The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1904-06-29
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE LADY ~OHARLOTTE.

III was Il 01BnC mOmentOub 10
R@1SNN Gwen, for then 1t was that
@s&@ the Lady Charlotte's interest
in her began; momentous. too. to the
Lady Charlotte, for 1t was that night
that brought the Pilot into her life.
/ had turned back to the fire, around
which the men had fallen into groups,
prepared to have an hours aoltd de-
light, for the scene was full Of wild
and picturesque beauty 30 me, when
the Duke came and touched me on the
shoulder.
Lady Charlotte would like Il see
you"
"And why, prayf'
"She wants to hear about this affair
of Bills"
We went through the kitchen into
the large dining room, ut II end Of
which was n stone chimney n fire.
place. Lady Charlotte had declared
that she did not much care what kin
OF q house the Hon. Fred would build
for her, but that she must have II fire
place.
She was very bcuutlfui-tull, slight
and graceful In every line. There were
a reserve and II grand air In her bear
Ing that put people In WE of her. This
awe 1 shared, but rs l entered the room
she welcomed me with such kindly
grace that l felt quite at ease In n mo
ment.
"Comc and sit by me-" she said,
drawing an armchair into the circle
about the fire. 81 want You to tell lis
all about II great many things"
"You see what you're in for. o
nor" said her husband. 1T is Il Sc
rious business when my lady takes one
In hand"
CAS- he knows to his cost" she said,
smiling and shaking her head at her
husband.
$50 / can testify" put in the Duke.
"Ah l can't Ito anything with YOU"
she replied, turning to him.
"Your most AFFECT slave" he replied,
with q profound bow.
eff YOU only WERE" smiling at him
n little sadly, l thought-'l'd keep you
out of all sorts of mischief
"Qultc true, Duke" said her hus-
band. ".Just look at nc"
The Duke gazcd ut him a moment or
two. "Wondcrful!' he murmured.
"Whnt II delivcrancc!'
"Nonscnse," broke in Lady Charlotte.
"You are turning my mind away from
my purpose
as it possible, do you think2" said
the Duke to her husband.
mot in the very least" he replied,
"lf my experience goes for anything"
But Lady Charlotte turned her back
upon them md said to me:
"Now, tell me first about Bits en-
counter with that funny little Scotch
man"
Then 1 told her the story OF Bills
bluff In my best style, initiating, as I
have some small skill I'm doing, the
manner and speech Of the various act
ors in the scene. She was greatly
amused and interested.
"And Bill has really got his share
read. she cried. at is very clever of
| him"
eyes, 1 replied, but Bill Is only the
very humble instrument. The moving
spirit is behind"
"Oh, yes, you mean the little girl that
owns the pony" she said. That's an
other thing YOU must tell me about"
"The Duke knows more than l." i re-
piled, shifting the burden to him. my
acquaintance is only Of yesterday; his
is lifelong"
"Why have you never told me Of
herr" she demanded, turning to the
Duke.
Haven't / told you of the little Mere
dith girl? Surely l have" said the
Duke besitatingly.
Now, you know quite well you have
not, and that means you are deeply in.
terestcd. oh, I know you WELL" she
said severely.
Gle Is the most sccretive man. she
went on to mechanically and I'M
gratefully reserved"
The Duke smiled; then said lastly:
why, she's just n child. Why should
you he interested I'm her? No one was"
he added sadly, "till misfortune distin.
gulshed her."
Her eyes grew soft, and her gay man.
ner changed, and she said to the Duke
gently, Tell me of her now"
1t wns evidently an effort, but he be-
gan his story OF Gwen from the time
he saw her first, years ago, playing In
and out OF her fathers rambling
shack, shy and wild az a young fox.