The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1898-04-23
CHAPTER XVI.

London.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Nevil family have been esta bfished
in London for the space of a fortnight
Tom junior is in the most robust health
and spirits, and seems vastly amused and
interested with all he sees He is nearly
nine months old. and is not only a beauti-
full and good-tempered infant. but has the
most intelligent face in the world. He
is, to Toms intense delight, the living
image of his mother; nay, Tom is almost
afronted If anyone pretends for civiity's
sake that his heir resembles himself.
Dallas, who is Il frequent guest in Eaton
Square mischicvously asks June if she
thinks Tom is making love to the nurse
from whom he seems inseparable, and
declares to Tom himself that no doubt
he is taken for a Life guardsman in plain
clothes. Dallas and June are the best of
friends; they have both completely for
gotten that episode three years ago. For
Dallas is absorbed in his hopeless passion
for Lady Jane WyldrOSe daughter of the
Earl of Sweetbrier; hopeless, not as far
as the young lady herself is concerned
but only as regards her parents.
II wanted two days to the 10Th of June
when Madge was TO join her cousins in
London. Lady Ncvil came in from her
drive in radiant spirits; she had spent n
delightful day. and was looking forward
20 one of the balls of the season. to be
given that night. Her maid met her in the
hall with Il scared face.
oh, my lady, don't be alarmed" she
said. while her look and manner were
to nj
tive person to DEATH "hut Master Tom
has been taken ill. Sir Thomas and the
doctor are with him now
June'S heart stood still. her knees
knocked together. In one instant the
thought traversed her brain that her own
~elfshnesS was the cause of this awful
calamity, that the child would die, that
she would never forgive herself, that Tom
would never forgive her. Then, without
waiting for another word, she flew up
stairs 10 the nursery.
Tom stood by the bedside with an agon-
lied face The doctor was bending over
the child, who was waxen pale and with
closed eyes
\ sort of paralysis crcpt over June.
Tom did not move forward to greet her;
his eyes. having met hers as she entere l.,
returned to their agonized watch. She
went mechanically toward him.
What is IT, She whispered
4 knew it from the first he muttered.
Il always said so. | knew London would
lie the death of him
\ sense of guilt and despair stole over
June. Ten minutes ago there had scarce
" been happier woman living than she,
and now terror and misery inculfed her,
every pleasant thing in life seemed ire
trievably gone from her forever
All night she and Tom watched by the
childs cot Not satisfied with one opin-
ion. Tom sent for the first physician in
London. He, too, looked grave, but
spoke rcassuringly and hoped the boy
might take favorable turn.
Once during that long and misera bic
night June went and put her arms round
her husbands neck and leaned on his
breast with stifed sobs, and he ,lasped
her kindly, hut she felt instnctiveiy that
he was holding her responsible for this
awful calamity.
When she was alone for a moment with
the doctor she asked him in implorng
tones whether London was the cause of
the child's illness. and he answered dis
tinCtly in the negative. 1t might have
happened anywhere.
But June did not dare even to say this
10 Tom: she knew it would be waste Of
time and energy to attempt to convince
him. 50 firmly was his mind fixed on this
one idea. Oh, please God, they should
get the boy over this. and never. never
again should he set foot in the accursed
city,
Young Tom got over the crisis. and.
with his father and mother. returned to
the Hall on the fifth day after his at
tack. Though most of the servants We're
left behind in Eaton Square il was almost
an understood thing that neither Sir
Thomas nor her ladyship would go back
there. Sir Thomas was perfectly certain
that he would not. and her ladyship did
not feel as though. after the misery of
those few days. >ha should ever care to
see London again 1t was only by Mrs.
Ellesmerc's persuasion that they decided
not To give up the house and move the
whole establishment back at once to the
Hall.
In Il weeks time Tom Junior was re-
stored 10 his usual robust health. and Tom
senior to happiness and his wonted level
spirits. He felt like prisoner let loose:
it was almost worth while to have suf-
fered the discomfort to enjoy this lacssed
freedom
June. her mind being treasured about
her child. began TO feel somewhat dull.
and 10 think with a certain regret of tho
pleasant things She had left behind; and
rs for Madge. her eyes were red with
CRYING. and she wore a woebrgone look
quite unusual 10 her bright face.
i know | am very silly and very self
iSh, she said 10 June one day. but it
has been such an awful disappointment
to me
And with this she burst into tears. Tom
cane in At the same moment
Why. Madgy"' he cried. with sincere
concern. what's the matter my DEAR
Poor child" answered June. she is 50
disappointed about her visit To London"
The same evening al dinner Sir Thomas
observed TO her ladyship:
I've been thinking il over. Juny. and
il seems rather a shame 10 disappoint
NadCe. poor little girl. Why should not
YOU 60 back 10 town with her for a fort
night or three weeks: The servants and
horses are there doing nothing, and we
shall have 10 pay for the house all the
same. And" looking at her, you enjoy
il 50 much yourself, il seems pity you
should be done out OF il"
Il do not feel as i | should care for il
now, June answered
Tom. however. preached the subject 70
Madge: :upIo-al and e-trea-e5 so ear
estly that her !adyzdip yielded Il IS u