Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-07-16
By Julie Opp Faversham.

We'll, If forget, Jim can remember
for mech, Jim?"
Lady Kerhill's face became grave
as she leaned over Henry's chair and
closely studied the flushed face. She
found there confirmation Of the fear
that mad pried on her mind for the
past half hour.
oh, Henrys you've broken your
word" she whispered.
The reckless challenge Of Henry's
dark eyes as he moved impatiently in
his chair was his only answer. Then
in burst of ill-concealed resentment
he rose: Don't nag, Mother
He swayed slightly as he crossed to
to him, he sullenly pushed him aside.
And don't you preach" he mutter-
ed, as he started for the garden.
Jim quickly caught him by the
shoulder, "Pull yourself together.
Henry. It's eight o'clock and the
people are gathering in the park"
Henry's only reply was snarl as
he disappeared in the shadow OF the
trees.
The broad window opened level on
an Old World garden that led into the
great park beyond. The late twilight
of the July night was bathing park
and garden in cusious, uneartbly
tight which made strange spectres
of the slowly waving yew.trees. The
scent Of the rose-bushes, the call Of
the late nightingale to his mate, and
the ghostly sundial, sentinel-like,
guarding the old place, made fitting
environment for Maudsley Towers.
On a slight hill beyond the park.
Jim could see the ruins Of the famous
Norman church. To the right, at the
farther end Of the garden, was the
Fairies Corner There among the
trees the fairies Of the field were sup
posed to sleep, and to listen to and
grant the requests Of the children, who
had the courage to venture to them at
even-tide. Jim's thoughts were busy
tonight; all the old memories seem,
ed TO tug at his heartstrings.
He had carried Diana Marjoribanks
there on her first visit to the Towers.
She was six then and he was twelve.
She had clung to him and hid her head
on his shouIder-the tiny body had
stiffened with fear--as they made
oAoh W@y W tAS oaih ouSAoSuIS+ VI
the trees. He could still hear her
prayer.
Dear Fairy, please make Henry
kinder to poor Jim, poor Mabel and
poor mel"
Even then, Henry had been the little
tyrant OF the Towers.
And yet tonight Henry's wish, as
of old, was law to his mother. She
conceded Diana to him at his first
careless request, although In all prob
ability he would forget the longing
child in the nursery--forget his PROM
Use to give her pleasure, as he had for.
gotten SO often when he was a boy
Jim reused hinself;as he turned to
Lady Elizabeth he caught a glimpse
of her with the mask Off, the bitter dis
appointment OF the mothers heart
showing in every line Of her proud
face. He crossed to her, but the sound
Of carriage-w wheels turning into the
driveway heralded the approach OF
the first arrivals, and before Jim could
speak the doors were thrown open to
the guests.
Lady Elizabeth gave one look Of
approval to Jim. It said: Help Henry
and mel"
Upstairs in the right wing Of the old
house. tall, slender child crouched
approval to Jim. It said: Help Henry
close to the nursery window. She mad
orept from her cot, and, wrapped In q
coverlet, waited, and chung to the be.
lief that Henry would come for her.
Jim said he would try. but Henry had
promised, She was old enough to
know that what Henry desired he OBJ
tanned. Her little face was pressed
closer and closer TO the window as
she listened to the swelling music
and saw the guests thronging toward
the park Carriage after carriage
brought its load Of finery, until the
child fancied that the entire country
must be gathered below. She could
see through the climbing roses down
into the library, which jutted out at
a sharp angle almost opposite to the
nursery window. But of jim or Henry
she could catch no glimpse.
The stars began to creep out and
blink at the tiny figure in the window
seat. Gradually the entire house grew
quite. All-even the servants-had
Joined the revelry in the park.
The music crashed louder. Fiery
showers Of illumination could be seen
shooting and flaming into the sky.
1t grew cold. Tighter she drew the
coverlet and held closer the small pup
Ply that nestled warm in her arms and
slept. In the adjoining room Mabel,
Lady Kerhill's little daughter, lay fast
asleep.
ITS Jim's last night. must say
goodbye" the child whispered to the
fieecy white bundle in her arms. II
must keep awake and say good bye .
Fainter grew the music. darker the
sky. and heavier the curved eyelids.
Slowly, with a sigh the child slipped
to the floor, and the brown head Pill.
lowed itself on the cushioned window
seat. Diana slept
In the park the tenantry, eager 10
meet their youn master, were shout
ing themselves hoarse. A speech Of
welcome followed the dazzling illum-
nations. Over 1t all Lady Elizabeth,
with Sir Charles Marjoribanks, pre-.
sided.
Diana and her father lived on a
neighboring estate, and Sir Charles
come tonight to rejoice with his old
friend on the return of his son. Sir
Charles was man Of slender