Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1907-11-14
CHAPTER Xxx VII.


found few. thorns, and she La nothing
night, when a young heart near her
was breaking With sorrow, Lady Bay
neham could not sleep, for she was
thinking She knew the world well;
It's strange ways were old legends to
her She had heard many stories
where handsome, accomplished man
of the world prided himself upon win
ming the liking of beautiful young
wife. The whole artillery of Irritation
was weii-known business to Lady
Bayneham. Her sons wife was very
lovely, and no fair face had ever
shone in those old halls; she was also
very young and child-like; often
enough had the countess smiled at her
naive remarks, for the world was a
sealed book to her. She was as in
nocent guileless, and unsuspicious as
child. Mr.. Fulton was a man of the
world; handsome and fascinating; old
it Is true, but with a charm and grace
of manner more winning even than the
freshness of youth. She suspected
nothing serious He dared not attempt
to make love to her sons wife under
her sons roof; but, in all probability,
he had amused himself by trying to
get up sentimental friendship with
her. How else account for those
notes? And she was SO young and so
inexperienced, 1t was impossible to
guess what she would do. IL a note
had been clandestinely slipped into
Lady Baynehams hand, she would
calmly and quietly have torn it In
pieces ttfore the writer's face, without
the trouble of words. She had seen
how Hilda blushed and trembled when
she received the note; and the brilli-
ant, experienced woman of the world
felt something like pity for the young
novice
y have no doubt" said Lady Bay.
neham to herself, that she is dread
fully puzzled what to do over the mat
ter. Poor ,hild!-she is so simple
and so sweet think | must tell
Claud, he will know just what to do;
and If speak to her, she may consider
IL interference"
The countess believed she was per.
forming a kindly, motherly action In
seeking her son. and telling him what
she had seen; accordingly she was the
first In the breakfast-room Mr. Full.
ton, In accordance with his arrange.
ment on the previous evening, left
while the mornin; was still dawning.
Barbara Earle had taken breakfast
and gone out into the grounds Lady
Hilda was in her room, hence the
countess had a clear held: and when
her son entered she went into action
at once. With ner second cup of tea
she commenced a preamble.
II think YOU know me too we'll
Claud, ever to suspect that | could be
capable of any impertinence or inter.
ference; Is II not so?"
The earl assured his mother that
and no faults.
IL am speaking seriously. my son."
continued the lady. IL have a sir cere
liking and affection for your beautiful
wife; but she is very young and
knows nothing of tho world She Is
to you n circumstance have observed,
which in another would not have ex-
cited my attention"
What has Hilda been doing. asked
Lord Bayneham with smile; has
sne broken some terribly severe law
of etiquette?"
mo" replied the countess; Lady
Hilda's manner is perfect. Il is not
that; but our late visitor. Mr.. Fulton.
was a very handsome man, and one
who could facinate where he chose"
We'll, and what can that possibly
have to do with Hllda's shortcomings
demanded Lord Bayneham quickly.
'lf you will allow lne time, Claud,
I can explain said the countess with
dignity. "on the first evening of his
seemed struck with Hilda. Mind, II.
sinuate nothing against him. he is on.
ly man OF the world; but | believe
he has been trying TO get up senu-
mental kind of friendship with her"
what makes you think so?" asked
the young earl indifferent,y, for he saw
nothing remarkable in any one admir-.
Ing his wife,
Il noticed n little circumstance that
struck me rather unpleasantly. re-
piled Lady Bayneham. Il saw him on
two occasions slip note into her
hand"
"You must have been mistaken
mother" said her son quickly, his face
flushing hotly. My wife would never
receive a letter from any one"
ut is true" continued the countess;
Il do not say there was anything in
them; for knowing Hilda TO be one
OF the purest ms she is one of the lovli.
est OF women, am sure there could
be nothing wrong about II. would
speak 10 her myself. but Il Is n delicate
matter TO interfere with; but with n
few wen chosen words you can put her
on her guard she is so very young
and inexperienced"
you are very kind, mother" said
Lord Bayneham, rising hastily; but |