Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-08-27
CHAPTER "

Delda was fast asleep, her clothes neat
ly folded on the chair beside her bed her
end of the room in perfect order. But
ut Brides end-just as she removed her
things so they lay-the white gown in
a heap on the floor, the bronze shoes far
apart, everything in disorder, and Bride
herself in the ARREST garb placidly brush
ing her hair and munching toffee at the
same time. How could one talk of fasei-
mating ineligibles to a big, overgrown baby
with lump OF, toffee in her cheek? She
was surprised to see her sister, but she
smiled very affeetionately and offered her
some of the sweetmeat.
Its little burnt, but it does not taste
much" she said II say, Moyra"-the
color rising in her face-"don't you think
Bertram is an awfully brave MANI"
1--WE have his word for it," Moysa an
swered, with little bitterness and then,
with an inward prayer, she plunged into
the subject on her mind and scolded Bride
very gently for having admitted Bertram
by the school room window.
You see, dearest, you are grown up
now and must behave like woman"
Brides face grew pink her lips pouted
like an injured child's.
IL didn't mean anything. hate be-
ing grown up l didn't want to be. And
l like Bertram. He's clever. but he
doesn't worry me, as the curates do, or
tease as Terry does. It's beastly to be
grown up! It's nothing but you mustn't,
you mustn't, and all the nice things aren't
proper. l wish l was Lulu !"
Moyra consoled her as sympathe.iCaIly
as she could. She pictured the delights
of the coming-out ball, of theaters and
afternoon teas. but Brides spirits cid not
revive TO their customary cheerfuness.
I'D rather go skating with the boys
and make messes in the school room -
she sighed but will really try to re-
member I'm grown up. Moyra. Mr.
Charters wants TO paint my portrait as
Desdemona. he says" Bride continued.
looking at her dim reflection in tine gL,ss
with newly awakened interest. "He-he
says he's been looking for his ideal Des-
demona for years"
And he thinks he has found her in
your Moyra rose. "Yes-we will have
your portrait painted some day. dearest.
but not by Bertram. l think He is only
an amateur / must go now. Good night.
my darling. Sleep well and she took
the slender young form in her arms with
a closeneSs of embrace that only family
Swallowed the intensity of her lEe.
She had recovered her customary Sc
renity when morning came, and at dinner
time she was delighted by the news
brought home by the twins that Bertram
had gone away.
HE said he had been summoned to
London" Gerry said. Isn't il funny
how he goes away so suddenly"
Bride received the news so uneoncern-
edly that Moyra's heart was gladdened.
and she began TO wonder if she had been
unnecessarily anxious. For the time be-
ing she dismissed Mr.. Charters from her
mind and began to prepare for the new
conner. who had announced BY wire his
arrival at a Portuguese port. aud also his
acceptance of Mr.. BereSford'S invitation.
The interest in him was confined 10 the
two elders. the others being absorbed in
speculations concerning the big house. as
the Mount was generally called. in contra
distinction TO its smaller lower-standinz
neixhbOr. The young ones were inclined
to resent the intrusion OF the newcomers.
who were evidently arriving soon. for
workmen were in full possession of the
house and grounds.
I'VE sha'n't be able TO have any more
of those RibSton pippinS." Bride sighed.
They are such nice apples. too y
The morning of the Iara's arrival AZ
Caterham was marked by heavy fog
that enveloped river and land in It's
sitting embrace. All day there was the
booming Of Fog horns on the river. the uu-
ceasing shrilling of steam whistles. as
boats crept cautiously up and down the
crowded river. AT the Rectory it was
impossible to see a yard from the win
dows As evening drew near Lulu, who