Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-12-26
Continued.


about results which she had not an
ticipated. 1t put the general into a
crotchetty and obstinate frame OF
mind and caused him to spend fa1
more money and take far more trouble
on Madeline's account that he had al
all meant to do. But before his sister
left him he asked one important ques-
ton.
'"What became of the woman Jen-
nings? Is she still in your service?"
ooh, no." said Lady Esler, "she left
me to be married soon after her report
Of the child's death. I don't know
what became of her"
In a moment a look of trouble and
perplexity showed itself in the gen
erals face.
Then one can't ascertain" he be-
gan, when Lady Esler triumphantly
interrupted him.
mo, that's just it, you can't ascer-
tain anything about this child that
you have picked out of the gutter"
Selma that is not the point. This
child is my granddaughter"
She is no more your granddaughter
than | am" said Lady Esler, indig-
nantIy, and she swept out of his room
in majestic wrath, holding her head
high in the air and gathering up her
silken skirt as if she feared contami-
nation. But when she was fairly out
Of the house, the general summoned
his servant with alook of strong de-
termination on his face.
Forrest, you know where Miss
Madeline Despard is liVing?"
Yes, general"
GO to the house at once and say
that I want her"
'And-Mr. Despard, too, sir?"
NO, you idiot, didn't I say Miss
Madeline? Bring her to me. And,
Forrest, order a carriage on your way
and bring her in it and keep the car
riage waiting for me-"
What's TO do now?" was Forests
not unnatural but silent query, as he
received these orders and the same
sort of question rose to the lips of the
Despards, when, with military curt
ness and precision, he delivered his
masters message. Madeline was soon
ready and came with considerable
nervousness, not knowing what might
be in store for her; but she was speed
lily treasured. The general received
her with great tenderness, kissed her
affectionately. Then took her in the
carriage to the best shops in the town,
where he amused himself by ordering
for her everything that she could pos
sibly want or DESIRE being much aided
in the process by attentive and sug-
gestiVe shopwOmen, who were only too
anxious to inform him of the many
things that no young lady should be
without. Madeline found herself at
the end of the day the proud pos
SCISSOR of all manner of treasures; q
gold watch, for instance, an elaborate
writing-case, morocco travelling bag,
a paint box and a work-basket. The
only things that married her joy was
the fact that the things were for her
self alone.
Remember" said the general, al
most sternly, that you are not to give
any of these things away They are
for yourself"
Madeline lifted her blue eyes rather
pleadingly to his face
Il have so many things, you have
been so very good to me- she said,
and Jenny has nothing Of her own"
who is Jenny?"
My sister-my stepsister," said
Madeline, flushing painfully, as she re-
membered that the general was not
supposed to know of the existence of
Mr. Despard's second family.
oh" said her grandfather, slowly,
L see. There are children then. How
many?"
Three they are dear little things.
] am sure you would like them if you
knew them said Madeline, anxiously.
And l thought l might perhaps divide
the paints with Jenny and the pretty
colored paper in the writing case,
there would be enough for us BOTH
Give to Jenny, if you like" said
the general, in an altered voice, but
not to your father-do you under
stand? have been making presents
to you and not to him? Tell him |
said so and then he will not inter
fere"
He would never interfere" said
Madeline, with dignity, whereat her
grandfather laughed in rather a dis
agreeable manner and did not seem to
agree with her.
Il Will tell you what we will do. he
said at length. I'VE will go to Cara
mePs and get some chocolate bon
bons, then you may divide them as
much as you like. l don't mind you
giving few of them to your fathers
children but nothing to him, remem-
ber"
He showered boxes of sweets upon
her and then drove her back to the
little back street in which her father
lived and deposited her at the door
There. you'll remember this after
noon, little one"
Indeed 1 shall"
Don't let any one say I did not
treat you we'll. I would do more for
you, child, if l had the power,
Good-by. here's last gift for you be-
fore go
He kissed her and put a little purse
into her hand. Madeline found after
ward that it contained five sovereigns;
but she did not think much Of the gift
just then. for she was absorbed in the
perception of something new and
strange in the generals face The old