Washington State journal and Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1906-1907, 1907-09-18
CHAPTER X.

morning, Sheila Fraser ordered her horse
doomed her habit, and, without waiting
for breakfast or groom, left home in no,
haste for Craiglands She wanted to be
FIRST at an interview with the duchess.
Much depended on how she acted now.
eff l can just drop few hints, and so
prejudice her against that girl. not ali
Mrs. Fraser's sweetness, or her daugh-
aer's artfulness, will have much avail. q ]
am a rich woman! l never felt 30 glad
of my money before" r.
She had diverged little from the or
binary route to Craiglands, because there
was better road by SO doing, and as
Ghe trotted along fleetly, she suddenly
came upon dog cart, in which was seat
ed Beverley Rochfort. looking wonderful
ey handsome in his fur-lined coat.
Miss Fraser, this is an unexpected
pleasure" he said, as he lifted his hat
@nd motioned the groom to take the reins.
you are out early"
IL am going to Craiglands, to make In
Quiries," she said CURLY.
Beverley only smiled, but she saw at
ssnce that he attached good deal of
meaning to this hasty ride. He got
down from the cart.
''Sriye up and down until am ready,
Jones," he commanded as he walked up
TO Sheiia's horse and stroked the smooth
neck. us there, then, so much cause
Nor anxiety? he asked. "Are you nerv-
aus about Lord John, Miss Fraser?"
Shela pursed her lips. She resented
his manner, and she did not quite under
stand 1t, either.
s~I feel that 1t would be altogether a
pheasant and a wise arrangement II you
and called ourselves friends" Beverley
said, after a slight pause. I'VE have 90
snuch in common"
II don't think I understand you"
9heiia was startled into saying.
II must try and explain myself clear
". know the reason of your hurried
visit to Craiglands. 1t is not sympathy
chat 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
ny right. You see, although I do not
credit you with any great amount Of
sympathy, I have plenty myself. Be-
Meve me, am quite sincere. Just now"
beverley went on, II said I thought it
would he not only pleasant, but wise
ching for you and I to become friends.
Unlon Is strength, you know, Miss Fra
ser: good old MAXIM"
"Don't you think you had better leave
~onundrums alone, and speak out
straight, Mr.. Rochfort?"
Il 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
nlike-we would sacrifice much to gain
eur ends; would we not?"
Sheila's cold gray eyes flashed a. she
nodded her head.
"You hate the girl; hate him! You
are determined that John Glendurwood
shall make you his wife; am as equal
Hy determined shall make her mine. Ar
rived SO far, the rest should be easy"
Sheila drew sharp breath. She loath-
.sed him for his shrewdness in having read
her mind 80 clearly, but his words had
brought new aspect altogether.
at is for you to suggest" she said,
speaking swiftly and in low tones. "As
you said just now, union Is strength,
sand So" %
$50 you agree to be friends, chi" Bev-
vriey smiled.
. He had never had the smallest fear of
1Ailing. He had not watched Sheila so
carefully these past days for nothing. He
SAald out his hand as he spoke and Sheila
nut hers into it.
"Have you/any plans7" she asked, alb
suptly. She was no longer so eager to
- gone. One glimpse at this mans smil-
ding, handsome, evil face told her that he
~ould do all he wished. Even in the
amidst Of the satisfaction that came with
a rush, she could not repress q feeling
~f jealousy and envy that he should love
Audrey and be Indifferent to her, Sheiia.
IL will tell you more when I return
from London. My journey there Is not
wholly unconnected with this matter.
And now, think must say 'Au revoir.
4 sincerely trust you will find Lord John
not 80 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
eeing up her reins, she rode on. She
gave a sort of shudder as she went, and
ohe memory OF BeverIey's dark, glitterins
eyes fingered with her. She felt, some
now, 80 powerless when she was will
aim.
Sheila always felt a thrill at her heart
as she rode or drove up to Craiglands
Now as she passed up the avenue ant
drew rein at the covered doorway, a mar
with powdered hair and grave face cam,
forward to meet her.
'"Her grace's love, miss, and she beg
Yuu will excuse her this morning; sht
does not feel equal to leaving his lord
chips room. She begs, also, to thank you
miss, for having taken the trouble tt
ride over and make inquiries"
"Does DR.. Sentance think there ID an,
danger?" she asked, and there was gen
zine anxiety In her voice.
"Dr. Sentance considers his lordshlp'
condition very serious" replied the ser
cant.
Sheila rode back to Dinglewood eros
and anxious. She met DR.. Sentance com
ing down the avenue, and stopped. to CUES
6ion him.
"The poor fellow has not recovere,
consciousness yet," the medical man an
swered. II have telegraphed up for Raw
cor and Locksley Miss Fraser Il