The Lamar register., 1900-11-21


Anstruther had kissed her kindly at
parting while responding very distant
ly to Madame Dubois greeting, and
then they were bowling through Rev.
erton in a high mail phaeton behind
pair of fine horses. which madame
drove with consummate skill.
In spite of her desire to look out for
old landmarks, the girl was furtively
studying the hard face by her side as
they dashed along. Instinctively she
distrusted it, somehow, though it
would have been difficult to have put
her thoughts into words; and her feel
ings were of the gloomiest as the
chimneys of Chalfont came in sight.
1t was large, ugly, red-brick house,
standing in well-kept grounds. and
looked very much as she had remem-
bered it all her life; but she could not
repress a shudder as she thought of
what had happened there, and in i'm
agination saw her stcpfather's tall
form at the hall-door as they drew
up before it.
where is my half-sister. Kate?" she
inquired. as she followed madame,
who was talking volubly, into the
drawing-room
Il will send for her. Poor child,
she is not strong: she makes me very
anxious" she returned, sweeping over
to the table, and pouring out tea in
the energetic manner that seemed
habitual to her. You will hardly
know her again, or, indeed. the place.
My brother made so many improve
ments."
ut did not want improving" ex-
claimed Molly, shortly. What was
good enough for my mother was GER
tainly good enough for Mr.. Barlowe"
Madame Dubois shrugged her shoul-
ders. Though an Englishwoman she
had many French gestures and ex-
pressions. and her black eyes swept
over Colonel L'Estrange's young
daughter with lightning glance.
You are impulsive. sweet child"
she said, shortly. But you will soon
grow to like the changes. and be very
happy with me and your sister"
My half-sister." corrected Molly,
quietly. Whom I was never allowed
to love as a child, of whom 1 know
nothing. How did she bear her faith
er's dreadful death?"
Madame Dubois dropped the sugar.
tongs with loud clatter. and sudden
ly her face changed to an ashen hue,
her whole demeanor altered.
How has she heard it?" she NUT
tered between her teeth. Then. turn
ing fiercely to Mollie. Never mention
anything belonging to it II you do not
wish to drive me crazy! Is 1t not al
ways before me day and night, day
and night?" And she sank back in
her chair. as If unable to sit up. while
her eyes swept round the room in a
strange, covering manner
Astonished at the effect of her words
Molly sat blankly regarding her. Had
would have melted toward her at once,
even though she was Leonard Bar
loves sister. but there was only an
odd, frightened passion in her voice
and bearing. and something In her
hard face repulsed and kept Mollie
silent, while. before she could think
of anything suitable to say. madame
had recovered herself and had sug-
gested that she take on her outdoor
garments.
Like girl in dream she followed
the tall, strong figure through hall
and passages that were the same, yet
different, and finally to a room that
she did not recognize at all, where a
housemaid was unstrapping her
trunks. And this was her homecom-
ing. this was the way she returned
to her mothers house-a stranger
among strangers. where everything
was altered. where not even a servant
who knew her remained. Dismissing
the maid. she threw herself down by
the bed. dark forebodings and dread
weighing down her usually bright ma
ture. and dreary longing for the
mother with whom every spot in Chal-
font had been associated tearing at
her heart-strings.
Poor little schoolgirl! She fought
down the choking feeling in her
throat with mingled pride and resolu-
ton. Colonel L'Estrange's daughter
must not give way before strangers
But oh. It was hateful to think that
she was in the charge Of this Madame
Dubois! Then she began to reflect
that she must make the best of 1t, and
certatuly tears would not help her, SO