The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-03-25
The
Second Wife
VOLUME ii.
CHAPTER III.


II was an old-fashioned, long standing
custom for her 20 do this for the visitors,
and II was an natural 20 see her broad
shouldered, stout fgure. dressed I'm black
silk, standing at the door OF the cottage.
an that the sand sprtniced on the gravel
should be carefully and daintily raked be-
fore the arrival Of the guests.
Her grave face. In a cap with tartan
ribbons, never smiled but the coffee was
so delicate, and everything that came
from her hands 50 exquisitely tempting
and delicious, that her silent morose
manner was allowed TO Pass unnoticed.
Today II must have been hotter than
usual in the tiny kitchen. or the cook
ing had required extra attention. for
the poor woman looked heated and tired.
and but for her known unmoved sharsc-
ter one would have supposed she had
been crying. her eyes seemed 30 sweiied
and heavy.
"Are you III. Frau Lohn7" asked the
duchess, kindly.
mo. indeed. your hghness. thanking
you all the same for inquiring. I'm as
fresh and we'll as a fish In water. she
hastened TO reply with terrific glance az
the Hofrnarschall as she brought tray
OF finely woven little willow baskets for
the princes TO chose from.
The coffee-tabe was soon deserted. and
the royal children. with little Leo. dashed
into the fruit plantation. and made such
an onslaught In all directions on the best
and richest clusters that the head garde-
ner was In despair. and wondering II The
'snttie yandals'' could not be restrfoted
10 gathering that which hung nearest 10
their reach
The Hofmarschail also was driven to
the front inciosure. but he was deter
mined. cost what II might. that MS ter
rible helplessnees should be overcome lot
an hour at least. so he rose from his
chair. and grasping the trellis-worx
which led 10 the tropical garden, with tot
terinr steps ne succeeded In creeping along.
gathering a few of the choicest grapes
which he laid In a basket. and with
great deal OF difficulty and pain manageo
10 drag himself back 10 the cohee-taple'
where the duchess stir sat with
courtiy smile he handed her the iruit-
b,ut in an instant the smile vanished from
his face. and scarlet with frighs, he cried;
.eMy ring! my ring Is gone" and hastily
puttinr the basket on the table, ne
looked ruefuily at his forehnger. where
a few moments before costly emeraln
had flashed.
Every one except the duchess sprans
,rp to seek the lost jewel. The ring
(which had always fitted tightly, as the
distressed man plaintlvely declared had
evidently fallen from the poor, shrunken
finger while he was picking the fruit.
and most likely lay among the vine
leaves, for II could not be found, though
they all sought for II most willingly
Never mind about II now. uncle,
said Raoui. going back TO the place
where his guest sat. and anxious TO put
an end to the affair for the time. Il
will personally superintend search for
IL by the servants later on, when we are
alone"
Later on, when IL is safely slowed
away In some ones pocket!' replied the
Hofmarschall. discontentedly. TO trust
a servant, too, and the public path is on
the other side. Your highness will par
don me. I hope, that am vexed at my
loss" he added. apologeticahy, and bow
ing low to their royal guest. but the
ring has great value in my estimation,
as a special legacy from my brother Gis-
bert. Only few days ere his death he
gave Il me before witnesses, writing. AS
he always did. the words he wished TO