The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1902-05-16
CHAPTER II,

CHAPTER II.
It was a very brief letter, written
on the thickest and creamiest of note
paper, and barely covering the first
page. Few men, let us hope, could
have written in such terms to their
only child, especially to motherless
daughter.
Dear Beryl: I shall be married to-
morrow to Miss Maunders, and I hope
to return with my wife on May l. You
had better make up your mind to show
proper respect and obedience to your
stepmother, whose authority over you
will be complete"
cts cruel letter. Miss Berry," said
Mrs. Markham, as she put it back in
its envelope, "and may God forgive
your father for writing it; but, my
dear young lady. depend upon it, it's
that woman's work"
Beryl shivered.
Papa never cared for me-" she said
slowly. Mrs. Markham, have never
said word to any one, but I must
now or my heart will break. 1 can
never remember his kissing me, or
seeming fond Of me, even as a little
thing"
Maybe he wanted a son, Miss
Beryl; but he'd no right to visit his
disappointment on you. There'll be
great changes here, for there's not one
OF my servants will stay here and call
Miss MaunderS mistress"
and you will go, too?"
II wouldn't stay an hour after she
came home; but, as it happens, Miss
Beryl, I've not my choice. Mr.. Lin
don has sent me check for ESQ in
stead OF notice, as he says his wife
will prefer to be her own housekeeper.
I've saved money in the 10 years I've
been here, and don't think 1 shall
take another situation. If look
round, dare say can buy the lease
and good will of small lodging house
at the seaside reasonably, and that
will seem more independent"
Beryl put one thin hand appealingly
on the housekeepcr's plump arm.
Mrs. Markham, can't stay here,
I'd rather starve! You know what
that woman was before, when she was
only servant. What would she make
my life like when she is mistress?"
My dear, it's a sorry business.
Haven't you any relations you could
go to for a bit, anybody who wou.u
take your part, and just tell Mr.. Lin
don that before you came back he
must guarantee his new wife would
treat you properly?"
Beryl shook her head.
II don't think Z have a relation in
the world"
WELL" confessed Mrs. Markham.
1--WE been here 10 years, and I've
never heard your father mention
relation; but, you see, Miss Beryl,
there's the other side Your mother
must have had relations, and her
family would be the best people to
help you, because, naturally, they'd
resent your papa's marriage as much
as you do"
Mamma had no relations" said
Beryl. "I'll tell you how I know.
The last thing l can remember of her
was one day just before she died she
begged papa to be kind to me- She
said she had been an orphan, and
knew how sad it was"
But she might have had a brother
or sister" persisted Mrs Markham.
Miss Beryl, think quickly over your
past life, and try to see if there isn't
any one who'd be able to tell you"
But my past story is so short"
said Beryl ut doesn't want thinking
over. I know we lived abroad for a
year or two before my mother died.
Ny little sister went first, and mother
never got over her loss. I had a
nurse who was very good to me. She
could have told me all l want to
know; but papa sent her away directly
after my mothers funeral. I think
she went to America.
Then he took me to a family at
Brighton. Doctor Burgess and his
wife were not unkind to me; but they
had children of their own. and al
ways felt like the outsider. l know
l was quite glad to leave them and go
to school,"
"Brighton's not long journey"
said Mrs. Markham. "It might be
worth while to 60 and see them"
81 am sure they could tell me moth
ing. l stayed there till was 10, and
I know Mrs. Burgess told me one day
ought to be very fond of my father
because he was the only relation l
had in all the world. / think she
had known my mother just little.
They were both orphans. and brought
up in the same school-a kind of
charitable institution"
| Mrs. Markham felt in despair Of
finding any kindred for her young
lady.
! There's many would say it was your
duty to stay with your father and
make the best of things she went on
grayely; "but when know what that
| woman is | can't bear to think Of you
at her mercy"
| II / went away, could my father
force me to come back" asked Beryl
No. You are of an age when a CIR
4 may choose her own home; but IL you
leave him he can refuse to provide fol
I<yoa.'''
: Il. ~