Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-04-09

Linley was at no loss to guess what that OBJ
ject might be. "Will you do me favor
Catherine?' Mrs. Presty began. Il wish to
say word to you in YOU own room"
''Oh, mamma, have some mer on me and
put it Off TIL Tomorrow
Mrs. Presty reluctantly consented to this
proposal on one condition. st is under.
stood" she stipulated, that am to see you
the first thing in the morning?'
Mrs. Linley was ready to accept that con-
dition or any condition which promised her
night Of uninterrupted repose. She cross
ed the room to her husband and took his arm.
In my state of fatigue, Herbert, shall new
er get up our steep stairs unless you help
me-"
As they assembled the stairs together Lin
ley found that his wife had reason of her
own for leaving the drawing-room.
Il am quite weary enough to go to bed"
she explained. ''Rut | wanted to speak to
you first. It's about Miss Westerfield. (No,
no, we needn't stop on the landing). Do you
know, think have found out what has al
tered our little goyerness so strangely-I
seem to startle you?'
No"
Il am only astonished," Mrs. Linley re-
sumed, lat my own stupidity in not having
discovered it before. We must be kinder
than ever to the poor girl now; can't you
guess why? My DEAR how dull you are.
Must l remind you that we have had two
single men among our visitors. One of them
is old, and doesn't matter But the other-I
mean Sir George, OF cQurse-iS young, hand
some, and agreeable. l am so sorry for sgd
ney Westerfeld. It's plain to me that she is
hopelessly in love with a man who has run
through his fortune, and must marry money
if he marries at all. L shall speak to Sydney
tomorrow, and l hope and trust shall sue
coed in winning her confidence. Thank
heaven, here we are at my door at last! |
can't say more now; am ready to drop.
Goodnight, dear; you look tired, too. It's
nice thing to have friends, know, but oh
what a relief it is sometimes to get rid of
themF'
She kissed him and let him go.
Left by himself, to compare his wifa's in
nocent mistake with the terrible enlighten-
ment that awaited her, Linley's courage fail
ed him. He leaned on the quantity carved
rail that protected the outer side of the land
ing, and looked down at the stone hall far
below. If the old woodwork Che thought
would only give way under his weight there
would be an escape from the coming catas-
A timely remembrance of Sydney recalled
him to himself. For her sake he was bound
to prevent Mrs. PreSty's contemplated inter-
view with his wife on the next morning.
Descending the stairs he met his brother in
the corridor on the first floor.
The very man L wanted to see," Randall
said. ''Tell me, Herbert. what is the matter
with that curious old wOman?"
do you mean Mrs. Presty?"
Eyes. She has just been telling me that
our friend Mrs. MacE,!vi has taken fancy
to Miss Westelfeid, a. would be only too
glad to deprive us Of 6 pretty governess."
did Ms. Presty s that in Miss Wester-
fields prjsence|'
mo. Teen a't + you and Catherine left
the room Miss r esterfield left it too. dare
say l am wrong, for haven't had time to
think of it; but Mrs. PreSty's manner sug-
gested to me that she would be glad to see
the poor girl sent out of the house"
Il am going to speak to her, Randall, on
thatvery subject. Is she still in the draw
ing-roOm?'
yes"
"Did she say anything more to you"
II didn't give her the chance; I do. :: ike
Mrs. Presty. You look worn and worried,
Herbert Is there anything wrong?"
IF there is, my dear fellow, you will hear
Of it tomorrow"
SO they parted.
ITO be Continued