Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1904-06-30
Continued.

world; you are young, quite DeautlIul
enough, and engaged to an earl. Why
should you be unhappy? You are not,
you say, and yet don't ever remem-
Der seeing you look like this, before
child"
Kate laughed, the same thin, hollow
laugh, and it's sound seemed to strike
a chord in the old lady's heart.
She leaned forward, and took one
of the small white hands; IL was as
cold as ice.
Kate she said, almost severely.
you are either i'll or have something
on your mind; which is it?"
81 am not i'll; and what should be
on my mind, Lady Warner said
Kate.
The old lady let her hand drop, and
stared throughfully into the fire.
She was looking down the vista OF
the years since she had known Kate,
and trying to remember If at any time
there had been any other young man,
the thought of whom would be
troubling her. But she could think of
none; there had been plenty who had
been In love with Kate, but Kate her
self had kept her heart whole
II should have known 1t IT there
had been anyone yes. | sharid have
known it. muttered the old lady.
But she looked up with troubled
frown and said hesitatingly:
Kate if you had a mother
shouldn't ask the question. am going
to ask but | suppose I'm the nearest
approach to a mother you can remem-
Der, and I'll ask It, Tell me the truth,
please"
Kate looked up, with a little spasm
of dread and fear in her face, but it
passed instantly. and left 1t cool and
sell,possessed again.
What is it," she asked.
Just this" said the old lady,
slowly. lis this engagement one of
your own seeking-of your own free
will, Kate?"
There was pause for second,
and Rates lips quivered In the fire
light; then she met the sharp eyes
steadily and unfiinchingly.
1T is of my own free will, Lady
Warner" she replied.
The old lady nodded her head twice.
Very well, Kate. thought"
she paused,-"I thought you did not
look--well-quite happy! But ii it is
of your own free will" she paused
again; then keeping her eyes fixed
on the fire, said in low voice: "A
woman had better throw herself into
the sea than marry against her will,
| say that, Kate, |. whom everybody
thinks mere bundle of worldliness,
and l. know what am saying had
a narrow escape myself, Kate; it was
the very narrowest. There were the
two men, on baronet, the other
der He was a poor captain in the
millionaire, and | could have had
either. Thank Heaven | chose my sol,
line, and, though he is general now.
he is still poor; but have never re-
GREETED my choice, Kate; never
hankered after the baronet or the man
with the money. Kate" and she
looked up suddenly with a sharp and
yet anxious glance Kate, child, it is
wv
The color swept over the beautiful
face, then left it pale again.
1T is too late" she said. and her
voice sounded dry and strained Il
have given my word. and cannot call
1t back, | do not wish to; shall
marry Lord Carr-Lyon, Lady Warner"
Before the old lady could speak
again the door opened. ami the
major hustled in. His face was
flushed, his small eyes shining; there
was an atmosphere of exuberant tri-
umph and satisfaction prevailing his
whole being.
All, my dear Lady Warner" he ex
claimed bowling over her hand in his
ford manner; delighted to see you
delighted, l thought | should have
the happiness of finding you here
Well been discussing the all-import-
ant topic with Kate. eh?" and he shot
glance and smile at Kate. and
stood rubbing his hands.
Yes, We have been talking about
Lord Carr-Lyon's ball, major" said
the old lady
That's right, that's right" he
said, nodding and smiling Il have
just left Carr-Lyon, You cant i'm.
agine how interested and-er-excited
he is about it-and very grateful to
you, my dear lady; very. Tell Lady
Warner to spare no expense, were al.
most is last words To me. Spare nc
expense, want TO make big thing
of it! Plenty of people and no end of
kicl<-up!' That was his forcible way
of putting il; my young friend is So
er-energetic, you know assure
you. the way in which he has--er--
conducted the alterations at Lydcote is
worthy of--er--praise. Money no OBJ
ject-absolutely none, Did Kate show
you her handsome present, ehT'
Kate showed me her ruhies. yes
major" said the old lady.
splendid they? All, my
dear lady. | think my little girl has
been verv lucky. though-'pon my
word, must say IT, though she's my
own child think her a fit match for
a prince,"
ESQ 10 =" said Lady Warner drily,