Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1873-07-10

"Ah," replied the Bishop in composed
voice, "if you want more accommodation,
it will be best gained there. How does it
look outsider"
And, followed by Mr. Ambrose he went
through the door, and l ventured to look
at Mrs. Henry
She was standing in her place, and max
ing the children form classes as if nothing
had happened Her face betrayed no sign
of emotion; and when I took Mrs. Am
brose's arm and wished her good after
noon, she replied in her usual voice The
little scene we had witnessed might have
been a dream for all traces it left behind
| got Mrs. Ambrose out, and was thankful
that the door closed behind us before she
made remark
My dear, what does it mean 90 she
whispered nervously, as we stood in the
yard.
Never mind; only don't talk about it,"
replied in the same voice; for the Bish-
op and the Vicar were coming round the
corner.
Il think you dine at seven, Mr.. Am
brose?" said his lordship serenely.
''Yes, my lord"
''Then | will take a little stroll. l have
hardly had enough walking to-day, and l
should like to see a little more Of your
beautiful neighborhOod.
Without another word he marched
away down the hill, and few minutes
later we saw his shovel hat going along
the field pathway to the river.
We three went home in silence; but as
we parted at the vicarage gate, Mr.. Am
brose said, 1--WE always knew::t that she was
a lady"
80, my dear Justin, l had forgotten
that" exclaimed his wife, in relieved
tone. Then you don't think it anything
imprOper?n
Heaven knows what terrible things the
poor lady had been imagining during our
silent walk; but the Wears ringing laugh
swept them all away.
Improper! No. It's all right, of
course; only it's no business Of ours"
That was quite true; but nevertheless |
could not help thinking of it all the time
l was having my tea, and while l was
dressing for dinner; for of course / was
going to meet the Bishop. And | thought
Of it again later; for as my fly passed the
school-house door, the Bishop, who had
evidently returned from his walk, was
coming out of it. and | heard him say:
Il shall see you tomorrow morning, Hes
ter"
Don't; you had better not,n replied
Mrs. Henry's voice.
''Nonsensel' said the Bishop
And privately believe that he ran all
the way to the vicarage; for he was there
before | was, and only kept US waiting
five minutes for dinner.
CHAPTER ".
Two months later her majesty's inspec-
tor came to examine our school; and to
his astonishment and our qualification,
every child presented passed triumphant
ly. We had reckoned on eighty per
cent; we got hundred. But trouble was
coming upon us, and our triumph was
short-lived. One day Mrs. Henry came
to the Vicar, and gave notice that she
must leave in three months. In vain he
entreated her to stay; offered to raise her
salary; to do anything, in short, if she
would only remain. But she merely smil-
ed and adhered to her determination.
They told me almost with tears in their
eyes, and I said: ut was all the Bishop"
At which they laughed; but l knew
was right. | had seen, if they hadn't,
that change had come over our mistress
since the visitation. She was happier
more at rest; the look of strained weari
ness, so habitual to her face before, was
gone now, and little smiles used to come
ripping over the lips that once were set
50 firm.
l was very sorry to lose her; but l was
sure she was going to be happier away
from ST. Bridgets. And the evening be-
fore she left us, when | went to say good
bye, she took hold Of my hand and kissed
it, and told me all her story.
Her real name was Mrs. Henry Champ
neys Her husband, a Captain in the
tn regiment, had been killed by an ac-
cident in the hunting field found heavy
debts, of which she had known nothing
debts which she ought never to have
known at all-ready to swallow up the
little money they had left. Her own set
tlement of a hundred year was all she
had to depend upon, and there were two
children, bright and handsome boys, to
educate and provide for. So she put them
to school, and went into training for a
certificate; got it without difficulty, and
came to ST. Bridget's.
And had to save every penny, and be
very careful, or the dear boys would have
suffered" she said; 'for | wanted to pro-
vide for the future. 1t was very hard
work, and very lonely. l used to write
stories in the evenings, and sometimes
the magazines would take them, some
times not but it was my only chance of
getting more money"
MY dear, poor dear, how could you do
it" | cried, while the tears ran down my
face"
'..It was not so very bad, as | had not
been used to very happy life"
l don't know anything about Captain
Champneys; but | was sure he was brute
after that little speech.
"But now you are going to be happy ~
asked.
Yes, I hope So" she whispered, put
ting her arms around my neck. knew
him years ago, before | was married, and
.and-he says he never forgot me-"
"Of course not. How could hel" | re-
piled, and kissed her again.
when | am gone, and it is over Il will
send you newspaper, will you tell Mrs.
Ambrose all about it-they have been so
kind 20
| promised to do what she wished, and
with another kiss on her little face, and
glance at the shabby dress and quaint cap
which / should never see again, went
home, and the next day she was gone.
In four days Times arrived by post.
The following was marked
son the 23d, at ST. Johns church,
George street, the Bishop of Southshirc to
Hester, widow of Captain Champneys."
| took it up to the vicarage, and said:
% told you it was all the Bishop"