The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1907-09-20
CHAPTER K.

n carly AS pOSSlplc LILO AolOWinf
morning, Sheila Fraser ordered her horse.
denned her habit, and, without waiting
for breakfast or groom, left home In hot
haste for Craiglands. She wanted to be
6rst at an interview with the duchess.
Much depended on how she acted now.
IF can just drop few hints, and %
prejudice her against that girl, not all
Mrs. Fraser's sweetness, or her daugh-
tsr's artfulness. will have much avail. |
am a. rich womanl never felt % glad
Of my money before"
She had diverged little from the or
binary route to Craiglands, because there
was better road by so doing, and as
she trotted along feetly, she suddenly
came upon dog cart, in which was seat
cd Beverley Rochfort, looking wonderful
" handsome in his fur-lined coat.
Miss Fraser, this is an unexpected
pleasure" he said, as he lifted his hat
and motioned the groom to take the reins.
"You are out early"
Il am going to Craiglands, to make in
luiries," she said CURLY.
Beverley only smiled, but she saw at
once that he attached a good deal Of
meaning to this hasty ride. He got
down from the cart.
"Drive up and down until am ready,
Jones'" he commanded, as he walked up
to Sheila's horse and stroked the smooth
neck rs there, then, SO much cause
for anxiety" he asked. Are you nerv-
GUS about Lord John, Miss Fraser"
Sheila pursed her lips. She resented
his manner, and she did not quite under
stand 1t, either.
II feel that it would be altogether a
pleasant and wise arrangement II you
and / called ourselves friends" Beverley
said, after slight pause. I'VE have SO
much in common"
II don't think I understand you"
Eheila was startled into saying.
II must try and explain myself clear
~ l know the reason Of your hurried
visit to Craiglands. 1t is not sympathy
that takes you there, but something more
akin to self-interest. Oh do not be
angry, there is no occasion, for, my very
dear young lady, l think you are perfect
ly right. You see, although l do not
credit you with any great amount Of
sympathy II have plenty myself. Be
lieve me, am quite sincere. Just now"
Beverley went on, II said thought It
would be not only pleasant, but wise
Thing for you and to become friends.
Onion Is strength, you know, Miss Fra
ser; good old MAXIM"
"Don't you think you had better leave
conundrums alone, and speak out
straight, Mr.. Rochfort?"
II will" he answered, quietly. "Sheila,
We are both persons of determination and
ambition. Ny ambition takes one form,
yours another; bit on one point we are
alike-we would sacrifice much to gain
our ends; would we notT
Sheila's cold gray eyes flashed - she
nodded her head.
"You hate the girl; hate himl You
are determined that John Glendurwood
shall make you his wife; am as equal
rived so far, the rest should be easy"
Sheila drew a sharp breath. She loath-
ed him for his shrewdness in having read
her mind so clearly, but his words had
brought new aspect altogether.
ut is for you to suggest" she said,
speaking swiftly and In low tones. "As
you said just now, union Is strength,
and So"
$50 you agree to be friends, eh3" Bev-
srley smiled.
He had never had the smallest fear of
failing. He had not watched Sheila so
carefully these past days for nothing. He
held out his hand as he spoke and Sheila
pu. hers into it.
'Have you any plans" she asked, alb
ruptly. She was no longer SO eager to
kn eli -
Ing. handsome, evil face told her that he
would do MI he wished. Even in the
midst of the satisfaction that came with
rush, she could not repress a feeling
Of jealousy and envy that he should love
Audrey and be Indifferent to her, Sheila.
II will tell you more when l return
from London. My journey there Is not
wholly unconnected with this matter.
And now, think l must say An revoir.
! sincerely trust you will find Lord John
not 80 bad as rumor reports. Garry my
sympathy and regards to her new grace
abe is charming woman, and will make
IN altogether excellent mother-in-law."
Sheila smiled mechanically, and gath
ering up her reins, she rode on. She
gave sort of shudder as she went, and
the memory of Beverley's dark, glittering
eyes fingered with her. She felt, some
how, SO powerless when she was with
him.
Sheila always felt thrill at her heart
as she rode or drove up to Craiglands.
Now as she passed up the avenue and
drew rein at the covered doorway, a man
with powdered hair and grave face came
forward to meet her.
"Her grace's love, miss, and she begs
you will excuse her this morning; she
does not feel equal to leaving his lord
ihip's room. She begs, also, to thank you,
miss, for having taken the troubls to
ride over and make inquiries"
Does DR.. Sentance think there d any
danger" she asked, and there was gen
uine anxiety In her voice. SD
"Dr. Sentance considers his lordship's
condition very serious" replied the ser
want
Sheila rode back to Dinglewood cross
and anxious. She met DR.. Sentance com
ing down the avenue, and stopped to ques.
uon him.
THE poor fellow has not recovered
consciousness yet" the medical man an
swered. II have telegraphed up for Raw
son and Locksiey. Miss Fraser, It ID
horrible, dastardly affair, and for the
life of me 1 can't understand 1t. Lord
l.