Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1907-08-23


dragging a poor, sick, suffering creature
out a,cold night like this, and all for her
selhshness It's heartless, that's what
l call i'll
Bircham made no reply, although she
overheard this speech; but Audrey felt
her heart beating with sympathy, too.
How fragile and i'll Mrs Fraser looked
Surely Miss Fraser could not have known
how weak she was
Now, keep up the fire, and you may
go to sleep. if you like" Bircham said.
'See that Miss Sheila's slippers are
warm, and everything out that she wants.
They'll ring the bell when they come.
but l don't expect they'll be home till
quite morning.
Aubrey glanced at the clock and sighed
YEARLY she sat down timidly on one of
the richly covered chairs, and dictated to
herself that she must not and should not
go to sleep. Needless to say, before half
an hour had gone, soothed by he warmth,
the luxurious cushions at her back, and
lulled by the silvery ticking OF the clock,
She was fast asleep, dreaming of Jean.
All al once she was awakened, a bell
went pealing through the silent house.
She started from her cozy nook and rub
bed her eyes. Nearly half past twelve
They were home early. She stood at at
tentIon, ana went to open rhe door for
little confusion, and then Audrey heard a
frank, determined voice.
II tell yea I'm going to carry you up
stairs l will not leave you till 1 see
you safe in your roem."
There was Some murmured protest, and
then Audrey perceived Jack Glendur-
weed, coming along as easily as posi-
bic, carrying Mrs. Fraser's slight form
in his arms. He saw the gil In an in
slant
(which is the room7" he asked, quick
10 read and appreciate the sympathy in
her great blue eyes.
She led the way and opened the door.
Marshall was dozing by Tn fire
What Is it?" she cried, starting up
hurriedy; then, as she graspcd the sit
uation, "Ah, Miss Constance, l knew
how II would be; you weren't fit for 1t,
my lamb Bring her here, my lord. I'm
right thankful to you for carrying her
up; she's as weak as an infant, that's
what she is"
Don't believe her, Jack" said Con-
stance Fraser in her sweet, feeble voice.
She was lying back In a great wide
chair, looking ineIpressibly beautiful,
though as white as a ghost, in her long,
black velvet dress, with the rich Valen-
eiennes lace about the neck.
Jack Glendurwood folded his arms and
looked down at her gravely.
Promise to go to bed at once" he
said. II shall not leave Until 1 hear
you are at rest"
AT restT A faint, bitter smile flick
cred across the pale lips, aad then Mrs.
Fraser stretched out her hand. Good
night, my friend. Heaven blsss you and
thank you for your loving oere of me.
IL am not worth 1t, Jack, dear: am
net worth It."
For answer he bent down and kissed
the white hand, and then Mrs. Fraser
caught sight of Audrey standing behind.
ut was no dreaml 1t was no myth
Como to me, child All, do not be fright
ened; will not harm you. will only
kiss You, and gaze into your face"
Jack Glendurwood had turned with a
start, and made way for Audrey to pass
him. She move slowly across to that
black-robed form and knelt down. She
was not frightened, only awed and
strangely stirred.
Lift up your eyes. Ah!' as Audrey
obeyed her. Child Child! Who are
you? What are you, with your face that
comes up from the past?" She bent for
ward and touched the girls brow with
her lips; she chung to the girls hands
nd har -
released her hold, and her head dropped
on her breast.
Take her away, my lord !" cried Mar
shall, bending over her mistress. "She
has got something on her mind She has
don, nothing but talk of this child's face
all day. It's only weakness. fear. Poor
Nil Constance !"
Gene" said Jack to Audrey, very
gently.
AS one In a dream she rose to her feet
and followed him out of the room, and
then, when she was outside. she burst
into food Of irrepressble, rerv GUS tears,
leaning against the wall. .>aesiess of any
one or anything but the strange, wild tu-
mul. and pain in her breast. Jack stood
by in silence, but as her so5s died away
he put his hand gently on her shoulder.
Poor child Poor little child !" Then,
as she lifted her tear-stained, eloquent
loneliness to his face, he lrew both her
hands in his. Don't cry, child !" he
said. quickly, II hate to see you cry.
You seem very lonely; you are strange
here. Come shall we strike a bargain ?
You let me help you yesterday, you must
let me help you again. Shall we be
friends?"
Friends. my lord?" she faltered. you
and l Oh, 1t cannot be am only
a servant, a charity girl, AMI you"
"Are henceforth the friend of that char
ity girl" was his answer, and with that
he bent and kissed her hands as he had
L. Ii. IL