Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1907-03-21

They were home early. She stood at at
tentlcn, and went to open rhc door for
Miss Fraser. There seemed to be some
little confusion, and then Audrey heard a
frank. determined voice.
II tell you I'm going to carry you up
stairs. will not leave you till see
you safe in your ROOM"
There was some murmured pr otest, and
then Audrey perceived Jack Glendur-
wood, coming along as easily as possi-
bic, carrying Mrs. Fraser's slight form
in his arms. He saw the gil in an In
slant
(Which is the room?' he asked, quick
to read and appreciate the sympathy in
her great blue eyes
She led the way and opened the door.
Marshall was doing by IN ire
What is it?" she cried, starting up
hurriedly; then, as she graspcd the sit
uatiop, "Ah, Miss Constance, l knew
how il would be; you weren't fit for it,
my lamb. Bring her here, my lord. I'm
righ, thankful to you for carrying her
up; she's as weak as an infant that's
what she is.
Don't believe her, Jack" said Con-
stance Fraser in her sweet, feeble voice
She was lying back IN great wide
chair, looking inexpressibly beautiful,
though as white as ghost, in her long,
black velvet dress, with the rich Nalen-
ciennes lace about the neck.
Jack Glendurwood folded his arms and
looked down at her gravely.
Promise to go to bed at once,' he
said. Il shall not leave Until hear
You are at rest
AT rest?'' A faint. bitter smile flick
cred across the pale lips, AID then Mrs.
Fraser stretched out her hand. Good
night my friend. Heaven bless you and
thank you for your loving tsre of me.
II am not worth it, Jack, dear; | am
not worth it."
For answer he bent down and kissed
the white hand, and then Mrs. Fraser
caught sight of Audrey standing behind.
1T was no dream 1t was no myth
Como to me. child All, do not be fright
ened; l will not harm you. will only
kiss you, and gaze into your face
Jack Glendurwood had turned with
start, and made way for Audrey to pass
him. She move slowly across to that
back-robed form and knelt down. She
was not frightened, only awed and
strangely stirred.
Lift up your eyes. Ah!' as Audrey
obeyed her. ''Child Child! Who are
you? What are you, with your face that
comes up from the past?' She bent for
ward and touched the girls brow with
her lips she clung to the girls hands
and a moan escaped her. Suddenly she
released her hold, and her head dropped
on her breast.
Take her away, my lord ~ cried Mar
SHALL bending over her mistress. "She
has got something on her mind! She has
don, nothing but talk of this child's face
all day. It's only weakness, | fear. Poor
Mis- Constance
Come" said Jack to Audrey, very
gently.
As one in a dream she rose to her feet
and followed him out of the room, and
then, when she was outside, she burst
into a food of irrepressible, nervous tears,
leaning against the wall. .-aeSiess of any
mul. and pain in her breast. Jack stood
by in silence, but as her so5s died away
he put his hand gently on her shoulder.
Poor child Poor little child !" Then
as she lifted her tear-stained eloquent
lovelness to his face, he lrew both her
hands in his. Don't cry, child " he
said, quickly, II hate to see you cry.
Iol seem very lonely; you are strange
here Come: shall we strike bargain?
let me help you yesterday, you must
let me help you again. Shall we be
frends?"
Friends, my lord?" she faltered. You
and |. Oh, it cannot be ! am only
a servant, charity girl, AMI ycu-"
Are henceforth the friend Of that char
ity girl" was his answer and with that
he bent and kissed her hands as he had
Just kissed Constance Fraser's and. with
a tender smile and gentle goodnight"
went slowly down the stairs and out of
the house.
(To be continued.)