The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-12-27
A PROUD WOMAN.


 in the silence peEvading Lytton hall. In any other house in the country such deash-hke stiffness would have been DOT tentous, but here it was no uncommon thing. For years there had been no children's voices, no dancing feet, no cheer nor hospitality in the old gray man. sion. Lytton hall was a dead letter to the outside world. and it's naughty owner was almost stranger to her own towns people.
 This woman-sole mistress of the Lyt- ton estate and the last of her name and race stood in her rich though faded par Tor and looked out upon colorless Feb ruary day.
 She was graceful, handsome woman, with face which would have been beau tiful had it not grown cold and mirthless in the years she had lived alone in that silent house. She was twenty seven years old and unmarried.
 She was expecting a visit from the su- perintendent of the Treadwell mills. She owned the buildings, and had sent for this man to come and confer with her She observed with naughty displeasure that he did not come until long after the hour appointed.
 The Lyttons had been an extravagant race, and the last generation or two had found it difficult to sustain the family pride upon a ruined estate. Miss Lyt- toms father had been compelled to go into trade, and had bought the Treadwell mills, hoping in time to cancel some of the debts left him by his improvident forefathers. When he died he left his s1te kAa,rslxv hAVA1 k,N <h~., doing sufficient work to be made profita- ble in few years if judiciously managed. Miss Lytton had advertised for a super intendent and had chosen Gerard Lincoln from score of applicants.
 Why she had done so it would be diff cult to divine, since she appeared to dis like him. She had known him in child hood and had played at marbles with him as ardently as though she were not a patrician. When they were boy and girl tAeir intimacy had continued. He had helped her with her Latin lessons and assisted with her sums. He was doing them now, though in different capacity. Nothing was ever said concerning those old days of his prosperity. when he had been able to meet her upon an equal so- cial footing; and she now treated him a shade more imperiously than any other of her employees.
 It would have been difficult to imagine Gerard Lincoln subservient to any enc. He was man of thirty-6ve years, with a bearing as proud, though not as arrogant as her own. He was strong man, phy- sically as we'll as mentally, and had a phy- sique which a mill-hand invariably re- spected. His face bore evidence of his decision of character, and was a forceful face. He was shrewd judge of human nature, and knew the men in his charge thoroughly. He was a just man, and one who exacted obedience.
 Had Miss Lytton been like other peo- pie she would have felt graciously toward this superintendent her interests had prospered under his wise management
 He was gentleman; he was man >ot liberal culture and inherent refinement nevertheless, she told herself dozen times day that he was insufferable. She was certain her estimate of him was cor rect when he entered her parlor three hours after she had sent for him.
 She did not offer him chair when he entered her parlor she remained stand ing while he briefly told her that he had been detained at the mills by committee from the strikers.
 Then he strolled over to the fireplace and quietly warmed his hands. while she waited for him to resume his account. He knew she was impatient for the infor- nation, but he would give her none un- less she asked for it.
 am waiting to hear of this commit tee," she said, controlling her temper by an effort. "l beg you will tell me in as few words as possible, what is the presen, condition of my affairs"
 He replied without changing his posi-. ton or appearing aware of her offended
 "The mill hands struck at noon to-day the machinery is stopped. The men de mand an incl ease of 10 per cent in theil wages, and refuse to resume work before it is granted. These are the bare facts in as few words as can reduce them"
 She began pacing the long room, draw ing light shawl about her, as if becom- ing suddenly cold.
 "This business is more serious than at first supposed" she said at length. Tell me the particulars"
 They were facing each other now, and he watched the effect of his words.
 "l understand that you have been se- verely criticised by trades-union. Its members ase enemies ts the aristocracy, and call sU@n people as you and your an- cestors tyrants. If you refuse to grant the workmen's demand they propose tearing out the machinery of your mills or burning them to the ground" She gave contemptuous little shrug.
 If they burn the mills they will kill their goose of the golden egg," she said. By destroying my property they will lose their only means of support"
 "There was once dog in a manager he said dryly. These people have some of that animals selfshness they do not wish to keep their positions at your terms but they are unwilling to see others in their places"
 What would you advise me to do ?" she inquired.