Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-01-07
CHAPTER XIV.
THE trapplngs OF state
Brighten me-"


In the drawing-room Of Thornleigh
House, in Belgravia, London, group
OF three ladies stood holding anxious
consultation over n magnificent dia-
mond tiara. Mrs. Selwyn held it In
her hands, Lady Violante shrunk as
though half alarmed at It, and Beat
rice Leigh stood by with n smile on
her face--a cold, hard smile, In which
there was nothing Of friendly interest.
II think II very beautiful, Violante,"
said Mrs. Selwyn II cannot imagine
why you object to It."
Lady Selwyn would probably prefer
a wreath of daisies or wild flowers
said Miss Leigh.
THAT ! should" cried Vlolante,
Such magnificent ornaments as that
tiara brighton mel"
But" demonstrated Mrs. Selwyn,
you must dress according to your
rank, and you must wear such Jewels
as your husbands position entities you
TO wear. DO you not understand"
Yes" she replied, YEARLY, Il quite
understand" but the golden head
dropped and the fair face grew sad
Then said Mrs. Selwyn, you had
better decide upon this. | like 1t bet,
ter than anything we have seen, Here
10 Vivian; let us have the benefit of his
taste"
He Joined the little group with n
smile on his dark, handsome face.
Mrs. Selwyn continued.
"Stoir a. Mortimer have sent the
tiara you ordered, and think 1t simply
magnificent!
is Violante ploased?" he asked,
eagerly, turning to his wife.
She made no reply Mrs. Solwyn
spoke for her.
"Vlolante thinks It too-too grand,
| supposed"
Lord Vivian laughed
My simple darling" he said when
VIII you learn to love grandeur? II Is
not one whit too beautiful for you. II
all tho jewels on earth were strung
upon one string, ! should still think
them unworthy of being offered to
you" and he touched the white brow
with his lips.
Mrs, Selwyn smiled Mt the loverlIke
speech. Beatrice Leigh turned away.
that none might see what her face
said.
Let us try how II looks?" cried
Lord Vivian, when you have once
seen yourself crowned with diamonds,
Violante, you will care for nothing
else"
He took the tiara of splendid jewels
from HIS mother, and placed It on the
golden head
Now" - said, look In that mir
ror. Violante, and tell me IL the lady
there does not look Hike n queen?"
She did look. and the image she saw
reflected there was most lovely one.
The fair face. with the delicate rose.
leaf flush, tho violet eyes, tho wealth
of golden hair, and the shining gems
that encirclod the graceful head like
living points of flame,
But as she looked tho golden head
dropped lower
i am afraid, she said, half piteous-
ly, ut IL very magnificent, Vivian"
But" Interrupted her husband,
you must not droop your head so,
Violante. You look like lily bend.
ing beneath the weight OF the dew.
You must stand erect and fearless.
child; looking with brave eyes ont
Into tho world, Our fashionable ladies
DO not walk with dropping heads when
they carry n tiara like that"
Shall show you. Lady Selwyn?"
asked Miss Leigh, and the next mo,
ment Violanto had gladly placed the
gems In her rival's hand,
Another moment and there stood
before the mirror a woman who was
every inch queen" No arooplng
head, no lowncast eyes. no niteous,
pleading face. The gorgeous Jewels
seemed TO belong to her gorgeous
beauty by right The proud patrician
face; the proud head. carried 50
haughtily and So high, bright. glow.
ing beautiful picture. not To be forgot.
ten by those who saw II.
See" she said, turning to Lady
Niolantc, you should wear tiara So.
And for one minute the two women.
each SO lovely, yet SO different, looked
iiSedly at each other, violante. fair,
gentle, ehildlike. Beatrice, proud, su.
perb and imperial.
They suit YOU so we'll Beatrice.
said Lord Vivian, gallanty; lit is
really great pity YOU should not wear
them"
Her face flushed at his words. She
removed the tiara. smoothing the rich
bands of glossy hair,
1t Is decided, then said Mrs. Sci
wyn, The tiara is to be kept Vic
lante will like II better in time"
1T Is to be kept, thought the young
girl, bitterly because IL suits Miss
Leigh, and mol Tor my sake at all.