The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1884-04-05
THIBODAUX La, SATURDAY, APRIL s. 1884

I'm, yes, sai1 the boy, with glow
ing face. "a sweet, dear mother !''
Your name is Gerald, is it not?''
Il knew your father. my dear boy, but
his name was not Gerald
''Oh, no; his name is Charles. am
named after my mother, who is called
Geraldine!"
Lord Bowmont held his breath.
And have you an aunt toof"
Zone; an Aunt Constance. It is her
illness which has prevented papa and
mamma from coming to England. but 1
hope she will be better soon, and then
they will no doubt come.
This, then, was Geraldine's son, the
supposed heir of Dunkellon Hall.
Engene Bowmont felt humbled before
the boy, who was another victim to his
crime, and, unnerved and full of remorse.
he quietly Withdrew from the gay scene
Hls wretched secret poisoned every
moment of his existence and dashed
every cup of pleasure from his lips.
Lady Augusta had long given up all
management Of her household, and Lord
Bowmont, feeling the necessity of some
supervision, had entreated his mother,
the DOwager Lady Bowmont, to take up
her residence with him.
1t was a great relief to him after SO
many years Of discomfort and mislnanage-
ment to have q lady at the head of his es-
tablishment who directed with the quiet
good taste to which he had been accus-
toned
Lady Augusta never left her rooms.
Indeed, she had become too broken down
to do anything. She had to be carried
l>ol al 4 l.,
Her constitution was SO weakened by the
continual use of medicines that she could
only take nourishment in liquid form.
and only few teaspoonfuls ut a time.
Her face was withered like an old woman's,
and her complexion was yellow. She had
scarcely strength to lift her hand to her
head, which was always aching. She was
dying, and her disease was s-ne5icins!
Lord BOwmOnt's only happiness was in
his unacknowledgedb but beloved children;
and they were as strangers to him. The
Dowager Lady Bowmont had never seen
them; but he longed for their society; so
when the vacation arrived he invited
Ernest, Edward and Edith to spend it
with him, that he might introduce them
TO his mother
But Ernest, with evident reluctance,
informed his lordship that Mr.. Austin
had consented to Gerald Dunkelloa
spending the holidays with them, SO tina.
5.ley must decline.
Lord Bowmont quickly overcame the
lliiicuity by including Gerald III the invi-
saIlOn. And Mrs. I'alconer, to whom
Lord Bowmont's wish was law, consented
to the arrangement with patient resigna-
= ton.
Several times Eugene sorght to apprize
s. = l.,
young guests, but his tongue fal.ered,
and SO Lady Bowmcnt was quite ;lnpre-
cared for their coming.
She had not, however, retired when
the carriage arrived, bringing her unex-
pectel guests, and the sound of youthful
voices considerably surprised her.
AS she stood Mresoilte the drawing
room door opened, and young gentle
man was ushered IL. For few months
the lady thought she must be dreaming.
Memory flew back to the time when
her only son had entered that room with
hat step and carriage; when his soul
looked out from eyes like those before
iler, and she involuntarily stretched forth
her hands, as she murmured, Eugene :"
Lord Bowmont had that instant en-
tered the drawing room with Edith, and
caught his mothers fixed look.
The color mounted to bis forehead and
he said, hastily, MY dear mother, 1
have brought you a number of little WIS.,
tors Some OF Mr.. Austin's pupils,
where Reginald is at school, you know.
Where are you, Reginald: Have you no
greeting for glandmamna!
''GrandinaIma seems too much en-
. gagged in looking at someone else to care
for me, said Reginald, sulkily.
do not say that, my child" said
Lady Bownont extending her hand to
|, her grandson But this sweet girl,
Eugene! She is net one Of Mr.. Austin 5
Not Nj. Austin's, but Miss Austin's.
She is to be one OF my guests. The lads
have so distinguished themselves that
they deserve some reward, one Of them
: being prize man OF the university"
'lnLeel." said the lady. Pray
present him to me; shall be proud to
Welcome him"
} And her eyes fingered ON the face Of
Ernest.
lit was nos /, madam, said Ernest,
eagerly, Come forward, Edward" he
continued, dragging him from behind
,ne group This is my brother,
madam.
You are rich in brothers young
lady," said Lady Bowmont, after she had
shaken hands with Edward; for here IS
another brother, l am sure, she con-
tinued, turning to Gerald
Lord Bowmont turned away as Edith
said, sweetly, He is not my brother,
madam but as he is a stranger, my
brother and have resolved to treat him
, like one of ourselves.
Dear little gnl!' said the lady.
But you are ali looking tired; will
order some tea, and then you shall retire.
You have earned a holiday, and we will
make it as pleasant as we can for you. y
, Eugene, said Lady Rowmont. when