Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-03-12
CHAPTER XIV.
The Bow of Orange Ribbon.

Katherine sat down and remained
still as a carven image, thinking over
what had been told her. There had
slant talk of Lady Suffolk had panied
her, and when she had been a little
jealous of the apparent familiarity
which existed in their relations with
each other; but Hyde had laughed at
her fears, and she had taken a pride
in putting his word above all her sus-
picions.
1t was also a part of Katherines
just and upright disposition to make
allowances for the life by which her
husband was surrounded. Hyde had
told her that there were necessary
events in his daily experience of
which it was better for her to be
ignorant. they belong to it, as my
uniform does" he said; they are a
part of it's appearance, but they never
you a moments wrong, Katherine"
This explanation it had been the duty
both of love and of wisdom to accept;
and she had done SO with a faith
which asked for no conviction beyond
it.
And now she was practically told
that for years he had been the lover of
another woman; that her own exist
ence was doubted or denied; that, If it
were admitted, it was with a supposi-
ton that affected both her own good
name and the rights of her child. Hyde
was the probable representative of an
ancient noble English family, and it's
influence was great; if he really wish
ed to annul their marriage, perhaps
it was in his power to do so.
She was no craven, and she faced
the position in all it's cruel bearings.
She asked herself if-even for the
sake of her little Joris, she would re-
main a wife on sufferance, or by the
tie of rights which she would have
to legally enforce; and then she lifted
the candle and passed softly into his
room to look at him. She slipped down
upon her knees by the sleeping boy,
and out of the terror and sorrow of
her soul spoke to the Fatherhood in
heaven. The boy suddenly awoke; he
flung his arms about her neck, he laid
his face close to hers and said:
"Oh. mother, beautiful mother,
thought my father was here!"
You have been dreaming, darling
Joris."
Yes; am sorry have been dream
ing. l thought my father was here
my good father, that loves us so
much"
Then, with happy face, Katherine
with kisses sent him smiling into
droamland again. In those few tender
from her heart. 81 will not believe
what a bad man says against my hus-
band-against my dear one who is
not here to defend himself Lies, lies!
l will make the denial for him"
And she kept within the comfort of
this spirit, even though Hyde's usual
letter was three days behind it's usual
time On the fourth day her trust had
| it's reward. She found then that the
delay had been caused by the neces.
sary charge and care Of ceremonies
which Lady Capel's death forced upon
her husband. She had almost a senti
ment of gratitude to her, although she
was yet ignorant of her bequest OF
eight thousand pounds. For Hyde had
resolved to wait until the reading oil
t1e will made it certain, and then tc
resign his commission and carry the
double good news to Katherine him
self. Henceforward, they were to be
together. So this purpose, though un
expressed, gave a joyous ring to his
letter; it was lover-like in it's fond
ress and hopefulness, and Katherine
thought of Lady Suffolk and her ennis
sary with a contemptuous indiffer
ence.
ward" was upon every face.
Alas! these are the unguarded hour
which sorrow surprises! But n
thought of trouble, and no fear of il
had Katherine, as she stood before he
mirror one afternoon. She was watch
ing Lettuce arrange the double fold
of her gray taffeta gown, when Their
came a knock at her chamber door.
Here be a strange gentleman, mi
dam, to see you; from London, h
: do say
, A startled look came into Kathe
ines face; she asked no question, BIT
went down stairs. Soon she cam
hack slowly, with letter in her han'
2 She was white, even to her lips. Full
2 ten minutes elapsed ere she gathere
l strength sufficient to break its wei
i known seal, and take in the full meal
ing of words so full of agony to he
e 1T is midnight, beloved Katherin
d and in six hours | may be dead. LoI
d Paget spoke Of my cousin to me
such terms as leaves but one way Of
" OF the affront. | pray you, If yC
l. can, to pardon me. You shall ado
" with my last breath. Kate, my Kat
e forgive me. If this comes to you
l. strange hands, / shall be dead
e dying. Kiss my son for me and tai
a. my last hope and thought"
10 These words she read, then wrul
y her hands and moaned like creatu
ut that had been wounded to death. Q
ty the shame! Oh, the wrong and 81
h row! How could she bear it? WIN
IL should she do? Capt. Lennox, W
had brought the letter, was waltz
ne for her decision. If she would go
i her husband, then he could rest a
OF return to London at his leisure.
hit not, Hyde wanted his will, to add
Ill codicil regarding the eight thousa