Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-01-21

would have been broken hearted IT any
thing disagreeable had been said on tn
subject, the housekeeper graciously oven
looked the matter. Indeed, she was 30 len
lent as to take the addition in her arms
and remarked that it was ga very n,e e
dition;" whereupon the delighted late but
ler loudly declared that the housekeeper O
Weldon hall was the kindest and most sen
sible person upon earth, though, he mus
confess, he hadn't set much count upon he
abilities in the beginning, and that h
would stick to her through thick and thin
until Mr.. Roland came back, even if
would be nicer to have home of his owl
to rock the baby's cradle in.
What with ls baby to play With, Mrs
Lane to visit, her housekeeping duties t.
perform, the books to read in the library
and variety of needle-work, Janet Hasol
did not find time hang heavy on her hands
In trnth, it sped more quickly than she sup
posed.
One day she was startled by the recoliec
tion that it wanted only six months to th
date when Lady Maud would have beel
dead three years.
The remembrance awoke her as from ;
dream, and clouded her fair face with mel
ancholy; for she could not help thinking
how soon Roland Cavel would be coming
home, the signal for her to seek new
abode. She should be glad to see Mr.. Cav
Tel, or course; but she could not bear thl
thoughts of another home, even with kint
old Mrs. Lane, who had offered her one.
While she was in this state of mind, ar
unexpected visitor was announced; no less
parsonage than the proud and stately La.
dy Pearson.
"What can she want?" thought Janet, as
she hurriedly smoothed her fair hair, and
ran down to the drawing room door, where
she paused to recover her breath and as
sumed dignity beftting the occasion.
Lady Pearson was sitting very stiff and
erect in one Of the high-back chairs, her
brocadsd gown arranged in formal folds
around her bony extremities; and she only
slightly inclined her bonnetted head when
Janet came into the room.
Janet stood before her ladyship with q
great deal of nervousness, which she art
fully concealed, wondering what her lady
ship meant by honoring her with s-esll,
and thinking that she was not in the least
like Sir Wilfred, her agreeable son.
After various remarks about the weather
and the beautiful view from the window,
Lady Pearson condsscended to request Miss
Mason to be seated, and drew forth letter
with deliberateness that looked like an
unpleasant omen.
But, for the life of her, Janet could not
think of any unpleasant thing which might
be said to her by Lady Pearson.
"Miss Mason" said her ladyship, pres
entity Withdrawing the letter from its en-.
velop, II received this note, among othel
communications, this morning, and I can.
not understand it at all. AS it refers te
you, however, it is possible you may be able
to explain the mystery. I have called to
see you in that hope"
Lady Pearson laid the letter on little ta-
BILE before Janet as she spoke, and taking out
her gold-rimmed spcctacles from their case,
settled them upon her high bridged nose,
with the evident intention of observing the
girl keenly as she read.
Janet felt very uncomfortable; but she
determined not to be disconnected. The
first words, however, which she saw made
her blush vio'entiy.
She read
"Lady Pearson. would you like your sou
to make lady's-maid your dsughter-in
law? The neighbors believe no has such
intentions, for he is frequently at Weldon
Hall, and nobody believes him to be Other
than an honorable man."
The communication was without address,
and unsigned.
"Wellf" said Lady Pearson, smoothing
ing one Of the gray bands of hair which
adorned the side of her thin face, when
Janet refolded the atrocious epistls. "Is
there any truth in that. Miss Mason?"
81 believe not, madam" replied Janet,
with strange quietness. "It is malicious
fabrication; probably the work of the man
who insulted me when Sir Wilfred was SC
kind as to act the part of my deliverer T.
Possibly you havo heard the story. He
was passing the Hall by accident, and
heard my cry for help.
81 hare heard of it, answered Ludy
Pearson, in tone which implied that she
thought scene had been got up for hel
sons entrapment. sIt was the beginning
of your acquaintance with him, I believer
"It was, madam" replied Janet, flush
ing redder than she had ever done in al
her life-chiefy from annoyance.
"And my son has often visited you
since1" continued Madam, pretending moi
to notice the signs Of vexation which vert
SO palpably evident.
"Yes," answered Janet, bluntly; "but
I have always understood he did so at Mr.
Cavels request.
Lady Pearson felt she was checkmated
but she could not resist another move
though she had no doubt her adversary
would laugh at her.
"Then he has not spoken to you O.
love?''
"Madam," cried Janet, holding up he
head with the air of an injured queen, q.
have just told you that believe Sir Viii
fred came at Mr.. CavePs request. If h'
has any other motive, am not aware of it
and you must excuse me if I decline tt
answer any more questions on the subject
Lady Pearson rose, apparently undis
turbed.
81 am very glad to hear you speak a
you do, Miss Mason," she said, quite cool
ly, "With all due respect to you, mus
say I should have been dreadfully distress
ed if there had been any foundation TO
Il