Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-09-25
Madame Midas
CHAPTER vII.-lContinued.
BY Fergus Hume


Kitty Marchurst was a veritable fairy
In size, and her hands and feet were ex-
quisitely formed, while her figure had all
the roundness of a girl of seventeen. An
innocent, child-like face, two limpid blue
eyes, a straight little nose, and charm
ing rose-lipped mouth were Kitty's prin-
cipal attractions, and her hair was really
wonderful, growing all over her head in
crisp golden curls. Child-like enough her
face looked in repose, but with the smile
came the woman-such a smile laugh
ing, merry expression such as the Greeks
gave to Hebe. Dressed In a rough white
dress trimmed with pale blue ribbons and
her golden head surmounted by sailor
hat with a scarf of the same azure hue
tied around it Kitty looked really charm
ing. Kitty had examined CASTOR with
woman's quickness of taking in details,
and she mentally decided he was the best
looking man she had ever seen, only she
wished he would talk. Shyness was not
a part of her nature, so after waiting a
reasonable tine for Vandeloup to COM
mence, she determined to start herself.
I'm waiting to be entertained, she
said, in hurried voice, raising her eyes !;
then afraid of her own temerity, she look
ed down again.
CASTOR smiled a little Kitty's out
spoken remark, but remembering Mad
ame's injunction, he rather mischievously
determined to carry out her desires to the
letter.
''It is a very nice day." he said, grave
ly. Kitty looked up and laughed merrily.
II don't think that's very original re-
"a caid
pie from her pocket. "If that's all you've
got to say, hope Madame won't be long. "
Vandeloup laughed again at her petu-
lance, and eyed her critically as she took
a bite out of the red side of the apple
with her white tee h.
you Ike applet" he asked, very much
amused by her cs.ndor.
Pretty WE'LL" returned Miss Mar
churst, eying the fruit in a disparaging
manner; peaches are nicer; are Mad
ame's peaches ripe?' looking anxiously at
him.
81 think they are" rejoined CASTOR,
gravely
81 don't like your eyes," said Miss
Kitty, suddenly.
Whats the matter with themT with
a Quzzical glance.
They look wicked
"Ah, then, they belle the soul within,
returned Vandeloup, seriously. II assure
you, I'm a very good young man."
She was about to reply when Madame
Midas entered, and Kitty few to her with
cry of delight.
why, Kitty" said Madame, highly
pleased, 81 am so glad to see you, my
b,.t
dress"
Yes, so you WILL" said Kitty, retreat
ing to safe distance; what a long time
you have BEEN"
Have 1, dear?" said Madame 81 hope
M. Vandeloup has proved a good substi-
tute."
Madame" answered Vandeloup, gaily,
''we have been talking about the crops
and the weather"
"Oh, indeed" replied Mrs. Villiers, who
saw the flush on Kitty's cheek, and by no
means approved of it; lit must have been
very entertaining"
Very assented CASTOR, going back
to his desk.
Come along, Kitty" said Madame,
with keen glance at her clerk. "let us
20 to the house and see If we can find
any peaches"
When Vandeloup came home to tea he
found Kitty was as joyous and full of life
as ever. Madame Midas felt weary and
worn out by the heat of the day, and was
sitting TRANQUILITY by the window; but Kit
ty, with bright eyes and restless feet, fol-
lowed Selma all over the house, under the
pretense of helping her, an infection
which that sage spinster bore with patient
resignation.
After tea it was too hot to light the
lamp, and even Selma let the fire go out
while all the windows and doors were
open to let the cool night wind blow in
Vandeloup sat on the verandah with Nc
Intosh, listening to Madame, no was play
ing Mendelssohn's ''In a Gondola." that
dreamy melody full of the swing and
rhythmic movement of the waves. Their
TO please old Archie she played "AulC
Lang Syner-that tender, caressing ali
which is one of the most pathetic anG
heart-stirring melodies in the world. Ar.
chic leaned forward with bowed head as
the sad melody floated on the air. and
his thoughts went back to the heather
clad Scottish hills. And what was this
Madame was now playing, with its pierre
ing sorrow and sad refrain? Surely
Farewell to Lochaber," that bitter la
ment of the exile leaving bonny Scotland
far behind. Vandeloup. who was not at
tending TO the music, but thinking of Kit
Nv. saw two big tears steal down McIn.
tosh's severe face.
Sentiment from himl" he muttered in
a cynical tone; why, | should have as
soon expected blood from a stone"
Suddenly the sad air ceased, and after
n few chords, Kitty commenced TO sing tc
Madame's accompaniment. CASTOR arose
to his feet, and leaned up against the
door, for she was singing Gounod's charm
ing yalse from 'Mirella," the bird-lik,
melody of which suited her high, clear
voice to perfection. Yandeloup was rath
or astonished at hearing this innocent lit
tie maiden execute the difficult valse Will
such ease, and her shake was as rapi,
and true as IL she had been trained in tn,
best schools of Europe. He did not know
that Kitty had naturally very hexibl,
voice. and that Madame had trained he
for nearly year. When the song wa
ended CASTOR entered the room 10 express
his thanks and establishment.
you have fortune in your throat
ulsdemoiselle," he said. with bow, ''ant
assure you l have heard all the grea
singers of to-day from Patti downward.
"I have only been able to teach he
very little" said Madame, looking afec
tionately at Miss Marchurst, who nov
stood, bluShing at Vandeloup's praises
but when we find the Devils Lead an
going to send her home to Italy to stud.
singing"
For the stage?" asked Vandeloup.
THAT is as it may be-" replied Mad
anne, enigmatically.
CHAPTER VIII.
Slivers and his friend Nilliers wen
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