The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-29

CHAPTER VI. The clubs, which in their fancifui in- vention are only inferior to the Ara bian Nights Entertainments, speculate cd much oL the future of the xadx Ermyntrude.f Some thought her 90 natured in her mind and manner thaE she would marry immediately; others. on the contrary. held that she would hesitate for Q long time before eile de~ nided; a third party vsntured on ap opinion that she would probably never marry at all
 The names of some persons. howav- CT. were already intimated as the pos- sible, or even probable, partners of her life and fortune. Gaston. from his connection with the lady. was always the first mentioned. and yet his name was almost invariably dismissed as that of q man who had no thought Of marriage. Then there was Lord Fitx- Alb. He was supposed to have very good chance. being the great favorite of the Bishop. and quite dk, though youthful. to be prelate himself. The Bishop was one of Lady Ermyntrude'R consulted him on all occasions Some thought that Hugo BohuA would be the lucky man. Actresses somehow or other. always : seemed to like htTn though somehow or other eventually they had hitherto never united their fate with his. Hugo Bohun was an ostentatious pauper, and had a theory that rich women liked to marry pau pers. particularly if they were person. ages so comme il faut as himself. The knowing ones. on the whole, backed Lord Warrener against the field. It was circulated that Lady Ermyntfude in one of her morning rides had mora than once Inquired whether Lord War rener was In the park, and seemed dia- appointed he was not at her side.
 Lord Warrener was a good-looking. accomplished cosmopolitan. He osteH- tatiously announced, though of ample estate. that he cared for nothing but money, but 1t was generally held that he would prefer obtaining 1t by a race or q rubber rather than by the aid of an heiress. however wealthy or distin- guished.
 There was ball, and the Lady Ermyntrude had danced twice with Hugo Bohun: he had even attended her to the tea room.
 This is one of the happiest nights of my life" he said to her. Do you know, ] think it wonderfully kind of you to dance with such a miserable wretch as I am
 one meets with so many happy peo- ple." said the Lady Ermyntrude. T rather like sometimes to meet a mlsera- ble wretch"
 What other miserable wretch do you know except myself?" asked Hugo.
 T know several wretches." replied the lady, but I am not at all sure they are miserable wretches."
 Well. whaf~is your idea of wretchT
 T think man who is diseontented with his lot in life Is a wretch"
 Everybody Is discontented with their lot in life"
 T though just now you said you were most happy?"
 ''so I am when am with you"
 Srhen. after all. YOU are not a real wretch" said the lady.
 DO you think Gaston is?s inquired Hugo.
 His wretchedness is on so great a scale that it amounts to the sublime
 "I should think you were contented with your lot in life" said Hugo.
 T have not yet considered that uues- tion so deeply as it deserves.' said Lady Ermyntrude. At present my thoughts are limited to these walls and to the cotillion which I am now going to dance"
 "Alasl not with meP'
 ''No," said Lady Ermyntrude, with drawing her arm and taking that of Lord Warrener. who at that moment joined her. and bowed.
 Now feel this Is the most misera- ble night of my life" murmured Hugo.
 The lady, departing. looked over her shoulder and smiled
 (To be Continued.l