Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1891-03-14
C0NQUERED

"So you're really happy, Fan2' said
Mr.. Avenant.
ooh, Richard" frankly spoke the
bride, II never was so happy in my
lifeln
Richard Avenant was a handsome,
middle-aged man whose wavy, jet-black
hair was slightly stresked with silver.
His wife was a delicate, flower like
woman of thirty odd, with appealing blue
eyes and a Dresden china complexion,
and they were driving up the stately
cedar avenue that led to the old manor
house, in the dusk of a snowy November
twilight, on their return from the we'd
ding trip.
"That isn't much of a testimony to
your first husband, Fan, said Avenant,
laughing.
"Oh, but things are so different, Rich
ard" pleaded Fanny. "Mr Dalton
was so much older than I, and he was
such stern, silent man. To tell the
truth, was always little afraid of
him"
81 see," gravely observed Avenant.
'fTo inspire you with awe, must be
stern and silent"
Fanny smiled, and nestled her little
grsy-gloved hand softly into his.
Richard" said she, ''there's one
thing that troubles me. The children"
"Ny childrer, do you mean2"
! "Yes, yours. Will they be pleased
with my invasion of the house?"
! Mr.. Avenant shrugged his shoulders.
, That's a question which l haven't
asked myself" said he. ~ marry to
please myself, not to suit Tom or Rita,
or even little Juliet"
ooh, but, Richard, this is dreadfully
hard on them2'
81 fail to perceive it in that light, ="
said Avenant, quietly. "The children
have run wild in the last three years; my
home has been neglected. If ever
household needs head, mine does"
81 do so hope they will like met
murmured the bride.
"By-the-way, Fan, when is your little
girl to come to the manor house?" asked
Avenant.
ell thought she had better remain
at school until am little settled in my
new home, i" said Fanny, timidly. "She
is under excellent supervision there,
and"
81 dare say" interrupted Avenant.
'But your home is her home hence
forward, Fan. Always remember that.
And the sooner she joins her new
brother and sisters the better.n
While the sleigh was crunching over
the hard-f frozen snow, and the bells
jingling softly in the bitter air, the
three young Aveuants in the school
room at the manor house were sitting in
solemn conclave on the subject of the
new mamma, whom they never had seen.
Tom, sullen, black browed young fel.
low Of fifteen, took decisive ground at
once.
81 don't see what father wanted to
go and get married for, )" said he. 'I'm
sure we were all very comfortable as We
were"
81 never shall call her MOTHER said
Margarita, a handsome brunette, with
her fathers Greek features and dark,
liquid eyes.
"Stepmothers are always horrid, u
Gsped little Juliet" Mrs. Jones says
"Oh, hush up about Mrs. Jonesr'
said Tom, the autocrat. "Of course
she'll say anything. She loses her situa-
ton as housekeeper But it amt the
stepmother alone-it's a great rawboned
girl from boarding school, who's coming
to spoil all our fun. l do think father
must have taken leave of his Senses
All of a sudden the door opened, and
a quiet voice, which they well knew,
spoke.
'Oh, here you are, young folks
This is your new mother. Come and
kiss herr
Tom sullenly extended his hand.
Rita turned cold cheek to Mrs. Ave
nant's caress. Little Juliet stood stolid.
and never returned her stepmother'
gentle kiss.
"They will be more accustomed to
me after awhile" said Fanny, deprecat-
ing the rising cloud upon her husband S
brow.
1t was not until the next morning that
she spoke confdeutiaily to her elder
steplaughter.
There is considerable difference
between your age and Juliet's, Rita, y
said she. "Would you not like a com
panion nearer your yearsl My little
Mamie is twelvei"
Rita tossed her naughty head,
"Thank you'll" she said; ''but | don t
ueed any more new company. There S
quite enough in the house as it is"
Fanny shrank as if an asp had stung
her.
"Then," said she, "Nannie shall not
come"
Rita described the scene TO her
brother, as they skated together on the