Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-02-21
CHAPTER XVIII.

The sight of the man took Audrey back
to the past. At once the memory of a
horrible few moments returned to her
mind. She saw again the cold, cheerless
eoppice, the wavy, empty trees and was
struggling to escape from the insulting
presence of the valet Downs. What was
this man doing on board the Mona?
Audrey was not sorry when she could
retire to her cabin; she felt tired and
dreary; if it had not been for Mrs. Hun
gerford and Willie Fullerton she would
have been wretched all the evening. Bev-
erley had made no effort at conversation
with her, for which she was glad. To
her joy, when she went below she found
telegram from Jack waiting for her,
brought across from the shore. The sum-
mer moon was high in the heavens when
the rest of the party sought their berths.
Good night, Mr.. Fullerton; good
night, Mr.. Rochfort." cried Sheila, as she
descended the stairs, leaving the two men
on deck. Beverley sauntered away and
Downs followed him. Willie Fullerton,
left alone gazed after him curie usly.
IF that chap is not an out and out
scoundrel I'll eat my hat" he reflected.
If Willie Fullerton could have heard
the whispered conversation that passed
hurriedly between master and man he
wonld have considerably augmented his
belief The interview was brief, but
when they separated they seemed to have
arrived at good conclusion.
Tomorrow night. when 1 give the
signal; and. remember. let there be no
mistaken was Beverley's last word.
Never fear!" returned Downs, savage
ly III make no mistake ~ and with
that he walked swiftly away.
Audrey woke very early the next morn
ing with a start. The sun was just ris-
ing; she went to the port and gazed
out How pretty and picturesque it was !!
She longed for Jack to be there to share
her pleasure.
Never mind, there will be letter this
morning" she conSoled herself.
This comforted her, and then she was
given his letter. The CHEEKY, tender, fond
words consoled her beyond all descrip-
ton, and when she came to the postscript
she felt her heart beat lightly again.
Il am delighted to hear that Willie
Fullerton is on board; | am sure you
will like him." Jack wrote. He is quite
the incest young man of my acquaint-
ance. Tell him for me that expect him
TO do me good turn and look well after
my dear, sweet little wife. He will make
an excellent cavalier. and be delighted be-
yond measure to attend so lovely a lady.
Look for me at the end of the week. Till
then. and always, your devoted husband.
JACK"
She confded to her new friend the
message her Jack had sent, and was
greatly pleased at Willie's delight.
And now / hope you will begin to
look upon me as friend. Lady John
| am sure you will if Glendurwood does, y
he said eagerly.
Sheila was almost gleeful over this
"flrtation," as she Insisted on calling it.
Il always knew she was a bold thing,
she declared TO Beverley in an aisle ;
but l never thought she was so bad as
this. She is carrying on most shame
fully with Willie Fullerton"
There was a strained expression in
Beverley's smile. He. too, was watch
ing the boy and girl away at the far end
| of the deck.
And she will not even speak one word
to me!' he thought to himself. the hot
| tide of jealousy running like fire in his
| veins.
The day progressed. The dance was