Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-13
CHAPTER XIX.
The Vengeance OF the Skull.

Viscount Waldens twenty-first birthday
was drawing near. and Ravenhall was
making grand preparations for the occa-
sion. Invitations were Issued to the local
megnates and their families-nvitat tons
ea gerly accepted for everybody was curl
Gus to see both the earl, who had so long
secluded himself from society. and the new
viscountess, whose secret marriage had in
vested her with romantic interest. En-
tertainment of various kinds was provided
for the earls guests, as well for the
tenantry of his estates. the day to termi-
nate in a grand ball. preceded by the per-
Torrance of a poetic drama, written by
Lady Walden. and entitled The Fatal Skull
drama in which the authoress herself
was to take the leading role. The other
dramatls personae were drawn from a
select circle of Ormsby society. and their
frequent rehearsals filled Ravenhall with a
mirth and a gayety not known in that
gloomy mansion for many years. Lorelie
took upon herself the office of stage d.
rectress. and flung herself heart and soul
into the work She was ably seconded by
Beatrice Ravengar, who. to the surpl Use Of
everybody in Ormsby. had left her brother
Godfrey In order to be the companion OF
the new viscountess. A number of car
penters and scene shutters from London
mad transformed the great hall OF
the castle into a suitable stage and
auditorium. Scenic artists were busy
at the canvas. Money was freely
lavished upon the appropriate theatrical
costumes. leading society paper had
asked for and had obtained the
favor of having a reporter present to record
the days doings; in short, everything had
been done to insure success, and the anna
teur actors looked forward to the event
with a pleasurable zest
The great day came at last, as sunny and
fair as could be desired. The earl moved
about among his guests and tenantry with
dlgnihed courtesy, bestowing mods and
DECKS and wreathed smiles" on all sides, in
manner surprising to those who had
hitherto regarded him as sort of gloomy
Manfred
Ivar was on excellent terms with himself.
He firted with the ladies, and patronfzed
the young men with truly Iordly air A
descendant of noble house, heir to SPLEEN
did estate, husband of a wife whose lowell
ness and literary abilities were the theme
OF universal praise-what more could he
desire? Indifferent himself to LoreIie's
charms, he wassnQt displeased to witness
the admiration q II excited in others. She
was part of his property, as it were; it
was but fitting that she sh6uld receive her
tribute of praise along with the other items
OF the Ravengar estate. - ~
Lady Walden made an ideal hostess, and
the guests whispered in secret that if the
rumor were true that her own family was
not of the highest, her beauty and sprightli-
ness amply compensated for the deficiency.
From her manner one would have thought
her the happiest lady in the county. Once
only did she give evidence of the real feel
ing that lay masked beneath her pleasant
exterior, and that was when the mayor of
Ormsby, standing upon the flight of steps
leading up to the grand entrance of Raven
hall, read long address to Ivar, cOngratu-
lating him on the attainment of his ma
jority. and expressing the hope that both
the viscount and his lady might long live to
enjoy their exalted rank At this Lorelie's
line cd far anaf intn
smile, and she cast significant glance at
Beatrice, who was seldom absent from her
side that days To those who noted the
smile it required with peculiar force upon
the morrow. ia. = 70
With the coming of twilight Beatrice stole
away from the company to private por-
ton of the park, taking her course toward
little gateway In the western wall. Near
this gate was a wooden bench. and seating
herself upon it she drew forth a telegram
and glanced at the message 1t contained,
which was sngularly brief: will be at the
place appointed by Z o'clock
The sender of this telegram was punctual
to the minute. st. Oswald's Church clock
was Ginning the hour when there came a
locking it, Beatrice threw it open. and stood
face to face with Idris Breakspear.
She greeted him with an air which Idris
intuitively felt to be foreboding of grave
things.
'On the point of sailing for India" he OBJ
served II received letter from Miss Raw
engar bidding me return at once to Ormsby.
Such message cannot be ignored. and
therefore l am here. And the question is,
Why am l here" "
Il have not sent for you without cause.
1t is your duty to follow me. to ask no
questions. but to await developments"
And where are you taking me?' he asked
as she locked the gate
''Therer' exclaimed Beatrice, appealing to
an imaginary audience. His first utter
ance is defiance of my orders. However.
/ will answer that question You are COM
ing with me to Ravenhall."
Impressed by the oddity of her manner,
IdriS made demur, but offered his arm
and accepted her guidance.
Their way led by a private path amid
dense shrubbery; now and again through a
long-drawn vista in tine trees 1dris caught
a glimpse of the more distant portions OF
the park.
The dusk of a lovely summers eve was
descending upon the lordly terraces and
verdant lawns of Ravenhall. Mellowed by
the distance the music of regimental
band fioated on the air. AL fresco dancing
was taking place beside the margin of a
gray-gleaming lake. Above was sky of
darkest blue; below, the myriad lanterns
shining amid the dark foliage made the
park appear like scene from fairyland.
Idris contemplated the picture with mix
ed feelings. If-and it was a very great
if he admitted-Lorelie was right in as
sorting that he himself was the true Earl
of Ormsby, then all this fair estate was
really his. Well. he had resigned his claim
in favor of Lorelie, and would not go from
his word. But not till this moment did he
fully realize the extent of the sacrifice.
ut is gala day, perceive" he remark
ed. 81 learned on my way from the station
that Lord Walden has attained his major
ity. He has a splendid estate in future.
He ought to be proud man today"
HE is proud, ignorant that, like Aga
memnon. he is treading on purple to his
DOOM"
Idris was surprised at these words. sur
prised still more by the bitterness with
which Beatrice emphasized them. What
did this speech portend? ri
you have been living at Ravenhall for
the past two months,pF understand" he
remarked, for want of soniething better to
say. son
Yes, as Lorelie's companion. This is
our last day here. L6reHeia and take our
departure tonight" ~
Idris was more mystifed than ever.
Beatrice smiled as II enjoying his per-
plexity. IN
They had now reached the western wing
of the mansion, and Beatrice unlocking a
small door, invited Idriy toienter.
Am to be smuggledsinfr
Yes, for this once, Cousin Idris.'
Cousin Idris." he repeated, emphasize
ing the first word. ID 9T..
did l say 'cousin?'r she asked, with a
stimulation of innocence -"Well. won't
withdraw the term. Let ,itremain.''
Idris stared hard at her trying to read