The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1900-12-07
CHAPTER V.

after a few earnest words OF greeting,
drew a stool to her reclining chair and
sat where she could look at him with
out effort. Gladys was gratified by his
solicitude.
you are glad l am better, dear?" she
asked, running her slender hand
through his thick dark hair. you
have missed me?"
Very much, indeed. I 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 n 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 WE'LL" 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, MADAME"
I'm a few days-when l am strong
err" she answered, hastily. Il must
not go too fast"
NO." Harvey ecquiesced. He seemed
Slightly uncomfortable. Nell has made
some changes in the establishment
H,,ri~r y4,,n lI1-ooo 7 boraH xyN,, will
approve of them"
Gladys looked at him with just a
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 your property, and
acted for what she thought your inter-
est" He took one of Gladys hands
and began playing with her rings in
a fashion he had when, az a 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
ly looked at him attentively.
Nell wished me to tell you this, and
beg 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."
"tStill 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. II have nc
dout Helen has done her best, and I an
grateful to her for relieving Phebe
during my illness. But now that l an
nearly well, dear, my old h~ousekeepel
will of course resume her position"
Harvey dropped the hand with which
he had been toying so suddenly that
the movement seemed like a repulse.
II hope you don't mean that. Mel.
will be greatly disappointed and hurt
IL you push her aside. She takes genu.
inc pride in the management. And
really, it seems fitting she should have
it."
"Is Annette among the servants who
were sent away?' asked Gladys. q
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 a maid al
my life; l can't do without one Ant
I like Annette; she has been with me
for years"
Gladys looked like a grieved child
She was too weak to assert herself, ant
felt strangely helpless. Phebe, who
had just re-entered the room, gave hel
a significant look. s
you mustn't talk too much, Miss
Gladys. You've been with your mother
long enough, Mr.. Harvey. | hope vol
haven't troubled her with business"
only with what was necessary" hi
returned, rising with an air Of relief
for he had not enjoyed his Office. HI
bent over. Gladys and kissed her
You'll do all you can to please me
won't you, madam" he coaxingly said
After all, little thi5ss do not count
She smiled YEARLY.
Eyes, Harvey; but I can make nj
promises until I think matters over
I certainly must have Annette back, II
o day OF two at furthest."@
We'll, I'll speak to Nell about it.
he responded reluctantly. No doub'
she will be willing to concede q few
minor points" And. blind to the sud
den dash In Gladys eyes. he left tn,
room. 4.
He had hardly gone when she turned
70 the housekeeper.
"Phebe. what has that woman beer
DOING"
CHOW. Miss Gladys. It viii only wor,
" you to talk about unpleasant
things.
1T viii frst me more not to know
than TO know"
Well, the truth II, Mrs. Harvey ha,
made complete upset downstairs. Sh,
has sent away nsarly al Of the oil
servants, engaged raw country girls q
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