Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-12-27
CHAPTER LII

II uletls
CHAPTER III.
Sheila Fraser explained everything in
her sharp way, and Audrey, standing
modestly in the background, looked in
admiration and surprise at the neat, well
turned figure sitting easily in the saddle,
at the small, oval face under the straight
hat brim, and the coil of red gold hair
at the nape of the neck.
How pretty this Miss Fraser was! Her
teeth were so even and Sd white. her
cheeks so rosy warm in color; only her
eyes seemed cold and hard. They moved
about quickly, and to Audrey were just
like sharp needles.
II rode back to inquire after Lord
John at his mothers request, because
SOM one said he was really hurt. Now,
| wish l had not been so Guixotic. l
really don't quite know what | shall do"
Miss Fraser tapped her smell foot with
her whip impatiently, and then frowned.
rh wind had blown the veil over Au-
drey's face again, but she could see
through it easily, and she did not like
that frown, it made the eyes more sharp
and cruel than before.
II suppose it is no use asking you to
have some luncheon with me- Mrs. Thorn
gate said, and then, all at once, she re-
membered Audrey, and uttered an ex-
clamation. Il very nearly forgot" she
said. turning to Miss Fraser, your new
maid has arrived. This is She"
Sheila Fraser looked carelessly at the
slender form in its black cloak and all.
"Oh!" she said shortly she paused a
moment. and then addressing Audrey,
you had better go up to Dinglewood at
once: ask BRIGHAM she will tell you
what your duties are, and-r-what is
your Manner"
"Maxse-Audrey Maxse," Mrs. Thorn
gate replied, quickly.
"Well-er-Maxse, you must alter
your dress. That funeral c!oaf and veil
are simply absurd. Please see to that at
once"
Miss Fraser bent from her saddle to
ask one or two questions conil6entially of
the wears wife, and then her face flushed,
ard she uttered an exclamation of pleas
ure.
Here he is, after all !" IS a horse
man came fieetly toward them.
Jack Glendurwood pulled up with a
Jerk.
'Halloo, Sheila. you here? Why,
thought you would have been at Sher-
wood Downs, at least, by this time"
He was thoroughly well c'eansed of
ali mud. and looked as spcck and span as
Miss Fraser herself, as he removed his
hat and greeted Mrs. Thorngate.
Heard sou had a cropper. and, as
" -, Ill
TO see what was left of you Sheila re-
piled in a curt, somewhat masculine man
ner.
Poor mother" he said, lightly. well,
the best thing we can do is to tear down
to Welland! The hounds went through
there a few minutes ago, l heard
thought / might catch them up here, but
as they have not come this way, we are
pretty sure of tumbling in with them in
that direction"
He looked eager to be of, and his eyes
never went toward the gate where Audrey
stoed, shrinking back shyly, in her black
garments. 4 few more words exchanged
and the two young people rode off, and
Mrs. Thorngate came up 70 Audrey.
We'll. how do You like your young
mistress looks?" she asked. kindly.
Audrey paused for a moment. then in a
numb sort of way she answered
Ssh is very pretty. | think"
Miss Erase is the ACKNOWLEDGED beau
~ of these parts-she is an heiress. Din
glewood is a lovely place. I hope you
vii. get on well with her, r3y dear, and
be happy in your new home
Miss Fraser came home very tired
H.. a .E.l>,f- MI cN,-,l n:.,l,-. L.
first maid, carefully i~nStructiag the new.
conner in the various duties expected OF
her. Audrey. mindful of her mistress
commands, had put on her only other
gown. a thick gray one of rough material
with neat collar and cuffs, and a black
ribbed apron. Her hair was brushed
straight off her face. and rolled in a huge
knot at the back of her exIuisitely shaped
head. She was raIe, but her eyes were
shining with admiration and surprise ana
some excitement. Never, in Ter widest
dreams. had she ~conjured up so many
lovely things as were massed together in
Sheila Fraser'S apartments. with their
silken hangings, their dainty furniture
costly ornaments. and the hundred and
one appointments which finished every
corner.
1t is like fairyland," Audrey said
over and over again in her hew ilderment.
She hardly liked to tread on the Per
sian rugs and furs thrown on the floor,
and she held her breath as She stood be.
side the ivory toilet table. and gazed at
the brushes and array of bottles and 9th.
er ~knickknacks in old Dutch silver.
IF Jean could but see them :" was
her thought.
She was quite dazed with all the love
illness about her. and gave little cries OF
surprise and delight as BRIGHAM lighted
the pink-globed lamps and stirred the fire
into a blaze.
She felt it must be some delicious,
h~eaven-sent dream. and that presently
she shesi6 wake and find herself in her
cold, hard bed at the home, the bell
Changing the time to rise.
Sheila's arrival dispelled this feeling
and, as the young lady entered, she seem.
ed to bring a rush of cold air with her
that destroyed the illusion of fairyland
MY bath at once !" she ordered, sharp.
ly; and then, looking across st Audrey,
she added You must remember to have
+ always ready for me when I have beer