The Caldwell tribune., 1905-12-16
CHAPTER v.-fcontinnedn


Pauline had not much soul. and she
did not really care much for music as
music; but she liked the pleasant, sooth.
ing effect it had upon her. So she went
to the opera two or three times a. week,
and In the intervals whispered scandal,
ate ices, drank coffee, or dozed gracefully
behind the curtains of her box. This
evening Mrs. Seton and she were scarce
ly settled in their seats before Lord Sum
mers begged admission.
The goodnatured old gentleman look
ed rather worried, as he took the chair
behind Pauline and exchanged civilities
with both ladies.
II have had visit from Bennolr this
afternoon Pauline" his lordship began.
"The poor boy is terribly upset by your
refusal"
HE will get over it." - =
"But, my dear girl, have you no heart
at all? To my knowledge this Is the
seventh most satisfactory offer you have
refused. l dare say you have had quite
as many Of which have heard nothing
begin to think you are heartless."
perhaps you are right" she said, in.
differently. But you must allow there
are two sides to the question. On the
one hand, you ask why do not marry
answer your question by asking, on the
other, why should marryT l do not
love these men who propose to me.
am my own mistress; have everything
wish for-and l am happy as am"
There is the estate, you know, tc
think Of. The succession lies between
you and your Cousin Ethel the sweet
faced child pointed out to you the other
day. If you die unmarried, the estate
will revert to her children at your death
Of course, there is nothing against that
But l am sensitive about the trust i'm
posed on me by my old friend, Sir Paul
AS l read it, his will lays the whole re-
sponsibility of this question of success
sion on my shoulders. In other words
he leaves me the power to pick and
choose fitting head for the House Of
Mailing. Now, in the event Of your not
marrying, the next heir will be- the off
spring of this Ethel and her artist hus
band, Mr.. Dornton."
Pauline had kept herself well under
control, but she could not avoid an ex
clamation as Lord Summers put this
point before her.
THAT Mr.. Dornton, to whom you have
been kind, Is engaged to your cousin, yol
know. Well, he Is a very nice young
man-clever, well looking, nice manners
and all that; but | don't think Sir Pau
would have chosen him as the perpetua
tor o. the Mailing family"
why notY The question was pu
quickly-almost, it seemed, in spite O.
herself.
well, it seems to me that the question
answers itself. Who Is her What is he
Whence comes he? Who are his people
What were his father and grandfather
OF course he will make an excellent hus
band for poor little Ethel, for he Is bount
to come to the front"
DO you know, whenever you talk o
that child, fancy you regard me as al
snterloper2 l am sure your sympathie
are with her."
mot at all-not at ALL You are to'
sensitive. am glad to know tina
Geohrey's child Is not likely to suffe
hardship. This Dornton seems a manly
honorable young fellow, and will tax
good care of that pretty little creature
shoull not like to think that my oil
friends daughter was fated to spend he
lie In copying from the old masters o
the kensing' on Museum, as she told M
She does now"
1t was well for his lordship's opinion
o. his wards disposition that she wa
sitting with her face turned toward tn
stage during his kindly little speech. 81
was a shrewd old man, and, had he seel
the hatred and malice in her eyes whel
ne spoke Of Ethel his previous judgmen
OF her character might have been con
Siderably shaken.
The next day Miss Mailing drove t.
the hensington Museum, taking Babett
with her. 1t was a students day, an'
the visitors made the round of the gal
leries in quietness, Pauline stopping Il
apparent interest by the side of ever.
lady student. At last she found wha
she sought. She passed on until sh
reached a quiet corner, and then beck
oned Babette to her side.
You see that very young girl in tn
gray dress with her holland apron2 Tha
!s the person whose address want. KeeI
her In sight until she leaves; follow he
nome, get her address, and then go t
some Of the shops close by and find ou
her name"
Mademoiselle does not even know he
nameT
i know her real name, but not tn
one she is going by just now. Whateve
you do, don't miss her."
Miss Mailing returned to her carriage
teellng that she had accomplished
good afternoons work.
CHAPTER vi.
I'll not give way! If 1 stay ava
one day, shall want to do 1t again, and
then my copy will not be finished"
Ethel uttered this aloud, though sh
was alone avidantlK with tha idea tn a