Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-09-01
CHAPTER XIII.
RETURNING HOME

In less than fortnight Lady Bysshe
acknowledged that Sasari had not over
rated the cleyerness of Doctor Zoffani.
for a gradual change for the better
became perceptible in Edith; SO that
in month she had regained her former.
spirits. the color had returned to her
face and the languor which had weigh
ed her down had almost disappeared.
She began to hope she might he able
to return TO England by December, for
she had never spent Christmas away
from home, ana there We're many asso-
Citations connected with the hall at this
season of the year that were dear To
her heart.
Lady Bysshe feared to return lest the
changed climate at this time of the year
would injufe Edith, but when Zoffani
was consulted he assured her the girl
might go back with safety.
A few afternoons later and the train
In which she sat steamed into Victoria
station. AS 1T slowly passed along the
platform, her watchful eyes caught
sight of a familiar face, and in another
moment she was almost lifted bodily
out of the carriage by the strong arms
that were clasped round her, while Il
face bent down to hers and kissed her
openly as if nobody dared to defy his
right.
"Ah Geoffrey." Lady Bysshe ex-
claimed as he next helped her to
alight. so you got the telegram sent
from Dover. fear you have had to
walt for we are twenty minutes late.
A bad crossing. oh, when I think of
It,.
What does waiting matter, so long
as you are here" he answered, with
a joyous ring in his voice, for he felt
l ll,I. \, rte, as. as boy. Next mo-
ling, how we'll you look"
II am we'll, and so glad to be back -
Glad to see me?'
YES, to see and be near you dear"
Their hands met and were clasped.
Among the noisy bustinR crowd
around them, none were so happy as
they
A few minutes after they had reached
their hotel dinner was on the table,
The soup seemed deliciously appetizing
to- those who had eaten nothing since
morning, glass of sherry further re-
vived them; with the fish came u
sense of contentment.
Lady Bysshe and Edith were full of
Italy and spoke glowingly of the charm
of the country, the courtesy of the peo-
pie.
I'VE will spend our honeymoon
there" said the barrister.
The girl flushed with pleasure.
They described DIR. Zoffani in his
brown gaberdine, his little skull cap,
his Jewish face and piercing eyes, and
his belief that he would some day dis
cover the secret of making gold.
1T all savors of the lnountebank,"
remarked the barrister.
"That is unlsind," said Edith reprov-
ingly. why should he pretend; why
should he pose? He only frightens
people away who would otherwise con-
suit him. And, besides, he has cured
me, and I am very fond of him."
and SO am I, because he has cured
you." Godfrey told her, and was re-
warded with a sunny smile.
He was going to spend Christmas
with his mother, an invalid, who lived
in Westmoreland. She had already
written letters to Edith. which revealed
a gentle and affectionate nature, de-
votion to her son and only child that
repaid with profound gratitude all who
appreciated and loved him.
II feel as If I knew her already
Edith told him.
II am longing for you to see her."
Il must soon. very soon." the girl
said eagerly.
But l hope you will come to us for
the new year." Lady Bysshe suggested
1T will be very pleasant IL you can
manage It,"
Nothing will make me happier"
Perhaps Edith has not told you that
she was born on the first of January
She came as a New Years gift. Her
second name is Theodore, the gift OF
God.
"she is Gods best gift to me-" Geof-
frey replied feryently.
On her return home. she and her aunt
were met at the Balwash station by
Max.
1t was this first time Edith Ind seen
him since the morning he had attempt
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