Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-10-04
congratulations from

pliments and congratulations from
me-
felt there was some justice and
truth in her words, and, though l
would not make the admission, did
not attempt To controvert them.
Uncle Arches letters were not only
unquestionably apologetic-theyw were
curiously reticent. lie told us that no
was married and that his wife was
young, but of her name and antece-
dents said simply nothing.
Naturally the curiosity felt on this
point was not confined to ourselves,
but was shared by all Ludleigh,
through which the news OF the
Squire's marriage spread like Wild
fire." Never had the gossips OF the
place had SO fine feast OF wonder
and conjecture; and, am
sure, my ears, as well as
those of my uncle and my unknown
aunt, should have tingled from morn
ing till night if there was any truth in
the old saying.
Dick had gone back to his temple
chambers to plunge with double zest
into the work that was for two now;
and mother shut herself up and re-
fused to see all callers for fortnight;
so | had 10 bear the brunt OF all the
gossip, to answer all the questions,
and to endure the scarcely-vellcd pity
OF my kind friends rs best / might. |
found the coincidence especially just u
little trying at first; but by dint OF n
natural cheerfulness of disposition,
got through the ordeal at last, and, l
believe, won general verdict that
poor Irene Gerard bore her disap-
pointment singularly well'-and per-
haps, in the circumstances, that was
as much as could expect.
1t was not until the day preceding
that fixed for Uncle Archie's arrival
home with his bride that | succeeded
in coaxing mother to show herself
once more among her friends at Mrs.
Marshalls afternoon tea; and then
our arrival caused quite futter in
the well-hlled dressing room-where
about twenty ladies young, old and
middle-aged-were, as | we'll know,
enjoying the a6dire Gerrard with
quite as much heartiness as their tea
and cake.
Indeed | heard the sharp voice of
Mrs. Knyvett, the attorneys wife, as
we followed the trim little maid
into the room.
Yes, / am sure there will be n sc n
sational scene of some kind tomorrow.
Irene carries of her disappointment
very well; but the poor old lady has
not the spirit TO conceal her disgust.
Depend upon it, she will either refuse
to go to the Hall, or, if Irene makes
her give in on that point, she will say
something cruelty sarcastic to the
bride"
felt my cheeks flush as | listened
to the spiteful words. | knew Mrs.
knyvett had no cause to love me, see
ing how persistently she had tried to
catch Dick Martineau for one of her
girls; but felt indignant at the mean
ness of her revenge, and still more
resentful OF the Familiarity repeated
Irene" when the spiteful creature
had never called me anything but
Miss Gerard" to my face.
However, angry as | was, | forgave
her the next moment, when mother
said, with Frightening eyes and flushed
face. which told me she too had heard
Never mind Mrs. Knyvett, Irene.
/ have been very silly old woman,
and deserve to have unpleasant things
said about me; and for you-well, |
think all Ludleigh is aware OF her
grudge to You"
The next moment she was shaking
hands with Mrs. Marshall, and dis
tributing mods and smiles among the
rest of the company in quite her old
duchess-like, family patronizing fash
ion fashion that did not seem to
please the more malicious minded
among them at all. saw Mrs. Kny-
yeti and Miss Green exchange chances
of dismay, and l smiled contentedly.
TO BE CONTINUED.