Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1901-01-17
CHAPTER XI,

Phebe paused, overcome by sad
memories. Gladys, unnerved by all
that had passed, was crying, but not as
the wholly desolate weep; she no
longer strove to prevent her old friend
from speaking.
Your mothers sorrows had left
their mark on you, Mr.. Harvey; you
were a sad little tot, with mournful
eyes and atimorous manner. You ran
to my dear young lady, attracted by
her sweet voice, and hid your face in
her gown, and when we left they had
to drag you away; We heard. your
screams as the carriage drove off, and
Miss Gladys sobbed all the way home.
After that, the idea of your growing
up among strangers, with no one to
love you--just considered for the
money you brought, mayhap-was ter
rible to her. We must take you far
away to corner in the west, where
none would know us, and you'd be safe
from your father. begged her on my
knees not to spoil her life; but she
coaxed and argued and cried till she
got the better Of me, and we left New
York unhindered, her having no rela-
tions.
"She put on widows mourning, to
make her look older and prevent ex-
plantations, and took your grandmoth-
er's family name. Your mother had
given it you for a first name; It was
easy to change it round,
Rockville was only a village then;
people hadn't taken to coming here
for their healths, and what are now
streets were farms. 1t was Just the
place to be lost in. and until Mrs.
Leonard's doctor sent here here last
year, nobody but the family lawyer
Mrs. Leonard is his daughter-knew
what had become of the pretty Miss
Stirling. How much she has been to
you. Mr.. Harvey. you well know. She
was only eighteen when she left New
York, light-hearted girl. Now she's
turned thirty-six. with great sorrow
on her Of your brewing. She'll get
over it, for she's young yet. But
you've made a strange return to her
for wasted years!'
Not word was spoken by either
OF the other three. Helen stole over
to her husband and timidly laid her
hand on his shoulder. All self-conf-
dence was gone from her bearing; she
seemed cowed and beaten; and for the
first time her loving touch was I'M
needed. Phebe looked at her frown-
ingly.
"Ay, comfort him If you can; he'll
have need Of It," she said in a hard
tone. IF he comes to ruin he may
thank you; but for your avarice and
meddling he'd have had good bit
OF money--a hundred thousand dol
lars, no less. He'll never have 1t now.
Perhaps he'll not reproach you just
yet for his loss, since he helped you
out with the deviltry you called your
duty. But he'll know It's to you he
owes 1.-THE wasn't full grown when
you took him in hand, and easily led
and the thought will grow and grow
until one day he'll despise you In his
heart, and turn from the love that
dragged him down."
az ~ thaI udy udu COuc, f1tItu
moved nearer to her husband. the rich
color ebbing even from her lips.
Gladys half rose.
BE merciful, Phebe." she gently re-
monstrated. you are too hard. Go
now, dear old friend; enough has been
said"
Mute Ing still, Phebe numbered
away, furtively wiping her eyes; under
her bris' Ing exterior beat a warm
heart. and. despite her anger. she felt
for Harry In his hour of darkness.
AS the door closed behind her he raised
his head. revealing a white, wild face.
Il must speak to my-my aunt
alone. Helen" he said hoarsely. Leave
us together"
Ito be Continued