Middletown transcript., 1904-10-01

She had not allowed Christopher War
render to see any OF this however. Th'
pony on which she was riding bad com'
10 her a. day or two before, with Mr.
Daryl's compliments, and she was in tli'
first delight OF having a horse Of he
own. 1t had been arranged that a groom
from Mr.. Daryi's establishment shoule
attend on Miss Richmond's horse, which
was kept in Mr.. Daryl's stables. Il wa'
always at Kilmeny's service, and shs
rode every day. Her new friendship
was dividing her more and more from
her old surroundings, loves aud interests
and in manner she was not able to
help it. She was getting what she had
sometimes secretly longed for--an en-
trance into the great and splendid world
of society.
Kilmeny hummed TO herself as she
rode along, when she had parted from
Mr.. Warrender, and told herself that she
was very happy. Her mother not only
permitted the acquaintance with MIR.
Daryl, but made everything easy for her.
1t could not continue after her fathers
return; then everything should go back
to what it was before, and she would be
satisfied after having had her glimpse
into regions above her. She would be
once more child with the children, and
her mothers companion and housekeeper.
Chris would come and visit them, and
they would be the same as they used
TO be.
CHAPTER Nv
The great ballroom at Mr.. Daryl's
house was softly lighted, and was filled
with moving couples and the sound of
music, laughter, and gay voices. 1t was
the night of the long-expected ball, and
Kilmeny Richmond, in an exquisite dress
OF white and gold, her eyes shining and
her cheeks brilliant, was the queen Of
the evening. She had burst, like a
radiant vision, on the aristocratic friends
whom Mr.. Daryl had summoned round
him, and people had almost forgotten to
ask who she was in the admiration ex-
cited by her beauty and captivating
manners. Lady Penryth watched her
with Ter fierce old eyes as she laughed
and danced, moving among crowd OF
worshippers as If to the manner born.
"Your Miss Richmond need not drag
me after her the next time into such
scenes as these" she remarked to her
brother, who stood beside her. ''She
strikes me as being quite sufficient for
herself, and capable of going anywhere
alone: She has just been laughing in
the face of the Marquis OF Redminster,
and is now going away to dance with
Lord Trevor"
II observe that the women do not
speak much to her. 1t is what I ex-
pected."
Lady Penryth's eyes went steadily to
the old man beside her. He was watcli-
ing Kilmeny with sublued exultation
which puzzled her.
"They do not know what to make OF
her." she said. "My being her chaperon
scarcely makes her respectable, and your
very marked notice, strange to say, fails
equally"
Respectable !" lie cried. scowling at
her. ''They shall find out that the girl
is more respectable than any Of the
prudes here. That is what have paid
you for, and what ! expect you to do
to let people understand that she is every
thing she ought to be, and the chief per-
son here. Do you think it was out Of
affection for you and pleasure in the
fools around us that l opened my house
to you and them? 1t is a matter of busi-
ness between you and me, and your pay
depends on how you do your work" !"
"But | know no more than they r she
answered boldly. "What is the girl to
you? Why do you take her up? What
am I to tell people who ask me-? Are
you in love with her p
Gin love y He laughed harshly. "Do
| look like man in love? mol My
interest in her is OF totally different
sort. l intend her to make good match
and the man who marries her, if he
pleases me, may have reason to count
himself lucky. You may let SO much be
known, but no surniises or guesses OF
your own are to accompany the infor-
nation, remember p
He moved away, and Lady Penryth, |
her opportunity, beckoned to
,ne OF the guests who stood near her
,arelessly watching the conferences be-
tween the two. lie was handsome,
naughty man, whose distinction of bear
ng marked him out even among the |
Sell-born pleasure seekers who sur
rounded him. He drew near and eat |
lown.
If you want money, it is all right"
Lady Penryth said, dropping her voice |
md speaking without looking at him.
Il did not make out the reason Of his
interest in her, but the man who nlarries
ler may count himself lucky Those
we're his words make what you can Of
hem."
"When did your brother first meet
Miss Richmond?'
"Only few days ago. Whatever in
crest he has in her is some interest
connected with his past life.n
Lord de Bruyne wassilent. He looked
ong at Kilmeny, who was among the
valtzers. Her wonderful eyes werelifted
ull of laughter, to her partners face
he glimmering gold Of her dress was
low displayed, now hidden, by move
nenis full of indescribable grace; her
resh and exquisite charm made it de-
ght to behold her. The man beside
.ady Penryth rose.
You have made up your mind r. she
sked.
He nodded carelessly. li
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