The morning call., 1890-05-21
KRYLE'S WIDOW.


twice the bells of Version Church had ap-
prised the villagers that Sir Jasper had be-
come happy father. But, alas, he was
not a happy father either for on both occa-
sions it was only a little daughter who was
brought to the church to be christened with
much pomp and ceremony; and every one
knew that by some clause in the will Of the
founder of the family, the female descend
ants might not inherit the princely estates
of the Versions.
Disappointed in their hopes of son, Sir
Jasper and his lady, after long and grave
consideration of the subject, adopted a
young Observation-Disclosures, thoughtless,
loyable Kryle Carteret He was not the
next of kin but on all points save feminine
ones Sir Jasper was free to do as he pleased
with his property, and as Kryle, outwardy
at least, would do more justice to his choice
than his cousin Phil, the grave, plain
featured lad, who was too studious and re-
served to be generally liked, kyrle was
formally acknowledged the heir.
But alas and alas, for the folly of the
young. II is true Kyrle grew up all that
| his boyhood promised. A bride was chosen
for him, aud preparations had been COM
menced for the marriage; but at the last
moment the young man suddenly disap-
peared. to write from Paris confession
that for some months past he had been
privately married to the pretty governess Of
a friends children.
For three years Sir JASPER was incon-
solable, and Lady Version unappeasable.
AS for the Misses Verison-both of whom
had secretly intended to wed the heir
Myra, who was gushing, never alluded to
kryle without putting her handkerchief to
haV { a n on,
blighted affections and the anguish of uu-
requited love, while Belinda, who was
scraggy, red-nosed and spiteful, fomented
her mothers wrath and always spoke of
her cousin as the most heartless, the most
ungrateful of men.
But the fiercest anger cannot burn for
ever. Sir Jasper had found long since that
the house was horribly dull without Kryle-
merry krye, who drew the young and tile
lively about him wherever he went, and
Lady Version had almost consented to his
recall when terrible tidingS reached them.
Kryle was dead. During a trip to the En-
gadine he had climbed one of the sleeps,
made an incautious step, and when his body
was recovered LIE was extinct.
Sir Jasper had an attack of the govt ard
Lady Version was martyr TO neuTag ia for
weeks after she heard the news, but she
recovered her health and spirits when she
learned that since Kryle's death his young
widow had given birth to son, promis-
ing. healthy infant.
"Of course he will be our heir" said her
ladyship, who always spoke for Sir Jasper
as well as for herself, and in very decided
tones. II think you told me that there
was one child already; didn't you, Be
linda?"
Yes, mamma, a daughter; but did not
say much about it, as daughters are made Of
no account in this house"
I'VE shall have something to do-do
something for the widow, as she is tile
nhslrUah har
ladyship meditatively. They must have
been awfully poor, for kryle had nothing
but the Zoo year he inherited from his
father"
such sum was comparative affluence
to governess," sneered Belinda. II dare
say it was no trouble for her TO peel pota-
toes and wash her children's clothes"
"Oh, don't set such coarse images before
our shuddering orb," exclaimed Myra.
who can think without thrilling agony of
that dear, poetic kryle, welded to a woman
of low tastes and haOits?'
wv by did he marry her then ?" asked Be-
linda.
"Infatuation. 1t was blind infatuatloD,"
her mother asserted. ''Women in the posi-
ton of Mrs. Kryle Carteret think it no crime
to exert all their unholy Establishments.
She caught the thOughtless boy in her tolls,
and this is the end of it. Morally, she is
his murderess."
MY dear Anastasia," cried Sir Jasper.
an imperative repetition Of the obnoxious
words
Morally, Kryle's murderess" his wife
repeated. If he had not married her he
would not have gone to the EAgadine ard
met his death there. Can you contradict
thatP'
II should dearly like to 60 and weep
upon his grave" sighed Myra. Though
he was too-too utterly unappreciative, my
heart still scatters faded rose leaves over
his memory and will"
"Bosh, bosh, bosh." ruthlessly interposed
Belinda. do let us talk sense. What are
you going to do, mamma? Claim Kryle's
little son and bring him up under your own
eye?"
Yes; it will be the only way to teach
him to avoid the errors of his father. Sir
Jasper shall write to Mrs. Carteret, ac-
quaint her with his intentions Of adopting
the child and request that he may be sent
TO US with as little delay rs possible
Sir Jasper did his lady's bidding, and
the letter found the young widow at
Lausanne, whittier she had betakeu herself
with the intention OF supporting her little
one by giving lessons in the English fanii-
lies residing there; but Mrs. kryle sent a
polite excuse-baby was too young for such
journey.
Some months elapsed and Lady Version
wrote again. A wing OF the house had been
turned into night and day nurseries aud
play-rooms for the infant heit, an expert
enced nurse and assistant ditto had been
engaged, and were only waiting the arrival
OF the child that was to lie in their charge
But again Mrs. Kryle pleaded for delay
The winter had set IN; baby was teething,
and she should be afraid to let him cross
the Channel in such inclement weather.
This time, however, her pleadings fell on
deaf ears. Lady Verison, impatient at the
delay, had expressed-and not in the kind
est terms-an opinion that it is desre-
spectful to Kryle'S memory for his little son
to be kept in Swiss lodgings when he ought
to be under the care of his fathers rea-
tives.
This sharp expression of annoyance
brought Kryle's widow to reason, ana she
telegraphed her intention Of conveying the
child to England as quickly as she could
make the necessary arrangements
How very unbusiness-like she is" ex-
claimed Lady Verison, striking the tele-
gram with her fan. ''She should have said
where she will land and when, that some
one may meet her to receive the dear little
fellow and bring him to us with all the
proper precautions against his catching
cold. thought of asking you to do this,
Phillip" and she turned to Sir Jasper's
nephew, who, being in the law, was i'll
vlted TO spend few days at Veris0n Court
whenever any complication in the Baronet's
AFFAIRS rendered his advice acceptable
I GU see, you could tell the widow what
we propose doing for her; also make her
understand that she must not be trouble
some. Sir Jasper generously propose s to
settle hundred and fifty pounds a wear
upon her. As Kyrle's annuity died with
him, dare say. she will be very grateful;
ana II she continues to live abroad it will
be ample for all she can require"
think she said she had another child
besides the infant heir" Phillip remarked,
rather significantly.
"Only little girl. 1t will amuse her to
dress and educate her daughter, and'-
Lady Version became very austere as she
said this-"and hope she will conduct her
self respectfully. 1t might be as well to
hint to her that the allowance will be with
dissatisfied with her conduct. You'll not
omit to mention this, Phillip"
Your ladyship appears to forget that
Mrs. Kyrle has not yet given me the OBJ or
tunity of doing So" he answered, dryly.
All, true. We must wait till she tele-
graphs her arrival; then l should wish you
to start at once"
Wouldn't 1t look kinder, my dear Ana