Washington State journal and Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1906-1907, 1907-08-14
CHAPTER III,

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her sharp way, and Audrey, standing
modestly in the background, looked in
admiration and surprise at the neat, we'll
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 - white. her
cheeks so rosy warm In cotor; 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
some one said he was really hurt. Now,
I wish I had not been SO Quixotic. l
really don't quite know what shall do"
Miss Fraser tapped her smell foot with
her whip impatiently, and then frowned.
The wind had blown the veil over Au-
drey's face again, but she could see
through 1t 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. II very nearly forgot" she
said. turning to Miss Fraser. your new
maid has arrived. This Is She"
Sheila Fraser looked careiessly at the
Alender form in its black cloak and all.
3 "Oh" she said shortly; size paused a
moment, and then addressing Audrey,
'"you had better 60 up to Dirglewood at
once; ask Bircham: she will tell you
what your duties are, and-er-what IL
your nameT'
"NIaxse-Audrey Maxse," Mrs. Thorn
gate replied. quickly.
"Well-er-Maxse. you must alter
your dress. That funeral CLOAK and veil
are simply absurd. Please see to that at
once"
Miss Fraser bent from her saddle to
ask one or two questions conhcentially of
the wears wife, and then her face flushed,
and she uttered an exclamation of pleas
ure.
"Here he IL, after all |" Is q horse
man came feetly toward them.
Jack Glendurwood pulled up with q
Jerk.
"Halloo, Sheila, you hsre3 Why,
thought you would have bcen at Sher-
wood Downs, at least, by this time.
He was thoroughly well cleansed Of
all mud, and looked a. speck and span al
Miss Fraser herself, as be removed hi,
hat and greeted Mrs. Thorngate.
"Heard you had a sropper. and. a
your mother was anxious, rode back
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 IL to tear down
to Welland! The hounds went through
there q few minutes ago, l heard;
thought I might catch them up here, but
a. 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 eyei
never went toward the gate where Audrey
stood, shrinking back shyly, In her blacl
garments. A few more words exchanged
and the two young people rode of, and
Mrs. Thorngate came up to Audrey.
"Well, how do you like your young
mistress looks2" she asked, kindly.
Audrey paused for q moment, then In q
numb sort Of way she answered:
She ID very pretty, tnnk.
miss Erase ID the ACKNOWLEDGED beau
~ of these parts-she IL an beiress. Din.
glewood Is q lovely place. hope yor
will get on well with her, ny dear, and
be happy In your new home"
Miss Fraser came home very tired
about o'clock, and found Bircham, hel
first maid, carefully instructing the new
conner In the various duties expected o.
her. Audrey. mindful Of her mistress
commands, had put on her only othel
gown, q thick gray one Of rough material
with neat collar and cuffs, aud . black
eibbed .pron. Her hair was brushe,
straight Of her face. and rolled In hug,
knot at the back Of her exquis;tely shape,
head. She was pale. but her eyes wsr'
shining with admiration and surprise an,
some szeitsmsnt Never. In ksS wildss