Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-05-28

Of her clothes to conduct her civilly up
stairs. How narrow those London
stairs seemed to Madeline. fresh from
the open spaces and green fields Of the
country; how close and stuffy the
house. By the time she had reached
the 'third-foor back she was almost
gasping for breath
! The maid knocked az the door and
then opened it roughly, put in her head
and said sulkily:
"A lady to see yern'
Madeline inferred, with a quick pang
Of humiliation, that her father had not
been paying his rent very. recently,
Even London servant-girl would not
be so rude unless there were some
reason Of this kind.
Madeline walked in and found her
self in a spar5eIy furnished, dirty-look-
ing sitting-rOom, which evidently did
duty as sleeping-room at night. She
was almost startled to see how similar
it was to the room which she remem-
bered lying in when she was a child.
On sofa lay Mrs D9spard, wrapped
in faded green shawl she looked
more than ever worn, fretfui depressed
and there were fresh lines Of care and
lu-temper in her face. She tried to
rise as Madeline entered and began to
speak in a somewhat servile tone.
I'm sure I beg your pardon, ma
dam"
Don't You know me, mamma o.
said Madeline.
There was a low, thrilling cry from
the other side Of the room and Jenny
few into her sisters arms. when they
Rugged and kissed each other as if
they would never cease. The worst Of
it was that this warm welcome IN
nerFed Madeline as no false accusation
had ever done; she broke down and
cried without restraint, until Jenny,
who had at first cried, too. from pure
joy, was frightened and begged her to
stop.
Z am-very siIly-very selfish. I
know" gasped Madeline, at last. But
have been tired all day-and troubled
Jenny, and oh, darling, I am so glad
to see you again
We'll, Madeline, when you have .
word to spare for me I should like to
say How dye do?" said Mrs. Des-
pard's complaining voice. But I sup
pose you have grown too grand to
have anything to say to your poor step
mother"
i beg your pardon, mamma. It was
not that only I was a little overcome
at seeing Jenny again" said Madeline
and She went dutifully to Mrs. Des-
Pard's side and kissed her forehead. Il
am not very grand" she said, trying
to speak playfully, ''and I have come to
know if I may beg a nights lodging
Or even to stay a day Or two. My
boxes are downstairs. I hope you will
be able to take me imp
''Whatr' said Mrs Despard. rousing
herself and sitting almost erect. "Have
you been turned off? Have you offend
ed them? Well, you are a fool"
Madeline shivered, then recovered
herself, 81 can explain it all to you
by and by" she said. Miss Joyce is
away from home, SO I cannot go back
to her. Can you find room fer me?"
There is Jenny's bed, you can have
half of that if you like There is no
other place. Would you not be much
better off in lodgings?"
'FYou sent me away from you--you
left me-when I was a child, six years /
ago. said Madeline, with an irrepres-
sible sob. Surely you won't drive me
away from you now? At any rate, I
must stay until have seen my father"
Mrs. De5pard relented "Stay by all |
means if you like" she said. "Your
father was speaking about you only
the other day and wondering whether .
you meant to come and see us again . /
Il only got your address yesterday /
Shall I go down and pay the cabman?
He is waiting all this time
With a little scream Of horror at
Madeline's extravaganza Mrs. Despard
assented, and Madeline just managed /
to get her boxes dragged with much 7.
grumblirg into the house and then
bribed the servant into helping her to /
carry one upstairs
(TO be COntinued)