The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1907-03-30
CHAPTER III.

Sheila Fraser explained everything IN
her sharp way, and Audrey, standing
modestly in the background, looked in
admiration and surprise at the neat, well
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 81 white. her
cheeks so rosy warm in color; only her
eyes. seemed cold and hard. They moved
about quickly, and to Audrey we're 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,
l wish l had not been so Guixotic. l
really don't quite know what I 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 it easily, and she did not like
that frown, 1t 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 carelessly at the
slender form in it's black cloak and all.
"Oh!' she said shortly; she paused a
moment, and then addressing Audrey,
you had better 60 up to Dinglewood at
once; ask Bircham she will tell you
what your duties are, and er-what ID
your nameY
"Maxse-Audrey Maxse," Mrs. Thorn
gate replied, quickly.
"Well-er-Maxse, you must alter
your dress. That funeral doak and veil
are simply absurd. Please see to that at
once"
Miss Fraser bent from her saddle to
ask one or two questions conncentially of
the wears wife, and then her face flushed,
and she uttered an exclamation of pleas
ure.
Here he is, after all !" ss a horse
man came feetly toward them.
Jack Glendurwood pulled up with q
Jerk.
"Halloo, Sheila, you here? Why,
thought you would have been at Sher-
wood Downs, at least, by this time"
He was thoroughly well cleansed of
all mud, and looked as speck and span as
Miss Fraser herself, as he removed his
hat and greeted Mrs. Thorngate.
Heard you had a cropper. and, as
your mother was anxious, l 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 Is to tear down
to Welland! The hounds went through
there few minutes ago, l heard; I
thought l might catch them up here, but
as 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 eyes
never went toward the gate where Audrey
stood, shrinking back shyly, In her black
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 looks?" she asked, kindly.
Audrey paused for a moment, then In a
numb sort of way she answered:
"She is very pretty, think"
miss Erase is the acknowledged beau
~ of these parts-she is an helress- Din
glewood is a lovely place. l hope you
will get on well with her, ny dear, and
be happy in your new home"
Miss Fraser came home very tired
about 6 o'clock, and found BRIGHAM, her
first maid. carefully instructing the new
conner in the various duties expected of
her. Audrey, mindful of her mistress
commands, had put on her only other
gown. thick gray one of rough material.
with neat collar and cuffs, and a black
ribbed apron. Her hair was brushed
straight off her face, and rolled in a huge
knot at the back of her exquisitely shaped
head. She was pale. but her eyes were
shining with admiration aud surprise and
some excitement. Never, In Ler widest