CHAPTER X.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 4 February 1899, Page 6 (Supplement)

CHAPTER X.

Sir Karl Allanmore had gone, leaving Scarsdale to the care of servants; and the one topic of conversation in the country now was the vedding at White Cliffie. Lord PJiysworth had made great preparations at Deeping Hurst, A beautiful suite of, rooms had been redecorated and refurnished for his young wife, containing everything **that taste could suggest and money furnish. The day fixed for the wedding came at last—a fine, bright day, near the close of autumn. The little church at Deeping was prettily decorated for the occasion, and the school children were there with flowers to throw before the bride. The Squire, in the pride of his heart, had invited almost more guests than White Cliffe could accommodate. The elite of the county were present at the ceremony; the bridesmaids wore costumes of creamcolour and pale blue, and were remarkable for their beauty. The Squire, erect and handsome, seemed to have grown, twenty years younger —so all declared; the bridegroom's appearance was high-bred antf aristocratic; but \he bride attracted the most attention. Dolores had never looked so lovely. The fair, flowerlike face was not rosy with blushes; it was pale, with a calm, steadfast expression; the violet eyes did not droop, nor did her voice falter when the solemn words were uttered which bound her heart, life, and love, to another.

After the wedding breakfast, Lord and Lady llhysvvovth departed for Deerlmrst Manor for their honeymoon. Lady Fieklen kindly consented to remain at White Cliffe to superintend me ball which the Squire intended to give in honour of the cvf-nt.

Lola had acted as chief bridesmaid, and on her dark face there .was a look of triumph. All was safe now that Dolores was married; there would be no likelihood that Sir Karl would let his thoughts wander in that direction again. She had .spoken a few words to Dolores before she started for Deerlmrst.

'It has been a pretty wedding, Dolores,' she said, as she followed her to her room to bid her farewell. 'Indeed, I may say more than that. I have never seen a more beautiful one. I shall tell Sir Karl all about it when I write. She wished to let Lady Rhysworth know that she corresponded with Sir Karl. "'He will be greatly interested in it,' she continued.

I?lit no crimson flush of pain or embarrassment rose to her friend's face —only a calm, sweet smile; and Dolores' fervent response disarmed Lola: 'I am sure he will.'

Still Lola was not quite satisfied She kissed the fair face and said:

'I hope you will be happy, Dolores; I never thought you would be married first. It is stealing a inarch on me; but I forgive you. You must not be surprised if yo-< hear of a marriage when Sir Karl returns.

She had the satisfaction then of seeing the sweet, face grow pale; and, with a kiss, Lola withdrew.

the dear, happy home she was leaving for ever. She recalled it all through a mist of tears —tears which her husbund kissed away. 'You shall never regret it, Dolores, my darling,' he said. 'This shall be the beg"inning of a new and happy life.'

And it was a happy life. When the honeymoon'was over, Lady Rhysworth declined to go abroad as her husband suggested, and they came back to Deeping Hurst. There was a series ol! brilliant wedding festivities, to which half the county were invited; and Lord Rhysworth, in. his anxiety to please his young wife, pressed her to invite Lola de Ferras to remain at Deeping Hurst until they were ended.

'You would like a young companion, Dolores,' he said, 'and i was much struck with the high spirit and vivacity of Miss de Ferras.' He little guessed how his young wife in her heart longed for rest and peace —nothing more. Her husband's wish was, however, law to her, and she never, even iv thought, rebelled against it. lie wished her to invite Lola; she did so at once; and the beautiful French girl was only too pleased to accept the invitation. 'May and December,' she said to herself. "'May finds herself lonely, and December would rather have me there to amuse her than intrust that task to a fine jeune hoinme. I go to Deeping Hurst "in a kind of missionary capacity.'

Lola never heard a word of disagreement between husband and wife. There was never the least coolness. On one side were devoted attention and lavish love; ou the other was cheerful obedience.

'It is not my notion of a married life,' thought "Lola. 'I should feel compelled to quarrel with my husband at times, just for the pleasure of making" it up.' Lola thoroughly enjoyed her visit to Deeping Hurst; and perhaps what she enjoyed most was having the opportuuity of talking" to Lady Rhysworth about Sir Karl. She revelled in it. She liked to watch the lovely face as she recounted all the different interviews she had had with him, and all what she was pleased to call his protestations to her. Lady Rhysworth listened in silence; the time was coming when she would know all.