Elk City mining news. (Elk City, Idaho) 1903-1913, 1907-09-07
CHAPTER VII.

wood nearly every day, but in an almost
pointed manner he gave her - understand
that his visits were to Mrs. Fraser, and
not TO herself.
Sac racked her brain to End the real
reason. Was it jealousy of Beverley
Rochjort, with whom she Gel tainly had
firted, though very mildly, since he had
cone on the scene; or was it caused by
the knowledge that as day after day
went by, the poor Marquis of Iverne's
condition grew worse, and lie, John Glen
durwood, would be to certainty in the
deal mans place and heir to the dukedom
before many months had elapsed?
The thought Of this approaching event,
1t need hardly be said whetted Sheila's
eagcIness and intense desire to become
Lord Johns acknowledged finncee. She
might worry and think until she was
tired, but she would never guess the real
reason of this change, never dream that
1t was her unwomanly cruelty and indif-
fershce to Audrey that had opened Jacks
eyes tc her true character, and planted
tho first seeds of contempt 10 his breast
toward her.
He had got the whole story from Mar
shall, who cleaned it from Audrey, and
certainly Miss Fraser's conduct did not
UOuft4 WtA WIEN ueI IuIlOuS temper anu
heI 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 n-r.
As for Audrev hersa1f .he soamed RI
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 a new and delightful SEN
eatlon Marshalls patience and ready
will, more than pleasant AID her life so
peaceful and happy that she c-uld hardly
realize 1t was herself who lived 1t and not
another.
Mrs. Fraser made no further remark
about Audrey's eyes, nor did she seem to
recc enize 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
Fraser came first thing IN the morning
and cLatted in desultory fashion with
her stepmother, and after her came Mrs
Thorngate, who was welcomed eagerly by
the invalid.
Audrey was never in the room when
the rector's wife called, OUT she always
noticed how tenderly Mrs. Fraser spoke
to her when Mrs. Thorngate had gone
away again, and what a flushed, eager
look there was the wal face. At
first Audrey had been afraid to meet Miss
Frazer, but beyond a frown ard sharp
glance at the girl Sheila said nothing
she knew better than to object to any
arrangement her stepmother might make
One afternoon, toward the end of the
week, Mrs. raser sent the girl out for
walk.
You have sat long enough over that
sewing; brisk walk will do you good ;
besides, l expect my lawyer down from
London on-on important business"
"Are you happy with me, my child 2"
she asked in low tones, sob sounding
As II 1t were behind her voice.
"Ohi 500 happyv' Audrey cried
kneeling beside her. II wrote and told
Jean how good you were to 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 lovely giriish face
almost hungriiy, certainly passionately
Audrey laid her cool ,irs on those of
the older woman.
II love you," she whispered, involun-
tarily.
my dear Ny dear !"
Mrs. Fraser chung to her for nom
ent then with another kiss and a ten
der smile waved her on.
1T must be true, feel 1t here" she
said to herself as she was alone, and
she pressed her hand to her heart. "Oh,
heaven If this comes to me, how shall
thank Thee for Thy goox.ness?"
Audrey soon equipped herself. She no
longer wore the hideous black bonnet.
but smaller one, with bright crimson
ribbon as a relief to her dark locks Mrs.
Fraser had sent Marshall into the vii
lage, 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 bitterly cold day, but Audrey
did not seem to feel it; she planted her
hands in her warm muf, and danced
along, singing gayly to herself from very
exuberance of spirit. The world was
beautiful, after also her simple, child
ish heart determined. She was Quite
rich, for she had four good friends
there was her sweet mistress, 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 a party
of people coming up from the lake, where