Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-02-28
CHAPTER Xxx.

CHAPTER Xxx.
This visit of Jeans was the crowning
point of Audrey's happiness. Jean loved
to watch them strolling together, arm in
arm, through the grounds. She was a
dreamer, and she transformed those two
into every hero and heroine of history or
romance. Day by day she found some
new trait to love and admire
AS for Jack, he cordially liked the
pale, intellectual-faced girl; she was by
nature thorough lady, and her mind
gave evidence of deep thought, that only
required culture to blossom into great
cleverness.
After they had been at Craiglands
fortnight there was a hustle and con-
fusion. Miss Fraser returned to Dingle-
wood House. She brought back with her
about half dozen guests, among whom
were Mrs. Fairfax and her daughter, the
Honorable Lancelot Twist, and Beverley
Rochfort. Lady Daleswater was to join
her in few days, and the earl also prom
ised the honor of his presence.
II suppose we shall be having a wed
ding at Dinglewood before long" decIar,
ed Jack, one morning at luncheon.
Audrey was silent for moment.
GLADYS will be at Dinglewood next
week. Must we ask them to dinner? 2"
she said at length.
Il really don't see why we should. If
Gladys wants to visit Mountberry she
ought to come and stay with us: she
knows that
But Sheila asked her first. and we
can't quarrel at her for accepting an in
vitation, can we, Jean?'
.'Why not ask Lady Daleswater to
come to Craiglands when her visit ends
at Dinglewood House?" Jean suggested.
timidly.
You may do as you like, Audrey, but
1 still maintain that Gladys should have
come to us first there, kiss me, darling.
| am going to ride over to Beighton on
business"
Audrey ran to the door with him, and
saw him mount and ride away.
"Now for our visiting, JEAN" she said,
and ordered out the barouche, and went
to dress herself for the occasion.
They called at a number of houses, at
Lady Grace Huntley's, at the Everests',
and many others, and ended by alighting
for a few minutes chat with Mrs. Thorn
gate, who was rather cold toward Audrey,
and then be driving to Dinglewood
House.
Audrey walked into the drawing room,
a slender, graceful form, in her dress of
dark green velvet, close-ftting jacket,
and small hat to match. Beverley Roch-
fort, as he rose to met the regal girl,
quickly determined that, beautiful as she
always was, she had never looked more
beautiful than now.
Mrs. Watson was knitting by the fire,
grim as a sentinel, and Mrs. Fairfax was
doing over a novel in the most comfort
able chair she could find.
"My niece is out, Lady john" intoned
Mrs. Watson, rising stiffly; "she is rid,
ing"
Yes; didn't you know that? How
strange ~ And Mrs. Fairfax laughed
softly and disagreeably to herself.
Il don't quite see where the strange
ness comes in," Beverley Rochfort re-
torted, cooHy, as he handed some tea to
Audrey and Jean.
Il merely meant it was strange that
your husband should not have told you he
was going to ride out with Sheila this
afternoon, but, no doubt, he did not think
it was necessary; after all, they are such
old friends. Lady John, there is no need
for you to be jealous"
"Of course, had your husband known
he was to have the pleasure of Miss
Fraser's company during his ride. Audrey.
he would have told YOU" Jean said. very
quietly, looking Mrs. Fairfax full in tSe
face with her honest, clear, gray eyes !;
Il expect it was hasty arrangement,
was 1t not, Mr.. Rochfort?"
Il think you must be right. Miss
Thwait," was his answer. He cared
nothing for Mrs. Fairfax's angry glances !:
he saw that he had made a great stride
in both Audrey's and Jean Thwait's esti-
nation. How are all your animals?"
he said, coming up to Audrey, and con-
versing in a soft, low voice.
Audrey, feeling grateful to him for
his delicate tact. responded more warmly
than she had ever addressed him before,
while Mrs. Fairfax fixed her eyeglass on
Jean, and tried to stare down the i'm
pertinent young person" who had dared
to cross words with her.
"Er-you are an old friend of Lady
Johns, | presume, Miss-er-Thwait? -
Yes" Jean answered, laconically.
You were educated together"
YES" Jean answered a second time.
$50 you are charity girl, too?" she
observed. slowly.
Pardon me. l was, but am no longer.
| Would you really care to hear all my fam
| lily history. madame? l assure you it is
|
But Mrs. Fairfax drew back her chair.
This low-born creature actually had the
efrontery to be laughing at her.
"I-er-really don't think will trou-
BILE you. Miss Thwait''
Well" declared Jean, as they drove
away, so those are the manners of the
aristocracy. are they? Give me plebeian
ways in future. What horrid woman.
Audrey. and did you see her face thick
with paint?"
''She is certainly very disagreeable to
me. Why should she have said that about
| Jack?'
| Because she is cat my dear child
| and she felt she must scratch
/ well. 1 was really most grateful to
Mr.. Rochfort. He came to the rescue
most CALAMITY"
Jean was silent so long that Audrey
at last laughingly inquired the reason.
81 was thinking about that man, Au
drey, you were quite right to fear him
he is dangerous. Mrs. Fairfax is vul
gar cat; her warfare won't harm you
but Beverley Rochfort is snake. and ht
will sting you when you least expect it
That is my humble but firm opinion.
may be wrong. but I don't think so. 81
warned my darling. trust to your first i'm
pulse and shun that mani"
| ITO be coEtinued.)