La Junta tribune., 1900-12-01

under the painting OF her father in fun
uniform that hung over the mantal-
piece. II would have been removed
long ago but that It had cost some
hundreds of poands. and, Mr.. Bariowe
secretly thought. added distinction 10
the room.
A hot wave OF Indignation and
wounded pride swept over Mollie
Wha; business had these people At
Chalfont using everything as theif
own. while she herself was but guest;
and IL was a very frigid and naughty
bow that she gave in the direction OF
Monsieur Henri Dubois when his moth
er introduced him
What am to cali your" exclaimed
madame playfully rs It to be eous-
ins?"
Certainly not. madame" she broke
in quickly. with polite smile. II am
L'Estrange, and the only relation
have in my fathers house is my half
sister Kate" And her tone clearly
implied that no other would be al
lowed
The elder woman's face darkened
vlsibly: but before she could speak
Henri said. with a graceful, sweeping
bow:
''MademoIseile is cruel; but / trust
In time 10 win and deserve her friend
ship"
With some murmured words of as
sent Noilie sank Into her seat. and dur
Ing luncheon took as complete a sur
vey Of the young man as the fact that
he was covertly trying TO do the same
thing of her would allow. Small, slight,
dapper. with sharp, well-cut features.
sallow complexion. and quick. black
young officer who already held q large
place in her heart
A thorough Frenchman was Henri
Dubois. both Ia thought and appear
ance. though his English was very
good. and as he sat at the foot OF the
table caressing his small, black mus
tache and endeavoring to make himself
agreeable. Mollie privately came to tho
conclusion that she disliked and dis
trusted him only little less than she
did his mother. and that might only be
because she did not know him 30
well. Indeed his high voice and cynical
air contrasted badly with Reggie An
struther's hearty tones and easy. we'll
bred manner. though It was plain that
his mother thought him perfect, and
rarely took her eyes from his face.
Where have you been this morning
Mollie?" she demanded at length. when
there came break In the conversa-
ton.
She has been for a country walk
with Mr.. Anstruthcr. / saw her" broke
in Kate's little voice. ma,iciously
And she would not take me"
Did swift glance of meaning pass
between mother and SOM Mollie could
not be quite sure. for this unprovoked
attack was disconcerting enough to
make her blush furiously. 1t was very
annoying, and madame's eyes were
turned upon her crimson yisage with
unmerciful scrutiny.
Kate knows why / would not take
her." she said, breaking the pause with
n somewhat naughty ring in her young
voice
But this Mr. Anstruther-" began
madame coldly.
Il met him when was going to
gather moss. and he accompanied me"
rather dsfantly.
Madame's lips went into the thin
line that gave such very unpleasant
expression to her face, and Moliie con-
tirued her luncheon with but hazy
notion of what was on her plate. and
vague, uncomfortable presentiment
that picking moss in the bright sun
shine with Reggie for companion
would not be allowed to occur again.
Two or three times already. when her
opinion had not agreed with madame's,
she had been Obliged to yield, and as
the scene of the fragrant earthly moss.
the pickering light through the bud
ding branches in the shady lane. and
Reggie's laughing brown face rose be-
fore her. so also did feeling of her
own helplessness in Madame Dubois
strong. shap=.y hands.
Ito be Continued)