Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-08-28
Lady Dutton's Ward
BY BERTHA N.
BY BERTHA M. CLAY.
CHAPTER IL.


" admired. No such beautiful girl
had been seen for some time; it was
new style every one declared; there
was something so fresh and fair, SO
innocent and graceful about her.
Even the brilliant Countess Bayne-
ham was pleased.
"she is perfect in her way, said
the lady to her niece, but her face is
not developed; and, unless am great
ly mistaken it win attain much rarer
beauty yet"
Lady Morton, the wife of one of the
leading ministers, gave a grand ball
on the evening of the day on which
the Drawing-room was held. Lord
Bayneham, with his mother and
cousin, was to be present, 1t was ar
ranged for BERTHE Carlyon 10 dine at
Grosvenor Square and accompany
them to Lady Morton's.
They were late, the rooms were full,
and every one seemed to be talking
about the same thing, the delicate
beauty and rare grace of Lady Hut
toms ward.
"Claud," said BERTHE to Lord Bayn-
ham, you must procure an introduc-
ton to Miss Hutton, the new beauty.
Let us go into the ballroom; she is
dancing, I think, with Sir Harry
Poyntz; I want you to see her"
The young earl had not paid much
attention to what his friend was say
ing; all beauties we're Indifferent alike
to him. They went through the long
suite Of brilliantly crowded rooms.
At the farthest end of one stood a
young girl in earnest conversation
with an elderly gentleman, the cele-
brated painter whose pictures had
taken the world by storm. His eyes,
expressive Of deep admiration, were
bent upor her. She was well worthy
of the artists praise. 1t is seldom
that in a London ballroom face so
pure and lovely can be seen, a face
on which the woI Id did not seem to
have breathed caim and unrufled in
It's sweet innocence and chlld-like
grace; violet eyes so clear and pure
and full of truth; bright shining
golden hair that fell in rich waves
over shoulders white and shapely; a
slender, graceful figure full of die
nifty; round white arms perfect in
color and contour. She wore dress
of costly white lace and suite of
pearls that a princess might envy.
See" said BERTHE Carlyon quietly.
that is Miss Hutton. What do you
think of her. Claud?'
Lord Bafneham made no reply. His
face became white, and his dark eyes
grew darker stiI. The beautiful girl
befor him was the one who had
haunted him day and night since he
had met her on that May morning in
the woods of Brynmar.
What do you think of herr" asked
Berthe fmpatiently.
4 have seen her before" replied
Lord Bayneham, in low, constrained
voice. She is very beautiful
BERTHE Carlyon looked wonderingly
at his friends face.
Il must have an introduction to
her. said Claud.
lust at that moment they saw the
Countess of Bayneham conversing
with Lady Hutton. The young earl
FASTENED toward them. His mother
introduced him to Lady Hutton, who
was more gracious than usual to the
handsome young man who saluted her
so reyerentiaily.
What he had longed for came at
last. While he was talking to Lady
Hutton, Mr.. Seton, the artist. return
ed with the fair young girl, and Lady
Hutton introduced Claud to her.
He had no need to ask if he were
forgotten, for deep burning flush
covered the beautiful face, and the
sweet eyes dropped, lest he should
see the love light in them. Lady Hut
ton turned away with Mr.. Seton, and |
they were left together.
Il never dreamed of seeing you
again" said Lord Bayneham. 4 am
bewildered."
You had not forgotten me?" she |
asked and new light came upon the
lovely face.
Claud dared not trust himself to |
speak A whole torrent of burning |
words rose to ms lips, but he would |
not utter them. After some minutes |
he said gently, I do not think it very |
possible Tor any one to forget you, |
Miss Hutton. Tel me how Brynmar |
woods are looking. Are thoy bonnie |
az ever?"
q was sorry to leave them" she re
piled. II would rather be there |
than in London; here it seems to me
all gaslight,"
did you never find it dull at
Brynmar?" he asked, smiling at her
naive simplicity,
No" she replied looking a. him
in sheer wonder, never; sometimes
feel duh in London. 1t is like a |
new world to me-"
II was also like new world to |
Lord Bayneham; he forgot every |
thing except that he had found her |
again; that he was looking at her |
radiant face, listening to her voice, |