The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-07-07
Cooyrisbf. 1905. By
Frederiek n. ykokes C

I
| mented. The day had been too full Of
The strange transformation of the
present, and the dim, troubled vista of
the future which opened out to her.
cherished thought and discoura ged
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 buntness should disap-
pear.
She slipped from these meditations in
to a haZy, bewildering conflict; her IA
ther, somehow, was in a danger that
she could not fathOm, she lacking pow
err 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,
cry for help, grOan and silence,
and next Mrs. Jarrett was moving
about the room and had drawn cur
tains that let in gray, misty day
light.
'Is my father yet risen?" she cried.
ooh, good lack, no, your ladyship,
nor will he for hours to come"
The girls head fell back on her pill.
low, and she said dreamily, Il thought
there had been trouble of some sort
and men fighting
Indeed, your ladyship, and so there
was, rioting going on all the night
think the citizens of London are gone
mad, brawling in the street at hours
when decent folk should be in their
beds. It's said that this new paria-
ment is the cause, but how or why
do not know"
Although the Earl of STAFFORD did
not quit bis chamber until noontide,
he was undoubtedly concerned with af
fairs that demanded attention from the
creates 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, ard 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
10 nd
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, 81 am
about to set out for parliament and it
may be late before | return. Yet l
think you shall sup with me at if all
goes well and debate becomes not too
strenuous, but do not wait in case l
should be detained. 1 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
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 intui-
ton. He had some use for De Courcy,
and she must be suave and diplomatic.
Thus already she was her fathers ally,
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 smirking lips,
and his gaze of admiration was as I'M
miStakable as it was intent.
"Sir, l shall obey you in all things
and hope to win your commentator"
said Frances, with an inclination of
the head.
case my child'' replied STAFFORD, ris-
ing. And now, De Courcy, l think
we understand each other, and l may
rely upon you"
"To the death, my lord" cried the
young man, with another of his courtly
genufiections.
"Oh, let us hope it will not be neces-
y
good day. Tomorrow at this hour 1
shall look for a report from you. For
the moment, goodby, my daughter"
No sooner was the earl quit of the
room and the door closed behind him
than De Courcy, with an impetuous
movement that startled the girl, flung
himself at her feet. Her first impulse
was to step quickly back, but she
checked it and stood her ground.
"Oh, divine Frances he cried, chow
impatiently have waited for this rapt
moment when 1 might declare to you
Sir, 1 beg of you to rise. IT'S not
seemly you should demean yourself
thus"
"'Tis seemly that the whole world
should grovel at your feet. my lady of
the free forest, for all who look upon
you must love you, and for me, who
have not the cold heart of this north
ern people, I adore you, and do here
avow it,
You take me at disadvantage, sir.
I have never been spoken to thus. l
am but child and unaccustomed; on
~ sixteen this very day. ask you
to-
Most beauteous nymph, How many