Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1897-11-04
CHAPTER V.

Surbiton. where she had retreated on the
death of her husband. She had found it
q hard task since then to feed and clothe
herself and her children like gentiewomen,
and many a sigh had she directed even
toward the pittance which her son rete4y-
ed from the Government, thinking how
much more comfortably they might all
live together if Wilfrid would only join
his income to hers. But Wilfrid had had
his own reasons for continuing to live by
himself.
When Mrs Ewell. however, was -ap-
prised of her sons wonderful and unex-
pected good fortune, all her difficulties
seemed to, vanish She made sure then
that Sir Wilfrid would provide a home
for herself and his sisters at Lambscote
Hail. Or failing that, would make such
an addition to their income as to place
them above want. And the girls, too.
What views they entertained of balls and
theaters and new dresses, and long visits
to Somerset, and eligible young men that
should lay their fortunes at their feet.
Their years varied from fiye-and-tWenty
to fifteen, but not one of them had ever
mixed in the gaiety usual to young peo-
pie of their age. Neither before Their
fathers death nor after it had there been
the requisite money forthcoming for such
pleasures, and the announcement that
their only brother had suddenly been
transformed into Il wealthy baronet gave
them almost as much joyful anticipation
as it had done to him.
Mrs Ewell had written more than once
begging him to run down to Surbiton and
receive her congra tuatons in person, and
when, on the morning following his re-
turn to Chelsea, he walked into her tiny
sitting room. he was almost overwhelmed
by the family greeting. His sisters hung
about his neck like leeches, as they pour
ed upon him a voley of kisses and ques-
tons, which they gave him time neither
to return nor answer. But his mother
sat in her armchair, pale, silent, and al
most fearful at. the prospect that she be-
lieyed had opened before her.
Yes he said, answering the thought
which he read in every countenancc, 1T
has been rather a stroke of good luck,
hasn't it? Fancy poor Bob going off in
that unexpected way. He was only i'll
twelve hours And the little boy, too!
Poor Carrie feels it awfully, of course.
So did | at first; but Il man can't remain
fnc0nsolable for an event which has come
as such a blessing to himself"
ga blessing, indeed" murmured Mrs.
Ewell fervently; land after the poverty
we have suffered since your poor fathers
death, it seems too good to be true. Will
you not have to make the widow some in
Identification, Wilfrid?'
Il think not" he answered careiessly,
and without the apparent recognition of
any moral obligation in the matter. Par
fit has said nothing about it. Ard, hang
it all, YOU know, she is living rent free,
and will do so for the next two MONTHS
"Oh, shan't we see Lambscote for two
whole months?' exclaimed Rosie.
Rosie was Sir Wilfrid's youngest and
prettiest sister, She was also his favor
lite, but he did not vouchsafe to answer
her remark.
"How many rooms are there at the
Hall, Wilfrid?" asks his sister Edith.
Il am sure / don't know. More than
you can count
"And do you get the horses and car
riages and everything?' said Flora.
Yes; all the property that has been
purcha sed with the income becomes per-
sonal to the estate. | believe there are
ten or twelve horses in the stables. How
] will hunt next season.
and oh, Wilfrid, may | learn to ride?"
cried Rosie.
Yes. dear, that you shall Mother must
let you come and stay with me in the
autumn, and I'll make a horsewoman Of
YOU
Not before the autumn pouted Fan
ny.
1t was becoming patent to all of them
that Lambscote Hall was not to be a free
hold property for the whole family, and
Mrs. Ewell developed a certain snappish-
ness under the discovery.
Don't worry your brother, Fanny she
mterposed. THE Hall is his own. and he
will do as he pleases with it. Though
think YOU will find. Wilfrid. that you
cannot get on so we'll without ladies as
you seem TO imagine. No house can be
properly managed without a woman at
the head of it..
But who said l was going to try and
get on without iadies?' he retorted, with
smile. Don't be afraid, mother, Lamb
scote will have mistress in good time"
AT this announcement chasm. of
which Mrs. Ewell had not yet dreamed.
opened at her feet. OF course she had
expected that Sir Wilfrid would marry
some day-but he was only twenty-five,
and she had hoped that the evil was quite
In the distance. The calm certainty with
which he mentioned the prospect made
her gasp.
But not yet, dear, l hope.' she ejacu-
lated. What you allude to cannot take
place for several years to come. Why,
you were only twenty-five last birthday"
Il know that. mother"
1T would be impossible for you to
marry under thirty"
DO you think so?'
Il mean it would be very unadvisab,e.
Marriage is a serious undertaking, Will
frd. Once done, it is not to be undone,
and the consequences abide by you, for
veal or woe. to your life's end
$50 have heard" he answered, yawn-
Snn Slinhfi1- hnhind his hand