Nell of Shorne Mills

"I see," said Nell. "But isn't it--a pity?"

Lady Wolfer looked at her curiously, with an expression which Nell did

not understand at that early period of their acquaintance.

"Does it matter?" she said. "We women have been dolls too long----"

"But there are short-haired dolls," said Nell, with her native

shrewdness.

Lady Wolfer did not seem offended.

"That was rather smart," she remarked. "Take care, or we shall have you

on a public platform before long, my dear."

"Oh, I hope not! I mean--I beg your pardon."

"Not at all," said Lady Wolfer, with no abatement of her good humor.

"There's no danger--fortunately, for you. No, my dear; I can see that

yours is a very different métier. Your rôle is the 'angel of the

house'--to be loved and loving." She turned to the desk as she spoke,

and did not see the flush that rose for an instant to poor Nell's pale

face. "You will always be the woman in chains--the slave of man. I hope

the chain will be of roses, my dear."

She stifled a sigh as she finished the pretty little sentence; and Nell,

watching her, saw the expression of unrest and melancholy on her

ladyship's face again. Nell wondered what was the matter, and was still

wondering when there came a knock at the door.

"Come in!" said Lady Wolfer; and a gentleman entered. He was young and

good-looking, his tall figure clad in the regulation frock coat, in the

buttonhole of which was a delicate orchid. The hat which he carried in his

lavender-gloved hands shone as if it had just left the manufacturer's

hands, and his small feet were clad in the brightest of patent-leather

boots.

"I beg pardon!" he began, in the slow drawl which fashion had of late

ordained. "Didn't know you weren't alone. Sorry!"

At the sound of his voice a faint flush rose to Lady Wolfer's rather

pretty face.

"Oh, it's you, is it?" she said, nodding familiarly. "I thought it was

Burden."

"I've come to take you to the meetin'," said the beautifully dressed

gentleman, clipping off his "g" in the manner approved by the smart set.

"Thanks. This is Sir Archie Walbrooke," said Lady Wolfer, introducing

him; "and this is my cousin--we are cousins, you know, my dear--Miss

Lorton."

Sir Archie bowed, and stared meditatively at Nell.

"Goin' to the meetin', too?" he asked. "Hope so, I'm sure. Great fun,

these meetin's."