The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-15
CHAPTER XI.
COMING HOME.

| one mnSt be more than ordinary par
ticular, if she sees anything to find faul
with here" said Mrs. Mason, the house
keeper at Braybrook Hall, as she wen
round all the rooms the day of her mas
ter's expected arrival.
Euphemia was beginning to long a
last for the rest and quiet OF home, anc
Mr.. Roper was nothing 10th, so that they
mad come rather sooner than they hat
intended. However, Mrs. Mason hao
been duly warned of the fact that morn
ing, not in time to propagate the news SC
generally as she might have desired, but
in time to give one last finishing touch
to her careful arrangements. The butler
did send word to the clerk that the bell.
ringers might find it worth while to be
near the church somewhere about noon
which suggestion had resulted in the
merry peal which had so quickly followed
poor Anna Cells funeral-knell.
Mrs. Mason felt herself rather anxious,
although she could not help little COM
placent smile as she surveyed the result
OF her labors. And, indeed, she had
every reason to be satisfied The sombre
paneling of the lower rooms was relic we'd
by rich masses of heavy drapery, whilst
the apartments which were to be exclus-
lively dedicated to Euphemia, had pre-
vailing tint of rose, softened by the snow
of muslin and lace.
Indeed, a royal bride might have
counted herself sufficiently honored by
the lavish magnificence around, and more
still by the thoughtful care which had
made her highest wish law.
Every preference Euphemia had cas-
ually expressed in her husbands hearing.
he wrote of directly to his agents to see
carried out, and he felt quite boyishIy
elated at the thought of his wife's graft
fed astonishment when she saw how
carefully her wishes had been copied.
Euphemia, in spite of herself, had an
unaccountabIe heaviness of heart, as the
carriage wound through the long avenue,
up to the door of the stately structure
whose mistress she was.
The servants were all assembled in the
hall, headed by Mrs. Mason on one side,
and the butler on the other, as Euphemia
passed through them on her husbands S
arm. Her gloomy face was concealed
with a thick veil, and she merely ac-
knowledged their respectful greetings by
an inclination of the head.
In truth, she was afraid to speak, lest
the tears that were in her eyes would
thicken her voice, and betray her not
only to them, but to Mr.. Roper, who nat
urally expected that she should share his
feelings of delight on first coming home.
She little knew what unfavorable COM
ments her coldnes, provoked.
But we need not enter upon the con-
versation going on below whilst Mr.. Ro-
per was leading his wife through the ele-
CANT suite of rooms which had beer pre-
pared for her. There was q terrible gloom
in Euphemia's eyes, but she kept the long,
black lashes Oh her cheek, and smiled
with her lips only, but ever So osweetly.
Chow very, very good of you to think
of all these things! | have not deserved
that yousshould be so mindful of me in
every way"
"You must try the piano, my love-"
said Mr.. Roper, laughing outright in his
pride and glee 81 told my agents to get
the best that money could buy.
"And | am sure they have followed
your directions to the letter." said Eu-
phemia, running her hands over the keys;
"the tone is perfect. Your agent must
be good judge, | should say"
"And now, my love, you have seen all
you ought to see for the present." said
Mr.. Roper tenderly; 'for you are look
ing thoroughly tired, and ought to rest
until lunclrtime. Let me ring for
Jennie"
For Margaret Cell had been replaced
by Swiss girl, who proved a most ex-
cellent maid, and was so quiet and re-
spectful in her manner, 50 ready in her
service, that Euphemia was beginning to
love her exceedingly, and would have
been 10th to part with her on any plea.
After lunch, Euphemia, who was re-
freshed by her hour of quiet repose, ac-
companied Mr.. Roper into the garden
and through the grounds Everything
was beautifully arranged here and else
where, and she expressed herself to her
husband as much pleased with her new
home.
81 pray that we may have many long
year of happiness here together" he
he answered, his voice deeply moved and
tremulous. "When | think of all the
years | have spent money-getting, it
would seem to me terrible waste of time,
only that it has enabled me to secure
better home for my wife"
eff had been born duchess, could
not desire anything better than this"
"You think sop hemurmured delight
edly. "Then am more than repaid"
When Euphemia returned indoors, it
was almost dusk in the long avenue.
Mr.. Roper left her at the entrance, and
she went alone, deep in thought, to the
house.
She knew, though the world might not
guess it, what an uncertain gain all these
possessions were to her. Any day, any
hour, they might be wrestled from her,
and she driven forth with contumely
"And yet" she reasoned boldly with
herself, ''who, i'll this quiet spot, should
ever know my secret; and why should
fate ever bring to my door one who would
accuse me truthfulIy, and make herself
believed? Margaret Cell is far away;