Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-05-16

and the truth was that, kind and atten-
tive. polished and deferential as was
his manner TO. Lady Beatrice, he did
not love her.
He stood by and looked pleased
while the visitors praised the schools:
he seemed proud of his wife, and of
the good words she had done; but the
watcher saw where his heart lay-it
was with his on. She aw that all the
love he had once felt for her had
fallen on their child. His heart shone
in his eyes at every word he addressed
to the boy; the smile, that made his
face so beautiful, came over it every
time Rupert addressed him.
The visit was long one; the chill
dren were required to exhibit all their
accomplishments. They had to sing
and TO recite. Lord Selwyn stood in
silence, watching the soft, graceful
movements of the dark-robed figure
watching the tender, caressing touch
of the white hands on the curly heads,
wondering much about her and that
silent sorrow of hers. Once, looking
up suddenly, he found her eyes fixed
upon him, and he wondered again at
the crimson blush that seemed to burn
her face and neck.
Long after they, the visitors, had
gone, she stood leaning out of the win
dow where the woodbines grew, say
ing over and over again to herself:
HE has married her. He has put
her in my place; but he does not love
her as he loved me-"
Then came a long interval, during
which he saw nothing of Lady Bea-
trice. My lady was not well. Lord
Selwyn thought a change would be
beneficial to her. So they went away
to the pretty estate in Scotland, Hud-
son Hall. the boy Rupert remaining
with his tutor at the Castle, for Lady
Beatrice declared herself far too un.
well TO bear any noise.
And during that time Rupert went
often TO the cottage. He could not
explain to himself how or why, but he
grew warmly attached to the gentle,
patient lady, who always seemed so
delighted to see him. and had always
something nice waiting for him; who
petted him and coaxed him as no other
woman had ever done; who listened
with loving eagerness by the hour to-
gether TO his talk of his studies, his
recreations, and his father. They did
cd ~
neither of them liked her, but they
would not speak evil of her, only that
at times Rupert, who was gifted with
a grand sense of humor and talent
for mimicry, would give smart speci-
men of my lady in one of her tan
trums." So the summer and the
autumn passed. and she, sweet, simple
soul. was so happy with her son that a
faint color returned TO her face. and
the sound of her silver-sweet laugh
was heard more than once.
Then came Christmas, and it was my
lady's within that Mrs. Rivers should be
her almoner-should give away blan-
kets. coal. wine, and Oeef, in her
name; and in all those charities Ru-
pert assisted, until the boys attach
ment to the governess was smiled at
everywhere
1T will never hurt him." said his
tutor once. mo boy of his age could
be anything but better for the com
partnership of good and pure woman.
Mrs. Rivers is that, and she is, besides,
a lady in heart, mind and manners.
The boy will gain by every visit he
pays To the school cottage"
Il think" said Rupert. one snowy
day as he sat with Mrs. Rivers in the
warm, coy little parlor of the cottage,
Il think that if ever l were to have a
bad illness, should like you to come
and take care of me- Would you?"
Il hope you will never have any i'll
ness" she said, the mothers heart
filed with vague, quick alarm.
IF do" he said, gently, Il should
ask my father to send at once for you"