Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1906-06-07
CHAPTER XIV.

dinner which was to be remembered
and spoken of for so many years
after throughout the county, just
as the Tuileries balls of the Third
Empire are remembered and spoken
of through Europe at the present day.
II was magnificent scene. the long
room with its rich carvings and sub
dued gildings shining in soft wax
lights. the handsome dresses OF the
ladies, and the patrlcian bearing of
the men.
The liyeries OF the servants, moving
noiselessly to and fro, seemed to give
the scene almost the gayety OF mill
tary spectacle, and in the midst of it
shone out the dark, lovely face of
the mistress of Lorme with the red
rose in her black hair, and the blue
bells on her bosom.
Many a curious glance was direct
ed TO the young girl, to ascertain
how she bore herself in her trying
part, but as she sat beside the coun-
tess and talked to one ard the other,
ever ready with her gentle smile. not
the keenest could detect embarrass-
ment or discomposure.
ut is wonderful" murmured Lord
Howth to the bishop. Wonderful.
You know her romantic history"
The bishop smiled.
And she is but a girl. Yes, it is
wonderful, but we must remember
that she is Lormel"
The dinner was very elaborate, al
most elaborate enough for state
banquet. but at last 1t came to an
end, and the ladies rose.
Philip Dyce was nearest the door,
and he rose to open 1t for them in
his quiet way. AS Lady Vaux passed
him, he bent his head and said in a
voice almost inaudible.
Remember"
Then he returned to his seat. Mr..
Ford, by virtue OF his position as Sir
Godfreys executor, and in a manner
Leola's trustee, took the head of the
table, the butler brought in the choic.
est ciaret, and some OF the farfamed
Abbey port. and the talk grew, as II
always does when the ladies have
gone, little louder and brisker.
Philip Dyce, who had been silent
until now. joined in conversation
with the earl and the bishop. He
talked well--as even Lord Beaumont
who disliked him, was compelled to
admit, as he sat silently listening.
II was wonderful thing to find
Lord Beaumont at dlnner-party. II
being well-known that he held such
festivities In adherence. and no one
could tell how delighted the countess
had been when he declared his inten.
ton of coming. He had sat, almost
speechless. his fair. intellectual face
set in cold reserve, but once 1t had Iii
up with sudden vivacity anu good
humor. and that was when Leola bent
forward and asked him how the pic
ture was progressing.
Opposite him at the table had sal
Cicely Stanhope. and It was remark
able that while most of the eyes
were bent upon Leola. hers sought
and seemed satisfied with but one
face, AND that the one opposite her
She had seen the sudden light OF
pleasure break upon 1t as Leola spoke
to him, and Cicelys pretty face had
grown suauenly pale.
AS the ladies entered the large
drawing-room the countess looked
round with an exclamation OF admir-.
alton.
MY dear" sinking on TO lounge
and making room for Leola, 1T is a
pity that this room should ever be
closed This and the dining-room
are the handsomest in the county
VIVA. pity to think that they should
have been wasted 50 long. l don't
think have ever seen this room be
fore, fancy that and have lived al
Howth SO long"
ut was shut up during Sir God
frey's-my uncle's life?" asked
Leola, curiously, her voice grave, as
il always was when she spoke Of the
dead Sir Godfrey.
"Yes," said the countess. "Youl
uncle was a peculiar man, my dear
He lived in about three rooms OF this
vast place, and dare say had not
himself seen this room for years. In
deed. suspect Mr. Dyce Is the only
one who has seen II of all OF us who
are here tonight"
''You are a very wonderful little
girl" said the countess; you have
succeeded where we have all failed
Do you know that this is the frs,
time Beaumont has dined ont for
am afraid TO say bow many yearsf"
1T is very kind OF him to come to
night, II he so much dislikes IT," said
Leola, simply.
Il don't think he uislikes coming
here" said the countess, with ouiei
significance.
Lecla looked aside, with heighten
ed color and a faint embarrassment
to meet the brown eyes OF Cicely Stan
hope fixed on hers moodily.
At this moment Lady vaux came
across the room, with her tea cur
In her hand. She was magnincently