The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1903-03-20
CHAPTER n.-(Continued.)

fOOr l1ttie MIS-. BOuverle, having
given up. all idea of attending the
chrysanthemum party at Lady Barry's
is considerably surprised when, at
about 8 O'Clock, her son dashes into
the drawing room with speed and ex-
claims:
"The dogcart will be round in five
minutes Jump into your bonnet,
mother mine, and We'll trot over to
Barrystown."
Mrs. Bouverie stands up, with look
of pleasure and qualification on her
sweet old face. Any little attention
from George touches her heart.
How good of you, my dear boy, to
think of me! So sweet of you, George!"
she says, reaching upon tiptoe to kiss
his brown cheek, pride and love in her
eyes.
George had refused to so to the
party at Barrystown. He had made an
excuse. and his mother thinks, that,
seeing her disappointment, he has re-
GREETED his decision and changed his
mind.
But are you sure, dear, you don't
mind?" she asks, her sweet eyes on his
face. ut is good of you to give up
your afternoon to take the old woman
out"
"Of course, l like going!' George re-
plies, half shame-facedly. "Trot off,
mother. and put on your toggery; I've
got to change. too"
Twenty minutes later a very spruce
and well-groomed young man, with a
little tiny old lady with bonnet with
violets in it sitting perched beside him,
spins down the avenue and out of the
gates of the Grange at a pace little
short of terrific Mrs. Bouverie is
frightened. but has every confidence in
her son as whip.
He is very fresh, dear, isn't he?"
she ventures to ask, as the chestnut
performs various frantic evolutions.
Your aren't frightened, little moth
er, are you?' George says. I'VE must
hurry along, you know, for we've a
good bit to go; but there's nothing to
be afraid Of"
The chestnut is rare good goer,
and steadies to his work presently; but
1t is dark when they reach Barrys-
town.
SO good of you to come so far dear
Mrs. Bouverie,' Lady Barry says, in a
iigh-pitched, harsh voice; land you
lave brought your son. How very de-
'ightful. l know it is hard to get
young men to do anything but hunt"
The rooms are full. George Bou-
verie's golden head rises out of the
crowd. How handsome he looks. Mrs.
Saville. seated on sofa amidst beyy
of friends. remarks witheringly that it
is pity poor dear Mrs. Bouverie has
such bad. unprincipled son.
He is breaking his mothers heart"
she adds, lowering her voice. Poor
thing. she told me herself that she
has never known happiness since he
took to gambling. His father, you
Know" And here she lowered her
voice still more, and shakes her head
till the osprey in her headgear shakes
like a field of barley when the wind
passes over it.
1t won't be Mrs. Saville's fault if
George Bouverie's failings are not
magniied into crimes.
George is looking for Barbara. Per-
maps she is in the tearoom, and thither
he wends his way; and then to the
conservatory, which is off the drawing
room, and lit with lamps to display
the beauty of blossoms there.
Yes, Barbara is there, and Sebastian
is at her side. Barbara's cheeks are
flushed, and her eyes are sparkling
with anger. Sebastian looks moved,
too, out of his usual cynical calm.
Barbara's face as George appears is a
and the mans heart throbs,
You have come" the girl says soft
~ turning her back on her cousin and
looking up from beneath the brim of
black velvet picture hat trimmed with
ostrich tips. Il thought you weren't
coming
''Sebestian's face is white, and his
eyes CLEAN. How dare Barbara treat
him like that?
will you come back to my mother
now?" he says pointedly to her. "You
have seen all the chrysanthemums."
Il am going to show them to Mr..
Bouverie,' Barbara says, with smile
that after all is forced. "If you are
tired of them, Sebastian, Mr.. Bou-
verie will take care of me-"
Without a word Sebastian Saville
walks off, and then all Barbara's care
aess, easy manner vanishes; her lips
tremble, and if the lashes hide her
eyes it is because she is striving to
conceal the tears.
He was cruel to me-" she falters.
@'George, l am afraid of him"
They are alone, and he takes both
her hands in his in close clasp.
Let us announce our engagement,
Barbara, and give me the right to
champion you"
Not yet" she whispers. I'VE must
wait, George, till I hear from father"
But that will be weeks and weeks,
Barbara, he urges. "How am I. to
wait and see Sebastian Saville .perse-
cutting you?" 'z
"A faint smile curves her lips. ut