Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1910-06-23

then she would have second string
to her bow in the shape Of himself.
Lord Guy.
This is what he thought as he
STOOD smiling in the midst Of the gay
and brilliant throng in Lady Farm
hams drawing-room. and the
thought was an agony, That Lorrie-
the dear, sweet little girl not yet even
a woman-should be so false, so mer-
cenary, That it should come so soon,
too. Three months, she had said. but
her love had not lasted one!
Her love? No." he thought, as he
leaned against pillar and pretended
to listen to young sporting lord.
who insisted upon talking about Clip
sy and the Grand Stakes-"she had
never loved him! 1t was just girlish
freak, a whim, Yes, that was ail!'
Then, with an aching heart, he re-
called that scene in the lane. How
she had nestled to him; how coyly
and how sWeetIy she had put her lips
to hisi And now, few days later,
she was all but engaged to Seymour
Melford
"And you are still backing Gypsy,
Kendale? You think it is safe to
VIM"
1T was only girlish fancy, only
fun, that was all! beg your pardon,
Bruce! | was thinking of something
else Yes, l believe in Gypsy, but for
heavens sake don't back him; I'm out
of luck just now, and it's not likely
to change"
Then, leaving Lord Bruce amazed
and puzzled at the somber face and
moody voice, Lord Guy strobe up to
Lady Farnham and said Good
night" He meant to leave the room
without word to Diana, for his heart
was sore, and he felt that his misery
would Shine through his eyes," but
she stood near the door, and held out
her ha1.d.
Are you going?' she said, and
there came the softened look into her
face which was the only thing usual
ly wanting in it's rare beauty. Il am
afraid you have found the evening
rather SLOW"
"No, not" he said
He could say no more, for he dared
not trust his voice, and made for the
door. But it was fated that he should
not escape even yet. In the hall stood
Lady Farnham, speaking to one Of
the footmen, and she turned as Guy
got into his overcOat.
Il thought you'd gone. Well, and
you haven't made UP your mind yet,
Guy?"
what do you mean?" he asked.
Don't dilly-dally too long, my dear
boy"
II don't know what you mean,
quite
Il mean that if you don't take care
the prize will slip-~from your grasp,
Guy Don't you think that other men
want some of the Melford money as
badly as you do?"
DIANA Melford?" he muttered
The old lady smiled.
"You say that as if she were as
old as am, and as ugly. Yes, Diana
Melford! Take the advice Of an old
woman who is silly enough to be
fond Of you, Guy, dear, and make her
Diana Kendale as soon as possible, or
you will wake up some fine morning
to discover that it is too late!"
A quick shade passed over his face
and a haunted, worried look came in
to his eyes.
"You are in a great hurry to marry
me, my lady"
It was dismal might, and rs he
lay back in a corner of his brougham
the wind seemed to laugh at and
mock him. Fate, all the world. seemed
against him, even LOrrie! Even LO1.
RE, upon whose truth he would have
staked his life.
What should he do? Should he write
to her and tell her what he had
heard? No, he could not do that! He
had given promise to his father, and
in Guys eyes a promise was a thing
too sacred to be broken.
One thing, however, he was re
solved upon. He would not be driver
to marrying Diana Melford. He would
not go near the Hall for the next few
days, not until the night of the ball
at which he had promised to be pres
ent.
He slept little that night, and the
next day he got on to his horse an6
rode far away into the country, re
turning only in time for his solitary
dinner The earl sent to HIM before
he retired for the night, and looked
up questioningly at the sad, handsome
face.
Anything happened, Guy?' b.
asked. "You look rather triste. Arr
you unwell?"
81 was never better in my life, sir.
| bad news, perhaps. Is that hors'
of yours all right?"