Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1903-08-20

Mrs. Maxwell declined absolutely 70 be
present at Wlntred's wedding. As she
was utterly indifferent now to the favor
or disfavor Of her relations, she did not
trouble 10 make any excuse, but content
ed herself with saying she did not feel
inclined TO be one Of the party.
II always disllked the girl, and thought
her lntrlguante," she wrote TO her moth
er. at would be perfect farce for me
10 be present at her marriage. have
not the least sympathy with her success,
although | admit she has played her
cards we'll"
The wedding was none the less happy
or magnificent for Mrs. Maxwell's abb
sence; everyone pronounced II very
splendid affair; and this time the sympa-
thies OF all were enlisted for the bride
and bridegroom were both young and
handsome and happy. Sir Howard gave
Winifred away. and her husband receiv-
ed her with infinite gladness and tender
ness. All the farmers and villagers came
round to see Miss Eyre, that they had
known from child" married.
At HaEell Court there were great fes-
tlvities: dinners for all the tenants. and
games and fireworks in the evening. and
a real military band from London.
Captain le Marchant was best man, OF
course; Ada Fordyce chief bridesmaid.
and Lord Harold Erskine was able to be
present without suffering any pangs of
jealousy. He was TO be married himself
In a months time. Madame de Monto-
lieu had actually been persuaded to be
present at the wedding.
"When we come back you will always
live with us. dear madame" Winifred
had said.
"NOt yet. my love-" the old lady an
swered. young people are best by them
selves at first. | shall ask Lady Grace
to keep me little longer; and then, II In
six months or years time you care to
have me, shall rejoice to come to you"
The spring had come round again, and
Mr.. and Mrs. Hastings were at HAZEL
Court. Mrs. Clayton was staying with
them. She was herself again now-not
80 bright and sparkling, perhaps, as in
the old days, but very sweet and good.
She and Winifred were sitting together
In the green morning room as the twilight
was coming on.
II think the old Court Is decidedly i'm
proved by the presence of q Mistress"
said Mrs. Clayton presently. II always
thought II charming It Is perfect" !"
Winifred laughed a short, happy laugh.
4 lt,,l, Ia
to me the place ought to have much
grander mistress than l. Fancy girl
brought up to simple country lie com
ing to such state and grandeur! | feel
as IL ought to be like Lady Burleigh,
and. instead of making myself so thor
oughly ut home, to pine away and die"
cit is a good thing Enrol Is not here
to hear you, or he would be very angry
at your saying such foolish things. II
ever anyone was born with a thorough
appreciation Of the pomps and vanities Of
the world, it Is you, think. 1t makes
me laugh when remember how you used
to preach to me about love in a cottage,
and marrying the man you loved IL he
had not shilling"
"And so would have married Enrol II
he had been as poor as"
"Be thankful ma belle, that your love
was not put to such terrible test"
There was silence for a few moments,
and then Mrs. Clayton spoke again, with
voice that betrayed some agitation:
"Winifred. did you ever know how
much cared for Col. d'AguilarT
II knew he cared great deal for you,
Fee"
"And you thought because I could not
make up my mind to share poverty with
him, that did not love himT
"Nay, Fee, would not say that"
"Wel then," cried Mrs. Clayton, i'm
petuously, II tell you loved him both
before and after married Francis Clay
ton--better after, perhaps, than before.
| may as we'll confess the whole; I am
not afraid of your repeating 1t. When /
was so miserable we met again iE Lon
don, and 1t seemed my only comfort to
get his sympathy for my trouble. AT
last we parted, with the intention of not
meeting again. have never seen or heard
of him since. can CUES why he keeps
away"
"You think he does not like to seek
you because you are rich as we'll as
free?" Winifred suggested.
Mrs. Clayton bent her head.
"And | want you to do something for
me, she said, after pause.
ITO ask him here, darllng?" said Wini-
fred, gently.
"Yes," answered Fee, simply.
"Errol shall write to him at once. l
know he likes him. suppose he is in
EnglandY