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

The Bow Of Orange Ribbon.
Katherine sat down and remained
still as a carven image, thinking over
what had been told her. There had
been time when her husbands con-
slant talk of Lady Suffolk had panied
her, and when she had been a little
jealous CT 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 part of Katherine's
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 1t, as my
uniform does" he said; they are a
part of its appearance, but they never
touch my feelings, and they never do
you a moments wrong, Katherine"
Inns OAPlaLdtiOh IL Hou DCGu tHc uulJ
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 1t
were admitted, it was with a SUPPOSE
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 its
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 its 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
dreamland again. In those few tender
moments all her fears slipped away
from her heart. 81 will not believe
what bad man says against my hus-
band-against my dear one who Is
not here to defend himself. Lies, lies!
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 its usual
time. On the fourth day her trust had
its reward. She found then that the
delay had been caused by the neces-
sary charge and care OF ceremonies
which Lady Capels 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 of
the will made 1t certain, and then to
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 its fond
ness 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 hours
which sorrow surprises! But no
thought of trouble, and no fear of it.
had Katherine, as she stood before her
mirror one afternoon. She was watch
ing Lettice arrange the double folds
of her gray taffeta gown, when there
came knock at her chamber door.
Here be a strange gentleman, ma
dam, to see you; from London, he
do say"
A startled look came into Rather
ines face; she asked no question, but
went down stairs. Soon she came
back slowly, with letter in her hand.
She was white, even to her lips. Fully
ten minutes elapsed ere she gathered
strength sufficient to break its we'll
known seal, and take in the full mean
ing of words so full of agony to her.
1T is midnight, beloved Katherine,
and in six hours | may be dead. Lord
Paget spoke Of my cousin to me in
such terms as leaves but one way out
OF the affront. | pray you, if you
can, to pardon me. You | shall adore
with my last breath. Kate, my Kate,
forgive me. If this comes to you by
strange hands, l shall be dead or
dying. Mss my son Tor me and take
my last hope and thought"
These words she read, then wrung
her hands and moaned like creature
that had been wounded to death. Oh.
the shame! Oh. the wrong and sor-
row! How could she bear It? What
should she do? Capt Lennox, who
had brought the letter, was waiting
for her decision. If she would go to
Der husband, then he could rest and
return to London at his leisure. II
not, Hyde wanted his will, to add a
codicil regarding the eight thousand