The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-03-28
CHAPTER VII.


that his visits were to Mrs. Fraser. and
not TO herself
Sne racked her brain to find the real
reason Was it jealousy of Beverley
Rocaiort. with whom she cei tainly had
firted, though very mildly, since he had
core on the scene; or was it caused by
the knowledge that, day after day
went by, the poor Marquis of lverne's
cor 6ition grew worse, and he, John Glen
durwood. would be to a certainty in the
deal mans place and heir to he dukedom
before many months had elapsed?
The thought of this approa hing event.
1t need hardly be said, whetted Sheila's
easeTness and intense desire to become
Lord Johns acknowledged fisncee. She
might worry and think until she was
tired, but she would never s'Iess the real
reason of this change, never dream that
1t was her unwomanly cruelty and indif-
fertrce to Audrey that had opened Jacks
eyes tc her true character, and planted
the first seeds of contempt ia his breast
toward her.
He bad got the whole story from Mar
shall, who cleaned it from audrey, and
certainly Miss Fraser's conduct did not
sound well when her furious temper and
her virulent abuse of a poor, nervous.
naturally shy creature was detailed in
calm. collected manner
Mrs Fraser knew nothing about her
new maid until Marshall, seeing her so
mucs better. ventured to tell her, and was
more than repaid for her kind action at
the pleasure her mistress expressed in
having the girl about ncr.
A. H. 70
be IN one long. pleasant dream. Mrs.
Fraser's sweet. low voice and delicate
beauty, her gently uttered thanks and
consideration for the comfort of those
about her was new and delightful SEN
sation; Marshall's patience and ready
will, more than pleasant, AID Der life so
peaceful and happy that she c.uld hardly
realize it was herself who lived il and not
another.
Mrs. Fraser made no further remark
abost Audrey's eyes, nor did she seem to
recc sDize that vague. curious likeness
that had so startled her. She was still
confined to her room. But she was not
dull: she had plenty of visitors. Miss
Freser came first thing IN the morning
and clatted in desultory fashion with
her stepmother, and after her came Mrs.
Tiiorngate. who was welcomed eagerly by
the invalid.
Audrey was never in the room when
the rector's wife called OUT she always
noticed bow teuderly Mrs. Fraser spoke
to her when Mrs. Thorngate had gone
away again, and what a flushed, eager
look there was on the val face. At
first Audrey had been afraid to meet Miss
Frazer, but beyond a frown ard a sharp
glance at the girl Sheila said nothing
she knew better than TO object to any
arrangement her stepmorher might make.
One afternoon, toward me end of the
week. Mrs Fraser sent the girl out for
walk.
You have sat long enough over that
sewing; brisk walk will co you good;
besides. | expect ny lawyer down from
London on-on important business"
Are you happy with n.e. my chiid?"
she asked IN low tones. sch sounding
as il il were behind her voice
"Ohl $3.50 happy" Ararey cried
Eneelins beslie her. II wrote and told
Jean how good you were 10 me. and
heard from her this morning. She says
you must be an angel, and so / think
you are"
Kiss me-" murmured Constance Fras-
er. gazing up into the loyrv eirlish face
almost hunsrily. certainly passionately
Audrey laid her cool lips on those OF
the older woman.
Il love you." she Whispered. involun-
tagily.
my dear. Ny dear."
Mrs. Fraser chung to her for a NOM
ent, then with another Kiss and a ten
der smile waved her ON.
st must be true. | seel 1t here" she
said to herself, as she was alone. and
she pressed her hand 10 her heart. "Oh.
heaven! If this comes 20 me. how shall
1 thank Thee for Thy goos,ness?"
Audrey soon equipped herself She no
longer wore the hideous black bonnet.
but smaller one. with bright crimson
ribbon as q relief TO her dark locks. Mrs.
Fraser had sent Marshall into the vii
iage. and had bought The girl many gar
ments. which provoked wonder and in
tense pleasure in Audrey's breast She
could not bring herself to realize that
they were all for her.
1t was a bitterly cold day. but Audrey
did not seem to feel IL; she planted her
hands in her warm muff, and danced
along. singing gayly to herself from very
exuberance Of spirit. The world was
beautiful, after all--so her simple. child
fish heart determined. She was quite
rich, for she had four good friends
there was her sweet mistfess and dear
Mrs Thorngate. and Marshall. and King
Arthur. She did not know which she
liked best She walked down one of the
secluded paths. and shrank. so she
thought. out of sight as she saw part.
Of people coming up from tie lake, where
skating was in high swing. Sheila. in
q magnificent sealskin, with a cap to
match. on her rudy hair, was walking
beside Beverley Rochfort. She looked
bored. as indeed she was. and cross. too
into the bargain, for there was Jack
still chatting to plain Louisa Ever
and he had not been near her all the
afternoon
Sheila did not catch sight Of Audrey's
lovely face IN among the bushes and
trees. but Beverley did, AID his heart
Ieaped with passionate admiration as he
xazed. He bad seen her about three or
four times. and his pulses thrilled to
madness when he even thought of her.
He let his eyes linger on her now, and
then he grew eshen white to his very
lips. Some one else had seen Audrey,
and was going boldly through the bracken
toward her. 1t was John Glendurwood.
He touched She;la's arm; ne had soon
fathomed her and her intentions. 1t
gave him pleasure to tease he-, especial
" since he discovered that her money
would never be shared by him.
"Giendurwood has good taste, he said,
eurtly, with a disagreeable smile.
Il always knew that girl was no good y
she exclaimed angrily. What business
has she to talk to-my-our guests in
this way? 1t is disgraceful y
You should blame the guests, not
her Glendurwood sought her deliberate
ly: that l can voucE for myself. She
Is very beautiful y
II do not care to discuss The appear