The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-04-08
. ? y ~ y 4
CHAPTER Nv.

.-ino the palace OF the hlHS at LAMP
Court. Here probably awaited a
'On nother with her children, and
%sancos doubted the cordiality of the
annroaching reception. The ever in
laosino fear of her father, a sentiment
taI+ nv nearly all those who encounter
- him mingled with hatred, usually.
+beir part, but with growing affec-
tion on hers, prevented the putting Of
80 question whether or no Lady STRAIT
t.rd was now in London. Their jour-
anv together had been silent since he
noesed the exposition of the difficulties
which surrounded him, a man whom
oil England regarded as being para
mount in the kingdom, yet in reality
baf1ed and almost at bay.
looking back over the day now
drawn TO its close, she marveled at her
avn courage in approaching him as she
had done. light heartedly and confident.
Uare her task to be re-enacted her
mind misgave her that she would not
nossess the temerity to carry it through,
with her new knowledge Of the man.
vet if STAFFORD were hated In the three
kingdoms, he seemed to be well liked
IN that little despotism. his home,
whore servants clustered round, for
each of whom he had a kind word.
Whether they knew Of his coming or
not the house was prepared for his
IN, fires blazing, and a table
,pread in the room to which he con-
: lucted 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
at the newcomer he had brought, ''haye
you aught of woman's trappings that
will tit my daughter here?"
i ur daughter, my lord?"
"leS, and as you will be consumed
BY curiosity until you know how it
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 doubt not you
will, but postpone inquiry beg of you
until tomorrow. Meanwhile robe her
as best you may with the materials at
hand, and that quickly, for wish her
company at supper
Frances was then spirited away to
the apartment assigned to her, and
when presently she reappeared she
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
-aem. ;.
= tomorrow, if l remember Alright
what you said, is your birthday"
Yes, my lord"
Is it difficult for you to say 'fatherY
My other children pronounce the word
chilly enough. When you and l first
not backward in speech"
Sir, | find myself more afraid of
you than was at the beginning"
STAFFORD smiled, but answered: 81
assure you there is no need. l may
oe an implacable enemy, but l have
Tue reputation of being as Stanch
friend So tomorrow is your birthday,
suuened by the fact that it is also the
ua'e OF your mothers death. That is
q lOSS Tor which a man in my onerous
position cannot even partially atone,
Ou' II Is loss which you perhaps have
uOl Aeenly felt. 1t seems heartlesS to
speak thus, but the fact remains that
We cannot deeply deplore the depar-
sure Oh what we have never enjoyed.
que thing | can covenant-that you
NH"li not hereafter know the lack Of
.u'ney' which is something to promise
Ill city of shops"
have never known the lack Of it.
ny lord"
IT. nave you indeed been so fortunate?
ten' there again you bear a resem-
0l0ice TO your father Sir John was
sputed comfortably off in the old days.
Du INFER he harbored his wealth,
s W. difficult task in times gone
80 are you, then, his heir?"
one OF two, my lord"
M. al yes. | had momentarily forgot
81. 4 Tue brother who favors his grand
uer rather than his sire. am like
m NC oVerbusy tomorrow to attend the
sn a,t OF either mercer or goldsmith.
nv Il l did should not know what to
rh 'euaSe that would please you. Buy
ron catches your fancy and f1atter
am iather by naming it his gift. l
tor, very tired and shall not rise early
No V,ro"' Do not wait breakfast for
50 uood night. daughter"
uOod night, father"
Fan; -Oush he had said the last con-
Stool 'u ID words of the day, he still
bo y nere as if loath to retire; then
ma; tOOped and kissed her on the lips,
50 r,.s ner black hayward, curly hair.
fraado Ills own in texture, color and
ba, m from restraint. and patting
~yn nncuonately on the shoulder.
Z this -, VIII not be afraid of me from
ESIpdaa,n e forward, child?" he asked.
sT Frances, 1 grow supersdtious
strappo o'ne older, and l look on your