Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1896-04-09

was her inheritance came to her aid
and rendered her strong to bear what
would have been sore burden to a
weaker nature. She firmly believed
that she had conquered her old affec-
ton fer the handsome lad who had
made ardent love to her, and she even
looked back on the occurrence with a
superior smile, as a piece of boyish
and girlish folly which was almost too
trivial to be regretted
But when she was hurt or sorrowful,
even now the thought would well up
uncontrollably: Lancelot, If you had
but loved me you would never have left
me here"
The last Of the girls had departed,
the teachers had taken their leave and
the house had fallen into melancholy
silence, before Miss Joyce sent Made
line the message that she had expected
Even then 1t was not couched in quite
ordinary terms. Miss Joyce's love
and would Miss Despard have supper
that night with her in her boudoir?"
Madeline marveled. These snug lit
tie suppers in Miss Joyce's boudoir
were reserved for her especial favor
ties and even in the holidays it was
seldom that Madeline had been invited
to partake of them. Miss Joyce would
eat breakfast and luncheon or midday
dinner with her subordinates, but tea
and supper were reserved for her de-
In, bar. nj OF
At o'clock, therefore, Madeline re-
paired to the boudoir and found Miss
Joyce in the most amiable of moods
and the loosest of tea gowns. There
was charming little supper, with
good wine to drink and all the delica-
cies of the seasoa and not word was
said about Lady Esler or Oscar Despard
or Madeline's delinquencies in any
shape or form. 1t was not till after
supper that any perilous subject was
introduced. And then Miss Joyce said
placidly:
Take that low chair near the win
dow, Madeline, and let us have little
chat. You know, suppose, what am
going to do this summer"
no, Miss Joyce, do not"
II have promised to meet my married
sister at maison in Switzerland and
stay two months with her | shall not
be back again until the day before
school reopens,
She paused and looked at Madeline
as IL to see what effect this communica-
tion had upon her. But Madeline only
looked little grave.
Il think had better go on reading
for my examination, she said specu'
latively. 1T will give me something
to do while you are away
Mrs. Gcrvase has not invited you
this summer, has she?"
mo, she and all her family have
gone to Scotland"
We'll, my dear, DO not quite know
what you are to do. | am going To
have the whole OF this house white.
washed. papered, painted and enlarged
while | am away; 1t will be in fear
! full state and if there is thing know
that you can't bear it is the smell OF
paint"
"Oh, / can put up with it, II there is
a corner ANYWHERE said Madeline,
cheerfully.
Il don't know that there will be a
corner" said Miss Joyce, stubbornly
Madeline was silent. A faint feel
ing of dismay began to creep into her
! heart
Now, Madeline, | am going 10 talk
plain common sense to you. You have
lived here six years and ought to know
that | mean well by you and that | am
not unkind In what | say"
Indeed know it, Miss Joyce"
"You would not listen to Lady Eser
yesterday. but you must listen to me.
And YOU said she had done nothing for
you all these years and had perhaps
little right to speak; but have every
right, for l have done all | could for
you, when | might have turred you
out into the streets or sent YOU to the
workhGuse six years ago. Now, is that
not true?'
1T is quite true and owe you every
kind of obedience ard gratitude, Miss
Joyce Indeed | 40 try to show 1t, =
said Madeline, her eyes suddenly fill
ing with tears.
II believe you DO. think you are a
good girl. Madeline Despard, although
your father-well we won't talk of
him. And now | want you to do a
thing which will be real comfort to
me and which will relieve my mind
very much and save money besides
and | think you ought to do it, If only
for my sake
Il am sure | shall be very glad 10 do
it, You have only to tell me What 1t
is
Yes, indeed, If you wish It.
"well, remember your promise when
YOU hear what it is. Lady Esler came
Yesterday afternoon to ask you to
spend the summer holidays at her
house. with herself and her niece Con
stance. And it is my wish and desire,
Madeline, that you should go"
ITO be Continued.l