The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1895-04-23

''There's no mistake, ma am, said
Hester, pertly. Servants will soon
learn the spirit of their superiors,
and Hester knew that young Mrs
Mildmay was not particularly partial
to her husbands stepmother. 81 took
the order myself, and it amt likely
should be mistook"
chester is quite right" said Mrs.
Rufus Mildmny, who came in at that
moment, n handsome brunette, in II
pink cashmere morning dress, trimmed
with black velvet-rather n contrast to
the neat, calico gown which her
mother-in-law was accustomed to wear
about her morning avocations at
home. ''And do | wish, mamma, Won
wouldn't interfere -
The old lady's serene brow flushed.
"My DEAR" she demonstrated, 'T
do not wish to meddle with your con
Germs, but | really fear that Rufus'sin-
come"
''Rufus's income is his own, to
spend as he pleases" interrupted the
young lady. "And you seem to for
get, mamma, that people don't live
nowadays as they did when you were
girl"
Mrs. Mildmay said nothing more
1t was not the first time, nor yet TIE
second, that she had been given to uu-
derstand, by Mrs. Rufus, that her in
terposition in household affairs was
unwelcome.
The stepson, whom she loved with
MS fond n devotion rs if he had been
her own child, had married beauti-
full city girl, and settled in New York.
SO far all was well, although Mrs.
NIildmay had secretl hoped that he
would love sweet Alice Acton, the
clergyman's daughter, of Polo Hill,
and settle down on the old farm, as
his father before him In I done.
Yet, if Rufus was happy, she also
would rejoice, she assured herself,
even although he preferred Rosamond
Thursby to Alice Acton, and city's
hustle to the sweet peace of the Wales
and glens.
If Rufus was happy Yes, there
was the question. And sometimes Mrs.
AIildmay feared that ne was not, in
spite of his smiles and assumed cheer
fulness.
Tt had been his fondest hope that
his mother might be one Of his house
hold after his marriage. Mrs. Mild
may had hoped So, too; but after this,
her first visit, she felt that the dream
was in vain.
coil and water will not mix, che
said to herself, with a sigh; "and be-
long TO past generation.
As she left the store closet, where
ROsamond aud her cook were HOLDING
counsel rs to proposed dinner party,
she went slowly and spiritlcs5ly mp the
breakfast room, whore Rufus was read
ing the morning paper before the fire.
Rufus" she said, little abruptly,
81 think 1 had better go back to The
Hemlocks this week.
'MotheTl !" he demonstrated.
81 don't think that Ro5amoud wants
INC here" Rufus Mildmoy roJdencd.
81 hope, mother" ne said, she has
not said anything to
'1t is not natural that she should
need my presence, said the old lady,
gently. ~ might have known it,;
now 1 am certain OF &C.. Home is the
best place for me- But remember one
thing dear Rufus. DO not outspend
your income. Rl amoul is young
and thoughUoas You yourself are
inexperienced
ooh, it's all right, mOtberl' said
the young man, carclcs7iy. "But
did hope thatyOu could be happy here. "
Mrs. Mildmay shook her head.
81 shall see you sometimes said
she. EFF ever you are i'm trouble,
Bufus.--you or EOsumoud, oither.--you
trfII lgt....... D. 4.