Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1910-02-10

"The heat is uncomfortable already;
what will it be III another months
time? really think we'd better go
down to the Vale"
Stella looked up, and across her
face there flashed sharp spasm OF
pain, just such a feeting look as
touches the face of a man who has
endured a blow upon an unhealed
wound.
ITO the Wales" she said, ;istlessly,
relapsing into her old attitude OF
meditation.
Eyes; have you any objections to
urge? You generally have; or, II you
haven't, you look as if you had
II have no objection. do not wish
to go, but that is not an objection
tangible enough to prevent U.S." said
Stella, in calmly measured tones OF
the most profound Indifference.
Exactly" retorted Mrs. Newton.
with greater irritation and an infu-
sion Of complaint in her tone. "That
is what I complain Of. You appear to
care for nothing. You go here and go
there as If you had no life in you, no
choice in the matter. When Rich.
ard"
Mrs. New I always spoke of Sir
Richard as "klchard," familiarly and
proudly.
Stella scarcely ever mentioned his
name, but If she did she always gave
him his title.
when Sir Richard proposed that
we should go to Normandy, and actu-
ally promised to join us for little
while if he could, you appeared as In
sensible of his kindness as if he had
not suggested the movement
81 am very sorry" said Stella. Il
did not object to go to Normandy"
"No. but you looked so Indifferent
that Richard Immediately recommend
ed us to remain in town. am sure
you might show some interest in-in
matters when he is SO extremely
so ridiculously-kind.'
"Sir Richard is very kind" said
Stella, coldly, "and am always ready
to accede to any request OF his or
yours, mamma # you wish me to go
down to the Vale will go-willingly.' >
"And cheerfully," added Mrs. New
ton, with an ironical toss Of her head.
'sStella, / do not know what has come
to you. I think it is wicked when one
has been SO fortunate-so wonderful
ly fortunate, may say-as you have
been, to go about as if you were re-
pining at your lot. You have been for
tunate, too! 1t is my great consola,
ton to think that ! have so managed
to secure happiness, and you ought to
be grateful. Tt was all my manage
ment."
mot altogether" said Stella, with
smile at once strange and bitter.
well, don't know how much you
conduced to he result" said Mrs.
Newton. IF it lad not been for me, a
sensible, affectionate parent you
might"-and SIZE shuddered with In
effable contempt and horror-"have
been married Or engaged to some pow
erty-stricken young man, or one of
these new men one meets in society,
artists and authors and that sort of
people, dreadfully i'll bred and fear
fully poor. Why, look at that sculptor
man-that Louis Felton,"
lad been mentioned in Stella's hear.
| ing since the never-to-be forgotten
night.
She arose, calm still but fearfully
pale, and moved toward the door, say
ing without looking around:
II will get ready to go with you to
Madam Cerise, mamma"
And so left the room before the
cruel, contemptuous sentence could
be finished.
AS she re-entered, dressed for the
drive, footman announced Sir Rich.
ard.
Mrs. Newton advanced, all smiles,
and gushing welcome.
MY dear Richard Z" she exclaimed
extending her hand with empresse
ment, chow good of you to look in
upon us SO early, and you so busy too!
Stella will be delighted; she has gone
upstairs to get ready for drive. Oh
here she isl. she continued. as Stel
la looking anything but $50 delighted
came forward.
Sir Richard bent over her extended
hand, and pressed his lips to 1.-THE
warmest caress he had ever dared t.
bestow.