Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-12-27
POOR next DOOR.
CHAPTER w


to the heat, they said, but very
artistic.
In the midst OF an admiring circle,
gracefully pouring out afternoon tea,
sat Lady Clare Morseys, the pretty
dark-eyed girl who had SO aroused poor
Beatrice's jealousy.
Near her lowered two young giants,
her twin cousins Alexander and Ferdi-
Eand Nisbet, two handsome frank fell
lows, whose present bliss seemed in
anticipating every wish Of their fair
cousin. and waiting on her with almost
slavish devotion.
They were both desperately in love
with her, and openly avowed it; yet.
strange TO say, the rivalry existing be-
tween them had in no wise changed
them towards each other, although
each was determined 10 win Lady
Clare.
She laughed aud hirted with them.
answering all their passionate protes-
tations by a smile of serene resigna-
ton. Anxious she certainly was to
keep them near her, but close OBJ
server would have seen the utter indif-
ference which dwelt in her heart for
them both.
She looked very charming and inno-
cent. her dress of white embroidered
muslin, relieved by knots Of palest
pink, falling in graceful folds around
her At her breast and in her brown
hair she had fastened few tiny rose
buds-blossoms Alex had spent many
hours seeking for that morning,
Ferdinand, bring me Miss Aliens
cup-how very idle you are" she said
severely, glancing up at him as he
leaned over her chair.
Il can never be idle while | am
gazing at you, sweet coz" he answer
cd, but seeing her swift frowE, he
FASTENED to obey her.
"And did you really see Mr.. Lind
ley? How lovely!' one bright-eyed
girl exclaimed.
Yes, really and truly. | was never
so surprised in all my life! Who
would have thought of seeing him in
that horrid little suburb
Il quite thought he had gone on the
continent" Miss Allen broke in list
lessly.
''He hadn't enough money to go as
far as that" Ferdinand answered TAX
ing her empty cup.
allow rude you are, Ferdinand"
Lady Clare said GROSSLY, and her pref
ty straight brows were puckered in an
angry frown. "And even if poor
Stewart was left without money, think
OF the circumstances and rather adj
mire him for his upright nature
81, admit he is good sort of fellow;
not many men would have refused a
girl worth thousands.
"No; but she was awfully plain,
wasn't she?' Alex remarked thought
fully.
Not only plain. but fearfully vain
and affected. The way she used to
run after Stewart was shameful, and
don't wonder he disappeared after his
uncle's death.
weren't they cousins?'
''liis father and her mother were
brother and sister, but Mrs. Power
married man totally beneath her,
and was cut by the family. Stewart
never knew Of her existence until old
Lindley was dying, and sent for her
orphan daughter. Then in atonement.
for the past most probably, he made
that ridiculous will, disinheriting
Stewart unless he married his cousin,
which. of course, Stewart refused TO
do. The girl enjoyed the money only
for time; two weeks since she died
suddenly Of heart-disease. Conse-
l. ;r.x
again.
''Quite a romantic story. And did
he know of this when you met himP''
mo was the first to break to him
the pleasant news.
81 dare say he will be rushing back
TO town soon-eh. Clarep"
Lady Glare flushed at her friend s
meaning tone, bat she pretended not
to notice it. Several smiles and sig
nifcant chances were exchanged, that
fortunately escaped her.
'From what Clare tells me he
doesn't seem inclined TO leave his syl-
van retreat in a hurry" Alice broke
in suddenly.
REALLY. then he must have found
something TO amuse himself there-a
charming scene TO sketch, or pretty
village maid TO firt with"
Lady Clare looked sharply at Miss
Aliens thin pale face, and detected a
CLEAN of spite in the pale blue eyes
which filled her with angry scorn.
VERY possibly; anyhow its no con-
Germ OF ours. and having done my duty
by letting him know the change in his
fortune. | can rest content"
"Why, Clarem Ferdinand exclaim-
ed, rousing himself to gaze at her in
open amazement; Il thought you were
all eagerness to have him back, and
had been trying your hardest to coax
him to return"
$50 / did; but it was for his sake.
not mine," Clare answered coldly, and
she gave her cousin a look which ef-
fectually froze him into silence.
When her callers had gone, Lady
Charge remained for some time in deep
thought. her brown head resting re-
fectivevely upon one white hand.
''Of what are you dreaming. Lady