The Lamar register., 1900-12-05
CHAPTER v


sension was ever heard there. The
very servants. who had been in Mrs.
Anstruther's service for years. seemed
to share the prevailing harmony of
contentment, and took pride In serv-
ing the family faithfully
And Mollie could not but notice the
difference as. after somewhat quiet
walk home along the country road that
separated the two houses by about a
mile, the gates of Chalfont had changed
to behind them, and morose-looking
maid opened the hall door.
No household could have been happy
under Madame Dubois tyrannical rule,
Mollie had quite made up her mind to
that; and also another point-namely:
That both mother and son were to be
kept at arms length; that she was a
L'Estrange. and could not-could not
stand them!
And she had walked home in fer
ment of indignation because Henri.
after all the rebuffs she had given him.
had actually dared to call her Mol
lee" before the Anstruthers and few
visitors who had come in. and assumed
airs of proprietorship rs he marched
them home.
So as Kate skipped off after the
sulky-looking maid. she turned abrupt
ly to the young man. who was loung-
ing in the doorway furtively watching
her with faint cynical smile in his
round black eyes. She was but
school girl, this young English mees.
but she was adorably pretty. with
skin-ah, such lovely white skin
what would not Celestne or Lucie give
for It!
Monsieur Dubois" she said gently,
fixing her clear gray eyes upon his
dark face, now my half-sister is gone
l wish to speak to you-to remind you
that we are mere acquaintances, and
to such | am not 'Mollie.' but Miss
L'Estrange. l am sorry you have
forced me to mention this. 1 hoped
that you understood it."
For moment they stood facing
each other, but her eyes never quailed
before his; she had spirit and courage.
this mere school girl. he recognized,
yet very evil look came into his face
for a second ere he replied:
"And why for not mademoiselle;
you are my mothers ward, and that
long-legged Anstruther he calls you
what he please. doesn't he?"
1.-THE Anstruthers are old family
friends" she said hurriedly. But it
is not subject to argue. 1 simply
state my wishes, which l feel sure you
will respect"
DO not be too confident" he NUT
tered between his teeth. "It is pos
.slble that may resent being treated
worse than this other fellow"
You have no right to resent any
thing, monsieur" she interrupted, with
a naughty gesture. Il am alone here,
but can appeal to Madame Dubois, as
l am in her care
And she paused irresolutely as his
mocking laugh fell upon her ear.
Bah. mademoiselle, she lives but for
mel" he said. with yelled insolence.
81 am master here"
1t was true Molie's heart was beat
ing uncomfortable fast; the prospect
looked gloomy; but she had plenty of
spirit, and Henri's whole manner was
so detestable that her pride came to
her aid and stilled her fears.
"If l am not treated with ordinary
polteness, and allowed to live in
peace, | shall complain to my trus-
tees" she retorted, with flashing eyes.
"Of no use at ALL" he returned, with
sweeping bow. Then, coming cioser
and laying small claw-like hand on
her arm: "See here, Mol-lee. you are
in my mothers power absolutely for
two years. and she has an awful tenn
per when opposed. You had better be
friends with me l. Henri Dubois, offer
you my friendship"
Mollie shrank rom his touch. from
the sound of his thin, false voice, with
unutterable loathing, realizing, poor
child! with terrible distinctness that,
like the man in the parable. che had
fallen among thieves; then she drew
back, throwing IN her head with
scornful jerk. while her knees trembled
so much that she leaned back against
the door for support.
"You have again disregarded my
wishes, monsieur" And by a great
affort sha cnoke FIRMLY 81 have moth