Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-12-22

Mrs. Jersey smiled still more gra-
clously and sailed away to send Mr..
Harmer to the cards. But she wondered
inwardly why Miss Bull had given way
80 suddenly. There was some reason
for II, as Miss Bull never did anything
without n reason. But Mrs. Jersey kept
her own counsel and still continued to
smile. She had quite made mp her
mind how to act.
Ladies' and gentlemen" she said,
standing in the middle of the drawing
room, eve must dispense tonight at 10.
have some business to attend to. so
request you will all retire at that hour.
In the meantime Miss Bull has kindly
consented to tell your fortunes
Madame then retired to her throne
and saw that the servants arranged
the tray properly. she had gigantic
chair, which was jokingly called her
throne, and here she received stran-
gers in quite n majestic way. Mrs.
Jersey was not bad looking. She had a
fresh colorcd face. bright black eyes
and plenty of white hair like spun silk.
Her figure was stout. but she yet re
tanned a certain comclincss which
showed that she must have Been a
handsome woman in her youth. Her
manners were motherly, but she show
ed stern face toward Margery and
did not treat the girl so kindly as she
might have done As n rule she had
great self command. but sometimes
gave way to paroXySms of passion
which were really terrifying. But Mar
gerry alone had been witness OF these,
and Mrs Jersey passed for n dear. gen
tie old lady
\ moment later Train entered. and
after him came a tall young man, fair
haired and stalwart. He was hand
some. but seemed to he i'll at ease and
pulled his yellow mustache ncrvously
as Train led him to the throne.
This is my friend said Leonard,
presenting linn. He just managed to
get here, for the fog is so Thick
Here lie was interrupted. Madame"
cried Mrs Talne. what is the mat
ter? MIR. Harmer, the water-wine-
quick"
There was need of it. Mrs Jersey
had fallen back on the throne with
white face and twitching lips. She
appeared as though about to faint, but,
restraining herself with a powerful eff
fort, she waved her hand to intimate
that she needed nothing. At the same
time her eyes We're fastened not so
much on the face of the stranger as on
piece of yellow holly he wore in his
IL frs
Jersey. This Is only one OF my turns
am glad to see you. MIR"
"Brendon' said the stranger, who
eecmcd astonishcd Mt this reception.
George Brcndon." interpolatcd
Train, who was alive with curiosity.
"I1aye You seen him before, madame"
Mrs Jersey laughed artiticially.
"Ccrtanly not she replied calmly.
"nnd yours Is not face l should for
get, Mr. Brendon.'
She uttered the name with certain
amount of hesitation, az though she
was not sure it was the right one.
George nodded.
"NIy name is Brendon." hesaid, rather
unnecessarily, and Mrs. Jersey nodded
IN her most gracious manner.
Il bid you welcome. sir. Any friend
of Mr. Trains is also my friend. If
there is anything 10 amuse you here"
She waved her hand. 1--WE are simple
people-fortune telling. n little music
and the company Of my guests Mrs.
Taine, Mr.. Harmor" She introduced
them, but every now and then her
eyes were on the yellow holly. Bren-
don remarked it.
you are noticing my flower, Mrs.
Jersey" he said. 1t is rather rare"
Most extraordinary, replied Mrs.
Jersey coolly. u have seen holly with
red berries before but this yellow"
"There was great bush Oft In my
fathers garden said Mr. Harmer,
''but have not seen any for years
perhaps you would Ike it, Mrs Jer
Soy said Brendon, taking it from his
coat
Size hastily waved her hand. NO
no, am too old for flowers. Keep it.
AIr Rrcndon. 1t suits better with
your YOUTH" she looked at his face
keonly. u have seen a face like yours
before
Brcnd0n laughed. II am Of com
monplace type, l fear" he said.
NO; not 50 very common. Fair hair
ana dark eyes do not usually 90 to-
eethcr Perhaps l have met your
futlcrf'
Perhaps" replied George phleg-
matically.
"Or your mother persisted Mrs
Jersey.
81 dare say" Then he turned the
conversation what a delightful old
house you hive here"
Mrs. Jersey bit her llp on finding her
Inquiries thus bahlcd, but. taking her
cue expanded on the subject of the
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