Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1897-02-24
CHAPTER XII.

Aihu 91Ohctleu was Extremely suOckcu
and distressed TO find thar Bertis had
taken many steps IN downward course,
which he had never dreamed that the
lad was likely TO tread at all. A few care
full and confidential inquiries In the town
ELECTED the fact that BERTHE was by no
means as quiet and home loving as his
father had always credited him with be.
ing: that he was well known in various
very questionable resorts, and that he ha,
a great love for cards. Stella firmly b,
lieved that Ralph kingscott was at tn
bottom of Bertie's disgrace, and that b,
was responsible for the boys gradual de
clension. But when she hinted this view
of the case to her husband she was met
with sp expression of cold displeasure
which siieaced her at once.
She overheard q scrap of conversation
which confirmed her secret suspicious in
a rather curious way. 6he wanted tc
talk to Bertie-who had not yet made
his appearance in public after bis esca padc
and Mr.. Moncrieff had told her that she
would probably find him in the octagon
room, where he generally pursued his
studies under Kingscotts superintend-
enee. Thither Stella betook herself about
six o'clock one evening. She came quiet
ly through the long gallery-so quietly
that her footsteps made no sound upor
the polished hoor-and paused for a mo
ment before she drew the portiere before
the entrance to the octagon room. She
paused simply to collect her thoughts, to
renew her courage; but in that pause
voices fell upon her ear.
You'll do nothing of the kind" Ralph
Kingscott was saying, coolly. IF you
say one word about it I'll tell your father
the whole Of that little transaction Of
yours with Winner, and then"
mo! oh, nor Bertie's voice, full Of agi
tation and appeal, was heard to say
"Oh, don't tell him that. He would never
forgive me. will do anything you like
won't say q word"
And then Stella drew the curtain aside
and found, as she had already OWNED
that the door was open. Bertie was ly'
ing ON Q sofa, his head half buried in the
cushions; Mr.. Kingscott was lounging In
an armchair, with his arm behind his
head. He cast look Of positive hatred
at Stella as she came In; look In which
malignity and cunning were 20 blended
that she did not like to remember It after
ward, although at the time itself 1t pro-
duced little impression upon her.
"Mrs. Aoncrieff!" he exclaimed, start
ing to bis feet, with Q sort Of disagree
ably exaggerated politeness. I'VE never
expected this honor, did we, Bertie? My
young pupil and ! seem to have had a
proscriptive right to this part of the
house for % long that we are quite un-
used to visitors. But Of course we must
look for changes now"
There vas Q subtle sting In this remark
which was not lost upon Stella's percep
tons, but she did not choose to attend to
MEET. She turned at once toward BERTHE,
who did not raise his face from the pillow
against which 1t was pressed. She could
read shame In the boys attitude, and she
kSSeued to lay her hand gently On hia
head. Mr. Kinsscott went into his own
room and closed the door Of communica.
ton Not till then did Stella feel free to
sink down On her knees beside Bertie's
sofa, and speak to him In soft, caressinS
tones.
Dear BERTHE, we are all 20 scrrJ. And
you are sorry, too"
Then the boys grief broke forth. he
burst into q storm Of choking, oyerpow-
eriug sobs, in which all his attempts al
speech were lost. 1t was some time be-
fore the words became arriculate.
Il didn't mean til psver thought
what l was doing-I shall never be able
to look you In the face again" These
were the first words that became audible.
II know, dear: understand"
"Just when you came home-Just when
you expected . welcome-for me to dis
grace you sol And my father-hsn never
forgive ms"
"Ohi yes, be win, Bsrtis. II you are
sure rhss IN hsve It'd hin syerythi1s