Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-01-20
ngurs OH to perfectIon Though. And so even

pubic opinion Is apt To attribute I'd popular
actresses 1t was merely . small, semi
del sched villa out somewhere between West
Kensington and Shepherds Bush. But II
was q sweetly ordered little home, full OF com
fort and cleanliness, OF innocence, active
work and gratitude.
Mrs. Bsldcw, the widowed mother, who,
while she was . wife had what seemed I'M
limited control over an unlimited Income,
managed everything IN the home which her
daughter Trlxy maintained And how we'll
she managed need not be told here for she
was content with her daughters grateful
thoughtfulness.
AS for tho four younger children they re-
garded Trixy rightly enough as the good fairy
godmother OF their several little exstences
1t was her earnings sent them to school. IL
was her deft fingers mendcd their clothes for
them before she went to rehearsal In the morn
ings 1t was her "treasury" day which was
gala day to them for she always contrived
some festvity for them on these occasions
1.-The Zoo," or "Corney GRAIN" or drive to
Richmond and pull on the river.
What happy, useful life she was leading
With money enough Cher own earnings) TO
supply the needs and pleasures OF those dear
est TO her; with IA sound heart and all un-
turned head, Trixy Baldew was one OF the
happlest girls In London.
l am not quite sure where she met Mr.. Der
nard Bolton first; but am quite sure that 1t
was Mt some place above suspicion and with
out reproach. Probably ii was at one OF those
mixed gatherings where society cohdescends
TO mingle with bransl
At any rate she did meet him, aud he was
properly introduced, first to her and then 10
her family circle out in the region between
West Kingston and Shepherds Bush. And
almost directly the heir TO the new barone,cr
began to lay siege to the stage -sylph, who was
also the good fairy OF the family
She went on her way, mendlng her little
brothers. knickerbockers, accounting for
every penny she earned to her anxious mother,
studying her parts" doing every duty that
she had hitherto done, in fact, but all in
different a lighter, brighter. spirit Young
Bolton called at the house constantly, and In
the absence OF the daughter made respect
fully much OF the mother. On the whole tho
latter could not bring herself to feel that 1t
wasan extraordinary or at all untoward thing,
when the heir OF the new baronetcv asked for
her consent to his engagement TO her good,
| glorious unselhsh, beautiful daughter Trixy
|
had no suspscion that the engagement would
| give less pleasure on his side of the house
than 1t gave Trixys
IL must before | give nv consent clearly
understand that Sir Edward and Lady Bolton
are prepared to receive her heartily as their
daughter-in law" she said definitely. And
! Barnard had to take this defniive TO bis
parents together with the tale OF his love and
fo.v.
With good deal Of natural hesitation and
a certain amount OF awkwardness, the young
man broke ground with his mother first.
! Even IL lie had not previously made up his
mind to reveal what he had done and what
he intended doing, the conf ience would have
| been In a measure forced upon him tubs day.
| He had come up at an hour when he felt
sure OF finding his mother alone. florence
was out riding with her father and Lady
Bolton was giving the hour before luncheon
to household accounts in her bourbon
To her entered her son, and instantly the
| books were pushed aside, and the mother
turned joyous face OF parental love and pride
| toward the son who would be the second bar
onet.
my dear boy! come 10 luncheon, I hoper'
well, that viii depend OH" He had
been going to say It would depend on chow
she received certain communication he had
TO make" But second thoughts decided him
on not committing himself 90 far just at
| first.
She glanced keenly and curlously at him,
and pang OF fear chilled her heart. He was
looking embarrassed More embarrassed than
she bad ever seen him before. And this be-
fore herself only. II his father had been pres
ent she would not have been half so much
alarmed.
| However she would not allow any preset
ence OF evil to affect her voice or demeanor,
and so said cheerfully:
ave are going tonight 10 see Flora Floor
cd' at the Absurdity and hope you will go
with us" Lady Bolton said. Aud he started
up without answering her, and walked to the
window In vain endeavor to conceal his dis
composurc
Could the fates have ordained any more
! horrible combination 81 circumstances than
this That on the very day he came homo
pledged to make known his engagement 10
Miss Baldew 10 his family, they should be
| going to the Absurdity where she was dane.
! ing and singing az "MIss Fontenoy" lie
nearly cried, but reminded himself OF his
|
| and didn't.
"My dear Bernard, what IL the matter with
| you to.dayW She came and put her hand on
| bis shoulder. and he felt that now or never he
must take the plunge. So nerving himself
with thoughts OF Trxys grace and goodness
and beauty, he began:
"The fact Is, mother, voull have TO stand
by me, and up for me with my father; I'm go
Ing to marry the best and prcttlcst girl in the
| wOrld.n
! Involuntary Lady Benton's hand relaxed
its hold OF bis shoulder. She knew by unerr-
ing intuition that II her boy was going to
marry Miss Galbralth, the dukes heir there
would be no need for anv one to stand "by
| him, and up for him. with his father.
"My poor boy" she said with sob In her
voice and a wealth OF most maddcnng COM
mIseration In her face.
Don't call me that; wait till I've told you
all about her." he said eagerly, drawing his
mother nearer to him and kissing her heartily.
| For heavens sake side W It'll me. mother"
"Who Is the-lady ~ she asked, with a
1