Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-04-21
CHAPTER XVII

WHicA sne nau sailed having landed at
! New York, and numerous preparations
in honor of her arrival were in progress
at Cedar Grove, where she was evidently
regarded as a person of consequence
The best chamber in the house was ap-
propriated for her use; Mr.. Delafield him
self taking much interest in the arrange
ment of its furniture, and bringing over
each morning fresh bouquets of flowers.
which. in costly vases, adorned the
| apartment. Every one seemed anxious
and expectant. save Jessie and Halbelt.
the former of whom did not wish her to
come. as she took up so much of Uncle
Dicks time, while the latter openly
avowed his dislike, saying he wished
she'd stay in Europe always.
! As for myself, though there was no
| particular reason why | should do so, |
dreaded her arrival. and when at last
word came to the school room that she
was in the parlor, and the children must
come down to see her, stole out into the
garden, in order that | might put off the
| interview with her as long as possible
knew / must meet her at the supper Ia
ble and so after a time | went up to my
room to dress. DOMINIC a plain white
muslin, which 1 had often been told be-
came me better than aught else | could
wear. Before my toilet was finished.
little Jessie came in and insisted upon
owning among my curls few simple
buds, which, she said, looked mighty
nice" adding, as she stepped back pace
or two t. witness the effect. Il think you
are a heap prettier than Ada; but Uncle
Dick don't, cause l asked him, and he
said, OF course Ada was the handsom-
est Hal says how he's her beau. and
| reckon he is, for he kissed her like
fury"
He kisses everybody, doesn't hep" 1
asked; and she replied:
Mighty nigh everybody but you. /
never seen him kiss you; and when /
| asked him why, he said you wouldn't LEI
him--won't your"
1T wouldn't be proper" l said. smil-
ing down upon the little fairy, who, pois-
ed on one foot, was whirling in circles,
and then locking up into my face with
her soft, dreamy eyes.
At that moment the supper bell rang,
and bounding away, she left me alone.
For full FIVE minutes | waited, trying to
summon sufficient courage to go down,
and at last Gliding myself for my weak
ness, | started for the dining room. My
footsteps were light, as they evidently
were not aware of my approach. for
they were talking of me. and as l reach
ed the door, | heard Jessie, who was
giving Ada a description of her teacher.
say: why, she's the properesr person in
the world, for she won't even let Uncle
Dick kiss her"
Ada joined in the general laugh; and
at the same time lifting her large languiI
eyes, she saw me, and started slightly,
/ fancied as she recognized me. She
had changed since l saw her last, and
her face now wore a weary, jaded look,
while the dark circle beneath her cyelids
told of late hours and heated rooms
Miss Lee-Miss Montrose." said Mrs.
Lansing. and the proud Ada bowed
haughtily to the humble governess who.
with heightened color, took her accus-
toned seat at the table.
you have seen each other before, l
believe" said Mr.. Delafield, looking curl
in such surprise. exclaimed, Seen each
other! Where. prayY
| waited for Ada to answer. and after
staring at me moment, she replied,
quite indifferently, Miss Lees face does
met her once or twice in Boston and
this was all she said, if | except glance,
half entreating, which she threw at me
from beneath her long, dropping lashes.
This glance / did not, then understand,
but l now know it to have been prompt
ed by a dread lest should tell of her en-
gagement with Herbert Langley, and
thus betray her to Mr.. Delafeld to
whom, it seems, she had positively de-
died the whole, solemnly assuring him
that there had never been between them
anything more serious than a mere
friendly acquaintance.
IF / only knew she would never tell"
said Ada to herself that night; "but she
will, accidentally if not Intentionally.
Low-bred people like her are always
bold. and as she becomes better acquaint
ed with me, she may possibly say some
thing to me about Herbert in the pres
ence of Mr. Delafield who will question
her, perhaps. and thus learn the whole.
So I'll be prepared. She's nothing but
a poor governess. and my word will be
preferred TO hers, provided l first give
her the character of deceiver."
CTo be continued.'