Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1907-10-26
CHAPTER vi.

CHAPTER VI.
Two years had gone by, quickly enough
to Hugh Chantley, for he had thrown
himself heart and soul into his new po-
litical life, to the great delight of his
uncle, Lord Fairbank, to whom it was
Joy to think that when he was no more
the name of Fairbank would still be
power in the land
Since Lady Dis marriage to Baron
Palliser Hugh, at Lord Fairbanks earn
est desire, had come to live with him in
Cromwell Road. He consequently was
thrown great deal into the company of
his cousin, Lady hi, now Baroness fal-
User.
1t was the height of the London season.
Hugh was to dine tonight at Baron Pal
Users magnifcently furnished house in
Carlton House Terrace.
The fortune that the baron had inherit
ed from his maternal uncle he spent with
lavish hand, and it was said of him
that he had the handsomest wife and the
most splendid house in all London.
The baron had married Diana because
she was the daughter of an ex-cabinet
minister, man who was a power in his
soonest, most commanding woman he
knew, and because he was convinced
that socially she would be splendid sue
cess.
And Diana knew it. She had thrown
Hugh over, though she cared for him, be-
cause he could not, or would not, give
her the social influence she coveted. She
never pretended to love the baron-he
had not even asked fo.. love.
Tonight there was no other guest but
Hugh. 1t was half-past 7 o'clock The
baroness rose from the low chair on
which she had been sitting and began to
pace the room impatiently. She had
dressed little earlier so that she might
see Hugh alone, for the baron was never
ready until dinner was announced when
they were by themselves.
Her husband and she had invited Hugh
to dine with them and go to the theater
afterwards. 1t was the first night of a
new piece, and all the world-the smart
world-and his wife would be there
Tonight Lady Di looked less like a
marble statue than she did that evening
two years ago when she broke off her
engagement with Hugh "Splendidly
null" no one would have called her if
they had seen her pacing the large draw
ing room restlessly. Rather would an
onlooker have said that she was wom-
an who, surrounded by every luxury that
life can give, was yet unhappy and un-
satisfied.
And it was true she was unhappy Di-
reetly the words had been said by the
archbishop that day in the abbey-the
words that had made her life one with
the baron's iife-she felt that she had
made mistake. And as the days went
by and she saw a transformed Hugh be-
fore her eyes, no longer sleepy and indif-
ferent, but with some eager purpose al
ways lighting up his handsome face, her
Old love revived and became stronger
than it had ever been. 1t was a new
hugh, who lived a strenuous political
HE and took the keenest interest in the
worlds work, that she loved now. What
had worked the miracle? Her refusal,
her scornG Then he was doubly hers.
The door was opened and the man
servant announced her cousin. She adj
Fanced quickly to meet him. He bent
low over her hand, little too ceremo-
niously to please her, for ever tried
20 60 back to the old footing, but ever
failed.
As Hugh sat down he picked up a
magazine that Diana had been reading.
he glanced at it carelessly and put it
down again.
You have been reading my lucubra-
lions, d." he said.
Yes, always read them; you know
40 she said almost passionately, more
p9ssionately than the occasion warrant
1t is very good of you," he said calm.
That Is the last of my adventures
icr the present, for I really have no
Tine for any writing other than political
Hugh, tcn me what changed you 50
suddenly after the day l." she hest
After you threw me over, Di, there
In showing your wisdom
NO, no, / was a fool" she said in a
low whisper, but he heard it.
Yes, what changed you so?'' she re-
peaeed earnestly, leaning forward in her
chair and looking with wistful, loving
s'I9tiny at his handsome face.
hugh had been grieved lately that Di.
20 ana showed so plainly, to him at least
That she loved him stiH. for she made nc
seIet OF it. He would tell her the truth
ever.
"a, the day you broke off our engage.
neat, with your frank remarks on the
fllianderer, the do-nothing, YOU did me a
great service. 1t was the second time tina;
mat had been scolded by one Of
the gentler SEX
a,z- ne second tiDleln she said jealously
M IN else had the rightY"
-, i4seen ! kissed a little gray-eyed
n n 1 took down to see the boat race
-, you needn't look at me like that, Di!
A'-'F #as engaged to you. THIS was