Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1903-08-06
CHAPTER vi.

nave fair idea of torture, that they
know how to infict tortures that do
not occur to others; but for torture,
in what may be called its refined state
nothing can exceed the pain inflicted
by proud, disagreeable, jealous
women on those in their power. The
fortunes of the Indians are nothing to
1t. In the one case the body suffers;
in the other, heart, mind and soul
No words could tell what Florence
endured from the time the Harcourts
took possession of Weston Grange
until the old housekeeper's prophecies
were fulfilled, and the silver side OF
the cloud was turned to her.
Mrs Harcourt, on the day after her
conversation with Mr.. Treherne, sent
for the young girl to her room. She
had thought long and deeply over her
project, and 1t seemed to her a most
economical one. 1t would be a great
advantage to her daughters to have
some one who spoke French, and could
give Jane an idea of pronunciation in
singing her Italian songs; one who
could be used at the same time as a
maid, who would perhaps display ex-
cellent taste in dress, and give to her
daughters all the advantages OF a re-
fined and elegant taste. AS for cost.
she would take care the girl cost little
enough: there would be no need to
give her money, she could wear the
girls old dresses, and the food of one
person would make but little differ
ence In large household. The more
she thought of her plan, the more ex-
cellent 1t seemed. In a glow of good
humored virtue she rang the bell and
ordered the young girl to be sent to
her. Florence entered, pale and
trembling, expecting some harsh de
cision, some unkind words; to her
surprise Mrs. Harcourt received her
with smile.
Il have sent for YOU" she said,
that you may know what decision
Mr.. Harcourt and myself have arrived
at with regard to you. shall expect
your lifelong gratitude. Many people
in our position would at once have
sent you adrift. We do not intend
acting so harshly; we are willing that
you should find a good home with us.
We will feed you, clothe you, give
you all the advantages of a good home,
and in return we shall exact from you
certain services; they will, hope, be
cheerfully rendered"
The young girl muttered something.
but no expression of gratitude came
over her face.
''Do you not think. madam" she
said, quietly, that II would be better
perhaps for me to go out in the world
and work."
I do not think so. You would not
find IL so easy to find situation.
owing to the unfortunate nature of
your position; no one will take you as
governess to children We could not
answer any inquiries made as to your
character. and there would be insur.
mountable difficulties: there would be
the expense Of providing you with an
outfit; in fact, 1t Is not to be thought
of.
The beautiful face grew paler as
the lady went on.
While you live you can never be
thankful enough for this kindness
shown to you now. In return for It |
shall expect you always to speak
French with my daughters. to wait
upon them, to assist in making their
dresses, to dress their hair; in short,
to do all that they require: not much.
very hard work, considering what
a home you will have: and shall wish
you always to be cheerful and well.
behaved"
Again the murmured words that she
did not understand, but chose to inter.
pref as thanks.
Il am glad to see you grateful" she
said, with great condescension.
There is another thing | must men.
ton. The servants in the house are
accustomed to call you Miss Florence;
you must see that that is put stop to
at once; 1t places you on an equality
with my daughters, and that | could
not for one moment allow. You can
begin your duties at once by going to
Miss Harcourt's room and attending
to what she wants.
Il do not believe" thought the lady
to herself that she is one bit CRATE.
full. She looks like princess in dis.
guise; must take all that nonsense
out of her"
The whole household were informed
that 1t was madam's wish that the
young girl should be called Florence
and not miss. There were many re
marks made that would have sorely
displeased madam had she overheard
them. One impression gained ground
and that was that the new people
were not really gentle.people:" they
We're so different to the "princely
Beauchamps."
So you are to be our maidss said
Mabel. whea Florence timidly pre-
scented herself. Mamma must please
herself. OF course: but do not think
a ~