Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-10-06
CHAPTER VIII.
The bonnieSt lass in a Glasgow town.
THIS day IS SMa, WI q Hln-anl lnAai.|

L NO empty CudlIS SET SlaS DIV side at
the DuchesS's breakfast table that
morning excited some comment, but
chiefly of a gOOd-natured kind, till the
butler volunteered the fact that Lord
LOvel and Mrs. Eyre had gone out very
early, neither valet nor maid having
seen them that morning. All eyes were
turned on Mr.. Eyre, who remarked that
the young people had probably extend
ed their ramble further than they had
intended; and if Mrs. TranSOme whiS-
pared to her next neighhor, and some
of the men exchanged glaucaS, his ab-
sence of alarm could not fail to check
any idea that there was something
wrong.
But Whenthe morning passed, and Mr..
Eyrereturning late to luncheon from
visiting some outlying farms with the
Duke, found that Made lp had not re-
turned, his bearing changed, and an ex-
preston Of acute anxiety crossed his
face.
They must have met with some &C
cident," he said, blaming himself bit
terly that he had t9ken her absence so
calmly; and without pauSing to taste
food, or even spe1k to the Duchess, he
went out, though with no fixed plan in
his m.nd of where he SlOuld seek her.
Mrs. Trans0ma shrugged her shoulders,
as the Duke, deeply concerned, hurried
after his guest to propose systematic
search for the missing pair.
1t is the mans own fault, she said.
what else did he expect? He throws
two charming young people into each
others arms. and then wonders at their
failing in love-to say nothing Of his
best to make her jealous, " she aided in
lower tone, as she glanced at the
Duchess, who was very pale, ard had
taken no part in the discussion.
Sha believed that it was jealousy of
herself which had driven Madcap into
such folly, and secretly exalted i'll this
proof Of her power over Mr.. Eyre; and
yet his whole soul seemed engroSsed in
the search for his wife, while lie had
left her without 4 glance.
The usual routine of the house was
enIr4ly broken up that day. No one
either walked, drove. or rode; the WO-
men tore the scandal to tatter5 over
their needleWOrk, while the men dis
cuSsed it more calmly in the smoking
room, though TO Mrs. Transoma was
reserved the brilliant idea of writing
full, true, and particular account OF the
elOpement to four or five OF her most
particular gOSSpS in the county. The
post left early, so that she was able to
dispatch her letters before there was a
chance of hearing of an honorable issue
to the affair; and by the following mid
day the story was bruted about from
one end OF the county to the other,
spiced by such lying additions as every
scandal knows now to gather to itself
as it flies.
And meanwhile Mr.. Eyre, having
gone Il few STEPS without any definite
aim, stopped suddenly, and burst out
laughing.
why, Duke" he exclaimed, "what a
fool [ have been-Of course, she's gone
to L0vel to see those boys of hers, and
Franks taken care of her. IOu know
he's walked over several times, and
ridden back"
But she could not walk that dis
| tance," objected the Duke. who had
considered Mr.. Eyre's conduct as re-
garded the young people very unWise
"I'll ride over with you, and see. 1t
may put better face on things"
DO you think they have run away"
said Mr.. Eyre, smiling. Il see you
don't know my wife, or Frank either"
They are young" said the Duke
grayely; and no more was said till the
horses were Saddled, and they were on
their way, when Mr.. Eyre showed such
brilliant spirits IS even to infect the
Duke with his gayety; and they were
both laughing heartily when. about half
way to LOvel, they met Frank, tearing
along at full galIOp.
lie looked pale and weary, but his
face frightened at the sight of Mr..
Eyre; and as he checked his horse, he
exclamed-''I feared my note to you
had miscarried, so was riding over to
fetch you"
''Madcap is safe and well?" cried Mr..
Eyre, made uneasy by Franks looks.
She is safe at the Red Hail." said
Frank; "but she over-fatigued herself
this morning, and row she is ILL.,"
How could you let her undertake
such Journey" exclaimed MIR. Eyre
sharply.
She was half way to Lovel before /
overlook her, or even knew she was
abroad" said Frank.
And slI3 l.,lI walked five miles?"
cried Mr.. Eyre.
No" said Frank, "she was riding a
donkey. l think it belonged to you,"
he added turning to the Duke, with
smile and look that convinced the older
man he was speaking the truth, and
had very unwillingly taken part in the
mornings escapade.
And is she very HIP" said Mr. Eyre;
but scarcely waiting for reply, dashed
his spurs into his horses sides. and
with word to the Duke, sci off at a
hard gallop for LOvel.
''My dear Mrs. Busby' Wrote Mrs.
TransOme late that night, Il am now
able to tell you the end of this shocking
affair, which has turned ont better than
could have been expected. 1t seems the
runaWayS had got no further than
Lowell; some people say they had gone to
fetch her two children, Of whom both
he and she are eXtraVagantly fond,
others that they actually meant to hide
at the Tower tor fear Mr.. Eyre would
kill them b0th-you know what an aw-
full man he isl; but, fortunately, the
Duke, who had ridden over with Mr..
Eyre, managed to avert bIOodshed, and
got her away from Lord Lowell, so now
she is up at the Hall, very i'll, as we'll
she may be; but as her husband has
taken her back, [ suppose we must put
up with her. | send this in the strict
est confidence, knowing that you never
repeat anything"
And it was this venomOus vision OF
poor Madcap'o thoughtles5 prank, that
came 10 be accepted as gospel truth
through the length and breadth of the
county.