The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-04-08
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kind to whom can speak freely. as
| did to you in the carriage. My daugh-
tiers II my other daughters - are too
young. My Lady STAFFORD takes much
interest In her garden and dislikes
this London house and this London
town, for which small blame is TO he
imputed to her. In you mans cour-
age Is added to woman's wit, and
who knows but my daughter may
prove the reinforcement / lacked in
my battling fight with the unseen?'
Il hope l shall not disappoint you,
sir, though 1 am but country maid.
with some distrust Of this great city
and it's court"
"City and court are things we get
speedily accustomed to. Well, again
good night, sweetheart, and sleep
soundly. see those fine eyes are al
ready heavy with slumber''
But sleep came not so quickly as he
surmised to the eyes he had compli-
mented. The day had been too full of
rapid change and tense excitement.
The strange transformation of the
present, and the dim. troubled vista of
the future which opened out to her,
cherished thought and discouraged
slumber. Was it possible that she was
thus to be transplanted, was to stand
by the side Of the greatest man in Eng
land, his acknowledged daughter, his
welcome aid? God grant she might
not fail him if he had real need of her.
And so she planned the days to come
She would be as subtle as the craftiest..
She would cover all dislikes as the
cloak had covered her, and her lips
should smile though her heart revolted.
Her tongue must measure what it said.
and all rural bluntness should disap-
pear.
She slipped from these meditations in
to hazy, bewildering conflict; her ia
Their, somehow. was in danger that
she could not fathom, she lacking pow
er to get to him, restrained by invisible
bonds, not knowing where he was, al
though he called to her. Then it seem
ed there was a turmoil in the street,
a cry for help, a groan and silence,
about the room and had drawn cur
tains that let in. gray, misty day
light.
us my father yet risenY she cried.
"Oh, good lack, no, your ladyship,
aor will he for hours to come"
The girls head fell back on her pill.
COW, and she said dreamily, 81 thought
there had been trouble of some sort
and men fighting"
Indeed. your ladyship, and so there
was, rioting going on all the night.
I think the citizens of London are gone
when decent folk should be in their
beds. Ills said that this new parlia
ment is the cause. but how or why l
do not know
: Although the Earl of STAFFORD did
not quit his chamber until noontide.
be was undoubtedly concerned with af-
fairs that demanded attention from the
greatest minister of state. There were
constant trimmings to and fro, mes
sengers dispatched and ENJOYS receiv-
ed, with the heavy knocker Of the door
constantly a-rap. 1t was two hours
after midday when STAFFORD sent for
his daughter and she followed his mes
senger to the library, where she found
her father in his chair beside table,
although he was equipped for going
forth from the house. There had been
seated before him De COurcy, but the
young man rose as she entered and
greeted her with one Of his down reach
ing bows which set her a-quake lest he
should fall forward on his face.
"My child" said the earl, Il am
about to set out for parliament, and it
may be late before I return. Yet l
think you shall sup with me at II all
goes we'll and debate becomes not too
strenuous, but do not wait in case l
should be detained. l counsel you not
to leave the house today, for there
seem to be many brawlers on the
streets. Any shopman will be pleased
to wait upon you and bring samples OF
his wares, so send a servant for those
YOU wish to consult. My friend De
Courcy, here, begs the favor of some
converse with you and speaks with my
approval"
STAFFORD looked keenly at the girl
and her heart thrilled as she read the
unspoken message with quick 1ntui-
ton. He had some use for De Courcy.
and she must be suave and diplomatic
Thus already she was her fathers ANY,
an outpost in his vast concerns now
committed to her. The young man saw
nothing of this, for he had eyes only
for the girl. The broad rim OF his
feathered hat was at his Sinking lips,
and his gaze of admiration was as I'M
mistakable as it was intent.
"Sir, 1 shall obey you in all things
and hope to win your commentator
said Frances, with an inclination OF
the head.
"You are sure of the latter In any
case. nv child" replied STAFFORD, ms
ing. "And now. De Courcy, tnlnk
we understand each other, and may