Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-06-13

garding the future Will SUIT no'
AS the carriage drove off through the
early dusk of the winter evening, VIII
fred eagerly pressed Miss Heron for
her opinion of his sweetheart.
She is very beautiful and gentle,
and she loves you," Miss Heron re-
piled; and her listener was satisfied,
not noticing that Miss Heron had fall
ed TO reveal what her own impression
had been. ;,
Il wish your uncle had known her,
said the lady, out Of the depths OF her
thought that had Sir Jasper only been
alive she would have been freed from
the heavy sense Of responsibility which,
quite unwarantably, lay upon her IN
this matter.
"Ah. yes. If he only had, it would
have been so different" sighed Wllfred,
unconscious of the painful truth hid IN
his remark.
Her guests gone, Mrs. Mongorton felt
restless, feverish. There seemed MOTH
ing of interest wherewith to occupy her.
self. 1t was a relief to recall that she
had promised Sir Wilfred to give her
servants notice at once. Ringing for
Fanchette, she explained to her what
the woman had, Of course, shreWdly
suspected, and requested her to tell
the other domestics 10 assemble IN the
library, as she wished TO see them on
an important matter.
She was strangely relieved at the
idea of parting with Raleigh. She had
not noticed it at first, but lately his
presence made her uncomfortable. He
appeared always to be furtively watch
ing her. Yet he was an admirable sery-
tor.. His waiting was perfection, his
appearance faultless. Still
Here Fanchette put an end to her
soliloquy by returning to say that all
awaited the pleasure of madame.
Mrs. Mongorton's staff of attendants
was small but efficient. A coachman,
two gardeners and footman, with
cook and three maids, not including the
invaluable Fanchette, comprised them
all, but in his or her way each was a
well-qualified servant.
In the library, as they stood listening
for their mistress footsteps, whisper
ed discussion as to the reason OF their
summons was passing, and some know
ing guesses made.
Hi alters said she'd marry again,
said Mrs. Cook, portly dame, her red
arms folded over her snowy apron.
Which it would be a-goin against
the course O. nature if she didn't-a
sweet pretty creature like that" said
the white-haired coachman CALAMITY.
We'll, | 'opes as how she'll get a
good husband an us good places re-
torted the dame solemnly, as a faint
rustic of silk betokened the approach of
their employer, and silence fell upon the
company.
Mrs. Mongorton entered, and, NOV
ing swiftly to her desk, seated herself
and began at once to reveal the reason
of her desire to see them.
Il sent for you" she said, glancing
round the company, TO tell you that
after this day month you may consider
yourselves free to leave my service.
have no fault to find with any of you,
but as l have consented to become Sir
Wilfred Welland's wife, l shall shortly
have no need of this house, and conse-
quently will require no servants.
A vague murmur, meant probably 10
be congratulatory arose from the
group. 80
q purpose presenting you each with
a quarters wages when you leave, which
| hope will repay any little expense
YOU may be put to in getting settled
again. That is all 1 wished to say"
The congratuiatory mumurs waXed
louder Incoming distinctly audible in
the cooks "You has my best OF wishes,
nv lady" thus bestowing breyet rank
IAN so has Sir Wilfred;" and in the
coachmans IF | might make so bold
ma'am. wishes you all joy.
To both congratulations the recipient
responded with smile and cordial
word of thanks.
When the procession had filed out OF
the room Mrs Mongorton raised her
ewes still smiling, and encountered the
gaze of Raleigh, who stood motionless,
his back against the wall, intently re-
garding her.
you heard what said to the others?
I have no further orders. You can go.
She was not smiling now.
Raleigh advanced a step nearer, ana
the light from the centre chandelier
fell full upon his dark, clean-shaven
face.
Am I to understand that you have
dismissed me?" he asked; and the tone
was not that of a servant addressing his
mistress.
Certainly"
Mrs. Mongorton's voice was quiet, to
show that she had it perfectly under
control. but in the shelter Of the writ
ing table her hand was clinched Till the
rings cut into the soft flesh. Is there
anv reason why you should not?"
Raleigh advanced still closer. and
stood looking down on the woman Who'
male as death, yet still resolutely calm,
confronted him.
yes" he said. 81 refuse to accept
my dismissal
There was a consciousness or power
in his attitude and of strength of Will
in his manner that almost made her
falter as she replied: Sir Wilfred
Welland has already a large staff OF Old
family retainers, and has no need OF an
other footman."
The man was leaning over the back
If the writing table now. regarding his
mistress with eyes that had cruelty,
triumph. and admiration mingled IN
their depths.
when you 90 to reign at Welland
Court" he said deliberately, you will
require someone accustomed to clean
ing vour bicycle. Now, l always clean
ed il nicely here, didn't I? So you are
going to engage me as head footman at
WelIand Court. as a sign of appreciation
of my past services.
Nagnetised by his relentless gaze,
1r.,r,o,.tor sa+ transfiYed. white as