coat
visible, for the other rolled up as a
pillow, served to support the heads Of
both. The elder of the two was the one
who had sacrificed his covering. The
other was more restless in his atti-
tude, and though thus the warmer for
a coat, was more in need Of comfort.
A white bandage covered his wrist,
and the linen was stained red. Yet
the two slept on, well into the morn,
well into the rout of Sadler's Wells.
Evidently they were weary.
Far down the roadway there rose a
cloud of dust, which came steadily
nearer, following the only vehicle in
sight, probably the only one which had
passed that morning. AS this little
| dust-cloud came slowly nearer it might
have been seen to rise from the wheels
| Of richly-built and well-appointed
coach. Four dark horses obeyed the
reins handled by solemn-Visaget
lackey on the box, and there was 6
goodly footman at the back. Within
the coach were two passengers sucf
as might have set Sadler's Wells by
| the ears. They set on the same seat
as equals, and their heads lay close to
| gether, as confidantes. The tongues
of both ran fast. and free. Tall ant
well-rounded, vigorous and young, no
yet 20, adored by many suitors, tn,
Lady Catharine Knollys had rarel!
looked better than she did this morn
ing as she drove out to Sadler's, 70
Providence alone knew what fault of
(. superb vital energy. Her eyes sparkle,
as she spoke, and every gesture be
tokened rather the grand young crea
ture that she was than the valetudi
marian going forth for healing. He
cheek, turned now and again, shove
clear-cut and untouched soundnes
that meant naught but health.
showed also the one blemish upon
! beauty which was toasted in the cour
as faultless. Upon the left cheek Their
was q mouche, excessive in its size
Strangers might have commented O
it. Really 1t covered deep-staine
birth-mark, the one blur upon a peer
less beauty. Yet even this might b
forgotten. as it was now.
L The companion of the Lady Catt
arine in her coach was a young woman
scarce so tall and more slender. Darl
where her companion was fair, an
4 with the glossy texture of her ow
sunaber locks showing in the individui
roll which ran back into the absuI
/ fannange of false hair and falser poV
I der, Mary Connynge made good 70
for her bosom friend; though honest
must admit that neither had yet NUT
concern for foils, since both had the
full need of gallants. Much seen t
\ gether, they were commonly known
K THE Morning and Eve, sometimes
\ Aurora and Eve. Never did daught
stf the original Eve have deeper fer
hnine guile than Mary Connynge. Sc
CT speech-as her friend, the La
Caaharine, was impulsive slow. suaN
amliar eyed and innocent of visas
y this young English woman, with
,dowar save that Of beauty and Of "