Morris tribune., 1904-09-10

fering the palace of the king at Hamp-
ton Court. Here probably awaited a
stepmother with her children, and
Frances doubted the cordially of the
approaching reception. The ever in
creasing fear of her father, sentiment
felt by nearly all those who encounter
ed him. mingled with hatred, usually
on their part. but with growing affec-
ton on hers, prevented the putting Of
the question whether or no Lady STRAIT
ford was now in London. Their jour-
ney together had been silent since he
ceased the exposition Of the difficulties
which surrounded him, a man whom
all England regarded as being para
mount in the kingdom, yet in reality
baff1ed and almost at bay.
Looking back over the day now
drawn to it's close, she marveled at her
Swn courage in approaching him as she
had done light heartedly and confident
Were her task to be re-enacted her
lnind misgave her that she would not
POSSESS the temerity to carry it through,
with her new knowledge of the man.
S"t if STAFFORD were hated in the three
..1;tIoms, lie seemed to be well liked
in that little despotism, his home,
where servants clustered round, for
eac:: of whom he had kind word.
Whether they knew of his coming or
not. the house was prepared for his
reception, fires bla Eing, and a table
spread in the room to which he con-
Quoted his daughter Outside the night
was cold and damp and the inward
warmth struck gratefully upon the
senses of the travellers.
"Mrs. Jarrett" said the earl to his
hOusekeeper, who looked with wonder
Rt the newcomer he had brought, shave
you aught of womans trappings tina:
will fit my daughter here?"
Your daughter, my lord"
''Yes, and rs you will be consumed
comes so, will add that she is newly
found, having lived till now with her
grandfather in the north, and is the
child of my second wife, Frances War
burton, married by me some seventeen
years since. Any further particulars
my daughter herself will supply, if you
question shrewdly, as l doubt not you
will, but postpone inquiry beg of you
until tomorrow. Meanwhile robe her
as best you may with the materials at
aland, and that quickly, for 1 wish her
company at supper
Frances was then spirited away to
the apartment assigned to her, and
81, civ
was costumed more to her fathers lik-
ing than had hitherto been the case
They sat down together to the meal
that had hastily been prepared for
them.
Tomorrow, if l remember Alright |
what you said, is your birthday"
Eyes, my lord"
SIS it difficult for you to say father?
My other children pronounce the word |
glibly enough. When you and l first
met, and even since then, you seemed !
not backward in speech"
.'Sir, find myself more afraid of
you than was at the beginning"
! STAFFORD smiled, but answered: II I
assure you there Is no need; | may
'be an implacable enemy, but I have
the reputation Of being as stanch a
friend. So tomorrow is your birthday,
saddened by the fact that It is also the
date of your mothers death. That Is
q loss for which man in my onerous
position cannot even partially atone.
but it is loss which you perhaps have
not keenly felt. 1t seems heartless to
speak thus, but the fact remains that
we cannot deeply deplore the depar-
tHre Of what We have never enjoyed.
One thing can coVenant-that you
shall not hereafter know the lack Of
money, which is something to promise
In city of shops"
Il have never known the lack of it,
ny lord" -'r'''"' 7t'' . IT. :'ssg: aa"'''
"Have you indeed been 50 fortunate?
Well. there again you bear a resem-
blance to your father. Sir John was
reputed comfortably off in the old days,
and infer he harbored his wealth,
somewhat difficult task in times gone
by. Are you. then, his heir?'
"One of two, my lord"
"Ah, yes. l had momentarily forgot
ten the brother who favors his grand
father rather than his sire. am like
to be overbusy tomorrow to attend the
mart of either mercer or goldsmith,
and if did should not know what to
purchase that would please you. Buy
what catches your fancy and flatter !,
your father by naming it his gift
am very tired and shall not rise early
Bomorrow. Do not wait breakfast for
me. Good night, daughter"
"Good night, father"
Although he had said the last con-
EentionaI words of the day, he still
stood there as if loath to retire; then
he stopped and kissed her on the lips,
ruf1ing her black hayward, curly hair,
DO like his own in texture, color and
freedom from restraint, and patting
her affectionately on the shoulder.
~You will not be afraid Of me from
ibis time forward, child?' he asked.