The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1907-05-04
CHAPTER x.

for breakfast or groom, left home In not
haste for Craiglands. She wanted to be
arst at an interview with the duchess.
Much depended on how she acted now.
IF l can just drop few hints, ana so
prejudice her against that girl, not all
Mrs. Frasers sweetness, or her daugh-
ter's artfulness, will have much avail. l
am a rich woman! l never felt 80 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
ed Beverley Rochfort, looking wonderful
" handsome in his fur-lined coat.
Miss Fraser. this is an unexpected
pleasure" he said, as he lifted MS nat
and motioned the groom to take the relns'
"You are out early"
II am going to Craiglands, to make In
Quiries," she said CURLY.
Beverley only smiled, but she saw at
once that he attached good deal OF
meaning to this hasty ride. He got
down from the cart.
Drive I'D and down until l am ready,
Jones'" he commanded, as he walked up
to Sheila's horse and stroked the smooth
neck. us there, then, so much cause
Tor 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 it, either.
Il feel that 1t would be altogether
pleasant and a wise arrangement II you
and l called ourselves friends" Beverley
said, after slight pause. I'VE have 80
much in common"
II don't think I understand you," "
eheila was startled into saying.
II must try and explain myself clear
". 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, think you are perfect
ly right You see. although I do not
credit you with any great amount of
sympathy, l have plenty myself. Be-
lieve me, / am quite sincere. Just now"
Beverley went on, II said 1 thought it
would be not only pleasant, but wise
thing for you and l to become friends.
Union is strength, you know, Miss Fra
ser; good old maxim"
Don't you think you had better leave
conundrums alone, and speak out
straight, MIR. Rochfort?"
II WILL" he answered, quietly. "Sheila,
we are both persons of determination and
ambition. My ambition takes one form,
yours another; but on one point we are
alike-we would sacrifice much to gain
our ends; would we not2"
Sheila's cold gray eyes flashed as she
nodded her head.
"You hate the girl; hate himl You
are determined that John Glendurwood
shall make you his wife; am as equal
" determined 1 shall make her mine. Ar
rived SO far, the rest should be easy"
Sheila drew sharp breath. She loath-
cd 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, eh?" 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
put hers into it.
"Have you any plans?" she asked, alb
ruptiy. She was no longer 80 eager to
be gone. One glimpse at this mans smil-
Ing, handsome, evil face told her that he
would do all he wished. Even in the
midst of the satisfaction that came with
rush, she could not repress q feeling
Of jealousy and envy that he should love
Audrey and be Indifferent to her, Sheila.
Il will tell you more when l return
from London. My journey there Is not
wholly unconnected with this matter.
And now, l think l must say 'Au revoir.
sincerely trust you will find Lord John
not so bad as rumor reports. Garry my
sympathy and regards to her new grace
she is a 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
rs 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 bees
you will excuse her this morning: she
does not feel equal to leaving his lord
ship's room. She begs, also, to thank Won.
miss. for having taken the trouble to
ride over and make inquiries"
docs DR.. Sentance think there ia snv
danger? she asked, and there was gen.
uine anxiety In her voice.
"Dr. Sentance considers his lordsb;n,.
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 ones.
ton him.
The poor fellow has not recovered
consciousness yet" the medical man an
swered. II have telegraphed up for Raw.
son and Locksley. Miss Fraser. It Is
hCrrihlo doctor1Jr .a.: :,