Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-11-15
CHAPTER VIII,


1t was a hot August evening, and
after Mollie had heard Kate's hymns
and prayers-for which purpose she
always went upstairs after dinner
she took book and sat at the wide
open window in preference to return
did this now, for lately things had been
worse than ever, Henri more persist
ent. At first Kate tossed about. rest
less with the heat, but at length her
regular breathing showed that she,
slept; and Mollie's book dropped I'M
needed, as she sat watching the har-
vest lightning flashing across the
darkening sky.
She was thinking Of Reggie, who
had been obliged to rejoin his regiment
in Ireland months ago, without say
ing goodby to her, though he had
brought Joyce up to Chalfont to call
for that purpose. Madame had never
mentioned this. She only heard It
from Joyce later, when 1t seemed too
late to be angry, though she was very
sorry.
She had missed him dreadfully. Rev
erton was not the same place some
how when there was no chance during
their walks and drives of seeing his
tall, upright figure swinging along, but
he used to send all sorts of messages
through Joyce. He would come back,
and, meantime, she devoted herself to
Kate, who daily grew happier and
more childlike. Mrs. Anstruther and
Joyce did their best for her: but
madame cut her off from every one,
and lately they had been away, which
was a great matter of regret, for it
was something to feel their friendly
presence near, though she was free to
wander in the woods and fields with
Kate in their absence.
The scent of cigar. chairs being
dragged along the Families below, and
voices, made her lean further out of
the window. Madame and Henri were
evidently sitting there! How clearly
their voices were borne upwards in
the still air-little they guessed how
plainly! Mollie would have moved
away, feeling that she ought not to
listen had she not caught few words;
then she leaned forward with all her
might.
"Kate's money cannot be touched. I
have got all l can-every farthing. l
literally do not know where to turn for
a penny" And madame's voice sound
ed harsh and weary. You must
marry the girl; her fortune will last
you for time. can do nothing more
yet"
Bah! Marry the grill" He mimick-
ed her angrily. 1T is easy to say, but
she will not have me. Truly, me mere,
/ have a respect for her more than l
have felt for any woman before. When
look into those beautiful eyes of hers,
so young, so frank, l want her as l
have wanted no one else. Were she
my wife could trust her absolutely;
would even try to be good hus-
band"
You love her!" madame said jeal-
ously.
There, now, you will upbraid me
for thati" he sneered. But she will
never have me, she adores that An
struther; they love in English fashion.
You may give up all hopes of bend
ing la belle Mol-lee to our will unless
you can get her away from Reverton.
Come to Paris"
II cannot. You know by your
uncle's will / am obliged to live at
Chalfont with Kate. Oh. If I could
only get away from the place-get
away" And her voice rose with
strange trembling intensity that was
almost wall.
There. do not begin that" he NUT
tered. with callous impotence. ITO
continue from where we started. l
must have money! You have large
sums for both girls"
"You have had most Of It." she re-
torted. ''As also that large sum
through your uncle's check"
Hush! we need not speak of that
You have been ever the best of moth
ers. as also the handsomest,"
An, Henri, my son, you are my all!
she said. In softened voice. "All /
want Is your love, and now you would
care more for this girl. Now. listen.
you must marry her. for in that way
| can assure your fortune. True. her
fortune is not so large as Kate's. but
did anything happen to the child she
would have all. Kate is very delicate.
Any one C. n see that. And It would
surprise NO ne II. after your marriage,
she did not we long"
There was moments silence The
listener above started and clenched her
hands. A match was struck. Henri
was evidently lighting fresh cigar.
Then his high voice said lightly:
"Ah, ma belle mere. you are clever!
That is certainly to be considered. l
had thought of it also!"