Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-01-17
CHAPTER VII.

wood nearly every day, but IN an almost
pointed manner he gave ner - understand
that his visits were to Mrs. Fraser, and
not 20 herself
Sac racked her brain to find the real
reason. Was it jealousy Of Beverley
Rochiort. with whom she certainly had
firted, though very mildly, since he had
core on the scene or was it caused by
the knowledge that, as day after day
went by, the poor Marquis of Iyerne's
cor dition grew worse, and lie, John Glen
durWood, would be to a certainty in the
deal mans place and heir TO he dukedom
before many months had elapsed!
The thought Of this approa hing event,
It need hardly be said, whetted Sheila's
eascTness and intense desire to become
LoId Johns acknowledged fisncee. She
might worry and think until she was
tired but she would never guess the real
reason of this change. never dream that
it WIS her unwomanly cruelty and indif-
ferfIce to Audrey that had opened jack
eycs t. her true character. and planted
th" 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
sound we'll when her furious temper and
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
muCc 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 ncr.
As for Audrey herself, she seemed to
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 new and delightful SEN
satIon, Marshall's patience and ready
will, more than pleasant an Der life so
peaceful and happy that she Guild hardly
realize it was herself who lived ii and not
anotAcr.
Mrs. Fraser made no further remark
aboGt Audrey's eyes, nor did she seem to
recognize 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
t'r@ser came first thing in the morning
and chatted in a desultory fashion with
her stepmother and after her came Mrs.
ThoIIgate, 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. Th0rngate had gone
away again, and what a flushed, eager
look there was on the wal face. At
first Audrey had been afraid to meet Miss
Frazer, but beyond a frown ard a sharp
glance at the girl SheIla :aid nothing;
she knew better than 10 object to any
arrangement her stepmother might make
One afternoon, toward the end of the
week. Mrs. Fraser sent the girl out for a
walk.
You have sat long enough over that
sewing; brisk walk will 90 you good
besides l expect my lawyer down from
London on-on important business"
Are you happy with NE, my child?"
she asked in low tones, sob sounding
as if it were behind her voice
"Oh! 500 happy" Ardrey cried
kneeling beside her. Il wrote and told
Jean how good you were TO me- and l
heard from her this morning. She says
you must be an angel, and so l think
you arc"
Kiss me" murmured Constance Fras-
er. gazing up into the loye!v girlish face
almost hungrily, certainly passionately
Audrey laid her cool lips en- those of
the older woman.
Il love YOU" she whispered, involun-
tarily.
my dear! My dearw
emf, then with another Kiss and a ten
der smile waved her on.
1T must be true. ! seel it here she
said to herself. as she was alone and
she pressed her hand to her heart "Oh.
heaven! If this comes % me, how shall
l thank Thee for Thy goorness?'
Audrey soon equipped herself. She no
longer wore the hidoous black bonnet.
but smaller one. with a bright crimson
ribbon as relief to her dar5 locks. Mrs.
Fraser had sent Marshall into the viii
lssc, and had bought he girl many gar
mepts, 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 a bitterly cold Hay, but Audrey
did not seem to feel It; she planted her
hands in her warm muff. ana danced
along. singing gNyly to herself from very
exUbcrancc Of spirit. The world was
beautiful. after nll--So 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 sew a Marty
ot people coming up from the lake. where
skating was in high swing. Sheila. in
magnificent sealskin. with a can to
match, on her ruddy hair, was walking
beside Beverley Rochfort. She looked
bored. as indeed she was, and cross. too
into the hargaia, for there was Jack
stin chatting to plain Louisa Everest,
and he had not been near her all the
afternoon.
SGsla did not catch siSns % Audrey
lovely face in among the bushes and
trees, but Beverley did sld his heart
lcaped with passionate admiration as he
gaze6. lie had seen her about three or
four times, and his pulses thrilled to
maduess when he even thought Of her.
lie let his eyes linger on her now, and
then he grew &Shen white to his very
lips Scmc one else had seen Audrey,
and WAS going boldly through the bracken
toward her. 1t was John Gtendurwood
lie Touched Sheila's arm ne had soo2
fathomcd her ana her intentions Il
gave him pleasure to tease hec, especial
~ since he discovered that her money
would never he shared by him.
"Glendurwood has good taste he said
curly, with a diSagreeablc smile.
Il always knew that girl vas no good J
she exclaimed angrily. WHAT bushes:
has she TO talk to-my--our guests il
this way? 1t is diSgraceful"'
You should blame the guests. not
her. Glendurwood sought hcr deliberate
ly; that l can vouch for myself. She
is very beautiful"