The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1899-10-21
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
Going to where Tom Peyton is dill
gently wedding, Griselda takes him to
task.
why didn't you tell me your sister
was the sweetest woman on earth?" de-
mands she, in quite an aggrieved tone.
Because she isn't" says Tom, striv.
ing with a giant dock that has treachcr.
ously concealed itself beneath the spread
ing leaves of a magnificent dahlia; you
are that"
"Nonsensew says Griselda; and then.
"Oh, Tom. what do you think she is
going to do-at once? She is going to
make an effort to induce Uncle Gregory
to let Vera and me stay with her at The
F'riars! Only fancy if she succeeds.
Wasn't it perfectly lovely of her to think
of it?''
ooh, she isn't bad says her brother.
broadly; ''but may 1 ask how she pro-
poses tackling the old gentleman!'
Through Seaton."
IF Seaton helps her
The words die on his lips, his jublant
air forsakes him-haying turned a cor
ner of the secluded pathway they had
chosen, they run right into the arms of
Seaton Dysart. For moment the two
men gaze blankly into each others eyes
What Is the meaning of this masQue-
rade?' demands Dysart presently with
an angry frown; what brings you here,
Peyton, in that dress, and with my
cousin?'
You certainly have every right to
ask" says Peyton, with a rueful glance
at his damnatory clothing, but surely
you might guess the answer. The fact
is. Im-in love!' He makes this con
fession with careful artlessness not to
be surpassed.
In love?' eXclaims Dysart, frowning
still more darby.
Quite so,' amiably; 'five fathoms
deep. And your father being so-so-ex-
elusive" making hard fight for civil
word, Il couldn't manage to see her in
any orthodox fashion, so l took service
here"
Her? whom?' asks Dysart, changing
color. a sudden light flashes into his
eyes; to him, as to Tom Peyton, there is
but one her in the world.
why, Griselda," says the latter, as if
amazed at the others stupidity.
And what do you suppose will be the
upshot of all ths?" sternly.
THAT, my dear fellow. is what | have
never yet gone into. But marriage, |
hope
"Pshaw" says Dysart, impatiently
''and what of Griselda?"
"Griselda has confessed that she-likes
ME little. l say, Dysart," with sud
den change of tone, you won't tell your
dad-eh?'
Il am much more likely to tell your
sister, says Seaton, angrily.
You needn't. She knows. She was
here just now, and is full of desire TO
kidnap Griselda and carry her away TO
The Friars. l say, Dysart, my sister de-
Ponds upon you to make your governor
give his consent to the girls going on n
visit to her; you won't disappoint her.
eh?"
III do what l can" gravely: but I
shouldn't advise you to be too sanguine
as to the result Of my interference.
True to his word. Seaton managed, af-
ter hard fight, to secure his fathers
consent that Vera and Griselda might
pay two weeks visit to Lady Rivers
dale.
1t is quite five o'clock when they ar
rive and enter the spacious hall of The
Friars, that now is filled with delicate
somber light. A crimson stream from n
painted window, somewhere in the dis
lance. casts flood of glory. bood-red. at
Nera's feet, and a comfortable tinkling
of spoons clinking against china smites
their ears.
At the top of the room, reclining in a
rather lstless fashion on some velvet
cushions, are two little girls. quite lovely
enough TO arrest the gaze Of any casual
observer. They have given in to the Gu
riosity attendant on the entrance of the
new guests, and fix their large wide eyes
on Vera, who, in turn, looks back on
them with a certain interest.
Lady Riversdale, by word-an in
tensely proud, fond word-had intimated
that they were her children. The young
er, taking her courage in both hands.
slips her little slim fingers under the
narrow gold bangles that adorn Vera s
wrist, and begins to push them up and
down with a childish. difident gesture.
What's your name?" asks she, gravely.
Vera
~ era.' Both children repeat the
word with n sort of qualification. But
tell us-you have another name, haven't
yous'
'Dysar1." confesses she, softly.
ny tnaI : Sea1O0 name. cries
Dolly, frightening. and looking up at the
tall young man who is standing near
them: isn't il, Seaton? Why. you must
be something to him. Sister-eh?"
No" says Vera, shaking her head.
You can't be his mother?' hazards
the younger child, uncertainty.
Vera laugrs lightly. No" she say
again.
Il have it. l know it, exclaims Dolly
the wise, CHANGING up triumphantly; you
are-his wife,
This innocent bombshell spreads dis
may in the camp.
Who Is that pretty little girl over
there Vera asks, with wild longing
10 change this embarrassing conversa-
ton, pointing to where the girl who had
first attracted her is sitting, quite oppo-
site, in the red-and white gown? Do
You see herr
Oh. that is Mary Butler. Don't you
know hec: Everybody knows Mary But
Ter We love her, so does everybody
else
NJ . rr1r