The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-06-25
CHAPTER XXI.

Ouu ooApiuAh any Iuorei 1 uuUerHJduO
hl," said Anthony.
CHAPTER XXI.
That same evening Anthony was going
out into the village and met Dick at the
gate.
"Yes" said Anthony, in reply to ques.
don, 'she is here; 60 in and see her."
"Still," said Dick desperately, what is
the US of my going in9'
'.Never mind" interrupted Anthony
go in. Say what you please to her. You
will find her Free"
Dick went in and was ushered in the
arawing-room, where he and Mabel were
left alone. An hour or so afterward, when
Mrs. Strange returned to the drawingroom,
Dick rose from his seat beside Mabel on
the sofa, and led her forward to Mrs.
y Strange.
"Mrs. Strange" said he, edo you know
that she belongs to me?''
II suspected as much," said the kind old
lady. But have either of you considered
what Gen. Hawke will say ?" and she kissed
Mabel in her good, motherly way.
"Oh, we'll manage him, said Dick. 1--WE
don't live i'll the days Of tyrants."
When Anthony returned Dick told him
OF his good luck, and saying, "But I did
not know till now that had to thank
you"
Don't mention that again." said An
thony; ut Is better as it is"
And Kate Northcote took possession of
Mabel at once as Dicks dearest treasure.
and therefore hers A fortnight went by'
and one day she and Mabel and Dick drove
inSer in Miss Northcote's carriage, which
had come for them, to her own home and
BIT. Denys ",.t
Mabel enjoyed the trip greatly. and it
was delightful to all three. Mrs, Strange
followed them in her own carriage to fetch
Mabel back to Galveston; and arriving
iere, they found in front of Anlhony's
.ouse brougham, which Mabel recognized
Is General Hawkes..
Mrs. Strange's first question to the ser.
want who met them was:
rs MIR. Hawke here?'
mo, ma'am; lady. She is waiting to
zee Miss Ashley"
us your master in?'
mo, ma'am." .
"Who can this be- Mabel?' said Mrs.
Strange, as they went into the hall. .rHe
said something about chaperon."
When they entered the drawing.room
Maoers surprise was great to find therein
the tall, hard-featured woman in black
who rose from her chair to greet them. he
old governess, Miss Wrench.
Mrs. Strange had heard of Miss Wrench
and received her graciously. Miss Wrench
TOOK out note and gave it to Mabel say
ing "Mr. hawke was unable to come HIM
self think Miss Ashley has improved in
health in the country air."
How is General Hawke TODAY . asl, al
Mrs. Strange.
"Much BETTER" said Miss Wrench. Gas
that note explains arrived last night"
The note was from Randall. II s;mnlv
stated that the General was anxious for
Mabel to return to Pensand. Hoped IL
would be entirely in her power to return
to day. Thanking Mrs. Strange for her kiud
10 pitality, etc
VERY well, my dear" said Mrs. Strange,
having read the note, I'VE must have our
things packed at once"
Mabel felt little piqued that Mrs
Strange could give her up so easilv and
quietly. Did she really know what Randall
was, that she could thus send her back so
readily?
few moments later, when Mabel was
in her room, Mrs. Strange came in and
set down in all armchair, and told Mabel
how sorry she was to lose her.
"But, my dear GIRL" she said, I'VE must
remember that General Hawke is your
guardian after all. But should saw the
sooner General Hawke and Dick linder.
stand each other, the better for all par |
ties"
"But Randall" said Mabel, in a tone half |
of fear,
Randall has no right whatever to control
you so long as his father is alive"
y At Pensand Randall met them at the en-
trance door and spoke to Mabel with
calm self-possession. After dinner, when |
they looked out into the garden, Randall |
said: "Is it too late to 60 outr'
"Yes, / think So" said Mabel. "I am |
going up stairs now to see your father"
She found General Hawke asleep. but
presently he awoke. Mabel was pleased to
discover that his mind seemed clear and
steady, and all tie wandering had passed
away from his talk. He spoke to her in low.
kind tones, and his manner was so differ
ent from his old brusqueness that it made
her glad. yet troubled to see it. She sat
down close to his bed, and he held her
hand affectionately and drew her down to !
kiss him. 1t almost gave Mabel terrify-
ing idea that he was going to die, to observe
this great change in him. He spoke OF
Miss Wrench's coming:
IAN odd fancy Of Randal's isn't it. to
send tor your gpverness again? I hope he
doesn't mean her to stay long"
Not after you are down stairs. I think,
said Mabel. --
''Then I'll come as soon as possible
Then his brow clouded as he asked
anxious'y, "What was that story about
Mrs Lancaster, did he not want to marry
herTt