Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-12-27
CHAPTER v,

drew a stool to her reclining chair and
sat where she could look at him with
out effort. Gladys was gratifed by his
solicitude.
you are glad am better, dear?" she
asked. running her slender hand
through his thick dark hair. you
have missed mel"
Very much, indeed. WANTED to see
you long ago. but Phebe would not per-
NIT it."
"She obeyed my WISH" said Gladys,
detecting the reproach in his tone.
Never mind that-tell me of yourself.
What have you been doing all this
timer"
She listened smilingly while he gave
her an account of everything he
thought would interest her. She
dreaded the mention of Helen's name.
though realizing it was inevitable.
When he paused. she voluntarily in
troduced it.
Nell is remarkably WELL" answered
Harvey, his face lighting up, "and so
IS the boy. We are thinking of put
ting him into trousers. You'll see them
soon, madam"
"In few days-when l am strong
or" she answered. hastily. Il must
not go too fast"
"No," Harvey ecquiesced. He seemed
slightly uncomfortable. Nell has made
some changes in the establishment
during your Illness. hope you will
approve of them"
Gladys looked at him with Just
hint of trouble in her face, but said
nothing.
when Phebe gave her the keys"
Harvey resumed, with the manner OF
one who has an unpleasant duty to
perform, "she Of course considered her.
SELF the custodian OF yoIr prep r,y. and
acted for what she thought your inter-
est" He took one of Gladys hands
and began playing with her rings in
q fashion he had when, as boy, he
confessed some childish fault, and
though he was speaking in almost
Helen's tone, and using her very words.
the familiar action made her feel very
tender toward him. "She has sent away
the groom and several Of the maids
and reduced the expenses of the
servants table nearly one-half. You
: will be surprised when you see how
small the bills are"
Still Gladys did not speak. but mere
~ looked at him attentively.
Nell wished me to tell you this, and
ceg that you will not interfere with
her arrangements now that they are
made. She has carefully considered
them, and Is convinced-and I'm with
her there, madam-that she has acted
FOR the best in all things. She really
has wonderful judgment. and you may
safely trust her with the management
Of the house."
"'Still harping on my daughter!'
quoted Gladys with a faint smile. She
felt she must remain silent no longer.
since silence meant acquiescence; yet
she might be displeased. Il have no
dout Helen has done her best, and am
grateful to her for relieving Phebe
during my illness. But now that am
nearly well. dear, my old housekeeper
will Of course resume her position"
Harvey dropped the hand with which
he had been toying so suddenly that
the movement seemed like repulse.
Il hope you don't mean that. Nell
will be greatly disappointed and hurt
II you push her aside. She takes genu-
tne pride in the management. And.
really, 1t seems fitting she should have
It."
"Is Annette among the servants who
were sent away" asked Gladys. Il
have not seen her since my Illness"
"Yes. She was the first to go. You
had no need for her while Phebe was
with you"
"But. my dear. I've had maid all
my life; I can't do without one. And
I like Annette; she has been with me
for years"
Gladys looked like grieved child.
She was too weak to assert herself. and
kelt strangely helpless. Phebe, who
had just re-entered the room, gave her
q significant look.
"You mustn't talk too much, Miss
Gladys. You've been with your mother
long enough, Mr.. Harvey. I hope you
haven't troubled her with business"
"Only with what was necessary" he
returned. rising with an air Of relief,
For he had not enjoyed his office. He
bent over Gladys and kissed her.
tYou'll do all you can to please me.
won't you, madam" he coaxingly said.
t"After all, little thisss do not count"
She smiled YEARLY.
I "Yes, Harvey; but l can make no
promises until I think matters over.
4 certainly must have Annette back. In
q day OF two at furthest."
! "Well. I'll speak to Nell about II"
he responded reluctantly. mo doubt
She will be willing to concede few
minor points" And. blind to the sud-
den fash In Gladys eyes. he left the
room.
I He had hardly gone when she turned
10 the housekeeper.
"Phebe. what has that woman been
doing?"
"Now, Miss Gladys. 1t will only wor-
~ you to talk about unpleasant
things"
1T will fret me more not to know
than to know"
well, the truth is, Mrs. Harvey has
made complete upset downstairs. She
has sent away nearly all Of the old
servants. engaged raw country girls at
small wages in their places. and for
nurse and parlor maid she hires two
of her sisters"
"Her own sisters!" Gladys compre-
,hended In a moment the awkward COM
OBLIGATIONS rising from such an arrange
sment, and looked her dismay. HAS