Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1909-04-07

the features. Perhaps, it was be-
cause of a certain hardness in the
eyes and rigidity in the lips, perhaps
it was a slight scar which drew a
line of a couple of inches over the left
temple. Let it be what it might, it
struck Lucille instantly.
With much dashing and prancing,
the positions brought their horses
UP to the steps, the grooms rushed
forward and seized the reins, the but
Ter opened the carriage door with the
air of a bishop opening a cathedral,
and Mr.. Head, hat in hand, stood
ready to assist the ladies to alight.
Welcome home, Miss Darracourt!
he said, pleasantly.
Lucille stood for moment, her
beautiful face slightly flushed; then,
as she assembled the steps, followed
by the two ladies, the tall, thin
gentleman came forward and I'M
covered his head.
Permit me, also, to offer you a
welcome, Miss Darracourt," he said,
and as he spoke his eyes rested upon
her face for a moment with carefully
hidden surprise and admiration, then
shifted to his boots. "As your near
est neighbor, l have taken the lib
erty to be present and assist in your
reception The voice was soft and
not unmusical, but it was slow and
measured, like the vague something
in the face, smote a discordant echo
on the ear. II fear you have had a
long and wearisome journey"
"It has been long, but I am not
tired said Lucille. as she shook
hands. "This is Mrs. Dalton and
Miss Werner, Lord Merle
The marquis glanced from one to
the other hand and saluted them,
then his eyes returned to Marie Yer
ner and rested on her face as they
had rested on Lucille's for moment,
no longer.
He placed himself beside Lucille
and the two entered the hall to-
gether. A murmur, which was just
short of cheer, rose from the serv-
ants drawn up in line, and Lucille,
bending her head in acknowledge
ment, passed with the marquis into
the drawing-room.
The marquis drew a chair forward
for her.
Having awaited myself of the earl
lest opportunity of welcoming you,
Miss Darracourt," he said, 81 will
now take my leave; you must need
rest. 1 hope you will remember
that am your neighbor-your near
neighbor-and that if you are in need
of my services, you will not hesitate
to send for me. 1 am entirely at your
commando"
Thank you, my lord" said Lucille.
"Good-morning, ladies' he said,
bowling to the others and with slow,
stately steps he left the room.
why didn't you ask him to din
ner?'
Il am rather tired, l find, after ALL
"Here is your maid, Miss Darra-
court" she said
81 will show you to your rooms,
Miss
Dinner, Miss, can be served in an
hour said the butler with mighty
humility.
Lucille inclined her head and
passed out into the hall and up the
broad stairs to the long corridor.
At that moment she was naturally
too confused by her arrival and re-
ception to appreciate the size and
magnificence of the place, but she
could not fail to notice the vaulted
roofs, the wide-strething corridors,
the great stained window, and the
number of servants who moved to
and fro with noiseless assiduity, CIV
ing the scene life and movement.
The maid conducted her to a suite
of rooms facing south, and so hand
somely furnished that Marie Werner,
following close behind, uttered lit
tie cry of satisfaction and admira-
ton, while her gray eyes glittered and
shone.
ut is Alladin's palace, Lucille!"
she exclaimed. I'm dying to see
the whole of it-but there, you do
look tired now! And I'll go to my
own room! Is there anything you
anything 1 can do? But what
nonsense l talk and she laughed.
you have only to look a wish and
no doubt dozen or so of servants
would hy to CRAFTY If -
Il think l only want to sit still and
try to realize it all just at PRESENT."
she said
Marie Werner nodded and laughed.
That's a distinct hint" she said.
"And I'm gone On the instant" said
she went out.
Lucille went to the window and
looked out upon the green park that
stretched seemingly endless line of
green into the DISTANCE. The hum and
buzz of the crowd still rang in her
ears, the excitement had produced
faint lassitude. She watched the
maid laying out her toilet table and
unpacking the huge imperial with
vague sense of unreality, and when
the girl turned and took her bonnet
and cape, she said:
"You may go now. / will rest a
L. -. e..