Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1904-02-06
CHAPTER ".
THE DUKE.

Douglas Dundonald had only been at
the castle three days, and already he was
deeply in love with Emerald. Nor was he
her only admirer, for it was very evident
that the duke was by no means proof
against her charms.
And so the weeks passed. The duchess
might well feel unhappy and alarmed;
and in few more days she had still fur
Their cause for disquietude.
Suddenly Darnley's manner towards
Emerald changed His attentions ceased.
He was sullen-almost sull1y. There was
q dark frown ON his face
'eDarnley, have you and Mrs Beringer
quarreledY" asked the duchess at the first
opportunity.
i don't know about quarreling" he an
swered, modify. "She has refused me- !"
Refused your" And the duchess looked
grave. Darnley had assured her Emerald
had as good as accepted him a month ago.
Why had she changed her mind? She
hated herself for the suspicion that it
might be because she preferred to be the
favorite Of the duke.
Refused your she repeated. Il
thought you told me she had accepted
you g month ago, and merely wished for
a little delay in the announcement
''She did Us good as accept me. She
said / might speak to her again in a
month. You know what that is supposed
to mean"
Then what does she saw nowY ?"
What does your sex usually say when
it claims the right to change its mind ~
He spoke sneeringly. The duchess con-
sidered he spoke without due respect
Il shall beg OF You not TO sneer-in my
presence" she said, rather sharply. TT
is an ungontlemanly habit, and one par
tieularly dislike. And there is another
thing pursued the duchess II would
advise you not to 'sulk' with Mrs. Ber
niger. as you are doing now. 1t is not a
dignified attitude to adopt. There is no
need to blazon your disappointment to
the world"
Darnley was accustomed to receive an
occasional lecture from his cousin, and
usually submitted with decent grace:
but just now he was sore and angry, and
he determined to give her shot in re-
turn.
Il wonder you trouble to take up the
cudgels for Mrs. Beringer," he retorted.
Goodness knows / had trouble enough
to get you to have her here, and, Judging
by appearances, she means to do you as
i'll turn as she has done me- It's toss
up which she's got the deepest in her
toils-Dundonald or the duke"
How dare your" said the duchess, ris-
ing to her full, stately height, and fash
ing on him look from her dark ewes
which made even his insolent spirit quail
Utter such word again in my pres
ence, and go straight to the duke and
tell him how l have been insulted, and he
slsndered, by his guest"
She was grand in her wrath A trag-
edy actress would have envied the fash
of her eye, the sweep of her outstretched
arm.
Darnley went out of the room mutter-
ing apologies which his heart turned into
secret curses. She maintained her
naughty front until the door had closed
upon him; but then she sank into chair,
and pressed her hand to her brow with
the air of one who has received a cruel
wound
That taunt of Darnley's made the
duchess watch Dundonaid. Before the
evening was over she could no longer
blind her eyes to the fact that he was in
love with Emerald. That he would mar
~ her she did not for moment dream;
but 1T was annoying, vexing; it might
eomplicate matters very much.
How wish had never had her here"
She thought, in her vexation. There is
one comfort-she goes in three days.
And | can drop her quietly. If / can
help it, she and Dundonald shall never be
In the same house together again"
She tried to n AXE herself believe it was
on Dundonald's account alone that she
viewed Emerald with disqmetude Dut,
In her heart. she knew it was her hus-
bands admiration which gave her the
keenest anxiety of all.
There were now but few people remain
ing in the house-only one other guest
beside Emerald, Darnley and Dundonald
The duchess had more time to herself,
and the morning after that on which
Darnley made his offensive speech - i1er
she remained in her own roor. Tor some
time and busted herself writing.