Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-01-10

Aunt Agatha"
Mrs. Thorngate made 10 reply to this,
Tor, truth to tell, she had a weak spot
N her heart for Lord John, and was one
y MS warmest admirers.
~ hate prigs. | knew one out there"
with a comprehensive nod backward at
some unnamed bourne-''to whom | took
a fancy" Beverley laughed softly. He
was the surliest chap l ever came across,
out what plucky one We knocked
against each other pretty often / felt
sorry for him, somehow he seemed al
ways so glum. He gave me a packet to
bring home to some lawyers here, and
mace me swear l would honestly deliver
it. He called himself John Marsh. but
] am quite sure that was no. his name
He must have been a good-looking fellow
wnen he was younger, with eyes as blue
well, as your large sapphire ring, Aunt
Agatha, and coal-black hair. A strange
coordination! l never saw 1t before"
why, that's just what tLat child is
like" cried the rector's wife.
What child?
Miss Fraser's maid, and a protege of
Gus, Such a lovely little creature.
wish you could see her, Beverley"
l never waste my admiration on ser
wants." he said as they reached the low,
wide porch-like entrance of Dinglewood
House.
Miss Fraser was dispensing tea to her
grace the Duchess of Marlborough and
one OF two other people. She received
Mrs. Thorngate in the wsrm, pretty
fashion she always assumed before Jacks
mother.
How good of you to come Dear
mamma will be so pleased to see you!
Thanks, she is really better this afternoon
at least l hope so. Oh she frightened
me terribly when she fell down in that
fairting fit. 1 did not wait her to go,
but she would do it. Mr.. Rochfort,
will you come and sit mere? Dear god
mamma, may | introduce Mr. Beverley
Rochiort to you? He has JUST come back
from foreign parts, and will entertain
you. ] am sure !"
The duchess moved her arrle skirts
so that Beverley might SIT down. Lord
John was speaking very plainly and earn
estly
'Sheila," he said, as he drew the girl
apart from the rest for moment, "how
comes that man here?"
What man? Oh, Mr.. Rochfort?
Why, he is dear Mrs. Thorngates nephew.
Stupid Jack, as if you did not know
that"
Il did not know it, or I should not
have asked the question. / have never
seen him down here before, and l have
never heard Mrs. Thornglte speak of
him"
"Oh, he is her joy and her beloved.
cali him handsome, don't you? But, of
course, no man ever aomfres another;
forgot"
Whoever he may be, 1 know him as
one Of the greatest blackgnards it has
ever been my lot to meet"
Good gracious, Jack, how awful and
Mr. Thorngate clergyman, too"
MIR. Thorngate has nothing to do
with him. l doubt if he would ever let
hln inside his house if he Fnew as much
about him as l do"
Beverley was in the best of spirits.
He lad carefully noted chat whispered
conference at the fire, just as he had
roted that Lord John Glendurwood did
not vouchsafe him any greeting. He was
much relieved as Sheila came ur to them
and treated him to smile. He did not
quite understand her expression, but he
studied it we'll and determined to think
it over. He was a most amusing man;
he could tell an anecdote with just enough
disregard for the truth as to rcint it we'll
and make it more palatao ole. His voice
was so pleasant, his bearing so grace
full, and his face so hands >me, that he
wor everybody's heart.
You must come to Craig;ands," cried
the opchess with decision.
Meanwhile Jack Glendurwood was
striding through the chill February af-
terncon; slight frost and fali of snow
had prevented the meet that morning,
and he felt trif1e bored.
By this time he was at he stables,
and, going in, he examined Sreila's mare
Diare and gave a word of praise to the
head groom. As he was sauntering
across the court yard he -au against a
man hurrying in from a side avenue,
which was the servants entrance and
exit from Dinglewood and the village.
What, Downs, you nere Is Lord
Ive1ne i'll, or what is the matter?" he
excla med in urprise, as he recognized
his own servant.
Downs stammered out some sort of
exploration about having les something
belonging TO him at the house the day
before.
Jack looked at the man. He had not
had him long, and did not particularly
care for him. He felt that Downs was
lying at this moment. He whistled to
thu dogs scattered about. and turned
down the avenue from which his servant
had hurried. He had not gone many
steps before he came 70 a standstill
Thee, just in front of him, her hands
pressed close to her breast, clothed in the
black cloak and veil in which be had first
seen her, stood Audrey.
She was perfectly erect, a-d held her
mead proud and high The light was
fast growing dim. but he co1ld see how
were glowing.
What are you doing here a,one?" he
excla imed, almost perempt ori,y. coming
close up to her. AS he did so he noticed
thai her breath was coming in great
painting sobs, as from some one who had
beer mortally frightened. What is it?
What is the matter?" he asked. hurriedly.
viii you not speak to ne, Little friend 2"
Il have no friends" she said in a voice
that was hoarse with agitation and ex-
element; II am all alJne IN the world.
Evel, Jean cannot help ne now"
Jack Glendurwood moved a step near
er, and his foot kicked against a bag
that was on the ground; out he did not
notice it. Something has happened"
he said, earnestly and kindly. Will you
tell me what it iS?'
Audrey gazed before her Il Il set. fixed
| dazed fashion for another moment or so
then she gave little cry, and pressed
her two hands before her eyes.
oh if I could have only killed him :"
she said, hercely, yet kindly. How dare
ne! How dare he.''
Lord John started and mis- pulses thrill
ed. He was about TO question her, and
then. like flash of lightning. the truth
cane to him-Downs' stamnering awk-
wa1dness, the girls shame anG misery
The man had evidently insa.ted her
perhaps had kissed her. y lot tide of
color surged 10 Jack Glendu woods face.
"It shall not occur again." he soothed
her, and still clasping her tards; you
muct not come out here in he dusk alone