Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1907-09-20
CHAPTER x.


first at an interview with the duchess.
Much depended on how she acted now.
IF l can just drop few hints, and 30
prejudice her against that girl, not all
Mrs. Fraser's sweetness, or her daugh-
ter's artfulness, will have much avail.
am a rich woman never felt so glad
Of my money before"
She had diverged a little from the or
binary route to Craiglands, because there
was a better road by so doing, and as
she trotted along heetly, she suddenly
came upon dog cart, in which was seat
ed Beverley Rochfort, looking wonderful
~ handsome in his fur-lined coat.
Miss Fraser, this Is an unexpected
pleasure" he said, as he lifted his hat
and motioned the groom to take the reins.
"You are out early"
II am going to Craiglands, to make in
Quiries," she said CURLY.
Beverley only smiled, but she saw at
once that he attached a good deal Of
meaning to this hasty ride. He got
down from the cart.
Drive up and down until I am ready,
JONES'" he commanded, as he walked up
to Sheila's horse and stroked the smooth
neck. us there, then, so much cause
for anxiety" he asked. Are you nery-
GUS about Lord John, Miss Fraser?"
Sheila pursed her lips. She resented
his manner and she did not quite under
stand it, either.
II feel that it would be altogether
pleasant and a wise arrangement If you
and / called ourselves friends" Beverley
said, after slight pause. I'VE have 30
much in common"
II don't think l understand you"
6heila was startled into saying.
II must try and explain myself clear
~ l know the reason of your hurried
visit to Craiglands. 1t is not sympathy
that takes you there, but something more
akin to self-interest. oh! do not be
angry, there is no occasion, for, my very
dear young lady, ! think you are perfect
ly right. You see, although do not
credit you with any great amount Of
sympathy, have plenty myself, Be
lieve me, am quite sincere. Just now"
Beverley went on, II said thought 1t
would be not only a pleasant, but wise
thing for you and to become friends
Union is strength, you know, Miss Fra
ser; a good old maxim"
Don't you think you had better leave
eonundrums alone, and speak out
straight, Mr.. Rochfort"
II will" he answered, quietly. "Sheila,
we are both persons Of determination and
ambition. My ambition takes one form,
yours another; but on one point we are
alike-we would sacrifice much to gain
our ends; would we not?"
II A. - IL.
nodded her head.
'You hate the girl; l hate him! You
are determined that John Glendurwood
shall make you his wife; l am as equal
" determined shall make her mine. Ar
rived so far, the rest should be easy"
Sheila drew a sharp breath. She loath-
ed him for his shrewdness in having read
her mind so clearly, but his words had
brought a new aspect altogether.
ut Is for you to suggest" she said,
Tpeaking swiftly and in low tones. "As
you said just now, union is strength,
and So"
$50 you agree to be friends, chr" Bev-
arley smiled.
He had never had the smallest fear Of
failing. He had not watched Sheila 80
carefully these past days for nothing. He
held out his hand as he spoke and SheiIa
put hers into it.
"Have you any plans2" she asked, abb
ruptly. She was no longer 80 eager to
be gone. One glimpse at this mans smil-
Ing, handsome, evil face told her that he
would do Nll he wished. Even in the
midst of the satisfaction that came with
a rush, she could not repress a feeling
Of jealousy and envy that he should love
Audrey and be Indifferent to her, Sheila.
II will tell you more when l return
from London. My journey there Is not
wholly unconneGted with this matter.
And now, l think must say 'Au revoir.'
sincerely trust you will find Lord John
not SO bad as rumor reports. Garry my
sympathy and regards to her new grace
she is a charming woman, and will make
an altogether excellent mother-in-law."
Sheila smiled mechanically, and gath
ering up her reins, she rode on. She
gave a sort of shudder as she went, and
the memory of Beverley's dark, glittering
eyes fingered with her. She felt, some
how, so powerless when she was with
him.
Sheila always felt a thrill at her heart
40 SAV AVdC VI uAONe up 10 OFalSlAnQS.
Now as she passed up the avenue and
drew rein at the covered doorway, a man
with powdered hair and grave face came
forward to meet her.
"Her grace'S love, miss, and she beps
you will excuse her this morning; she
does not feel equal to leaving his lord
ships room. She begs, also, to thank you,
miss, for having taken the trouble to
ride over and make inquiries"
docs DIR. Sentance think there Is any
danger?" she asked and there was gen
uine anxiety in her voice.
"Dr. Sentance considers his lordship's
condition very serious" replied the ser
want.
Sheila rode back to Dinglewood cross
and anxious. She met DR.. Sentance COM
ing down the avenue, and stopped to ques-
ton him.
The poor fellow has not recovered
consciousness yet" the medical man an
swered. Il have telegraphed up for Raw
sor and Loeksley. Miss Fraser, it is
horrible, a dastardly affair, and for the
life of me can't understand it. Lord
Glendurwood never seemed to have an
enemy in the world but upon my word
this looks to me like a malicious attack,
1t has turned out he had next to nothing
In his pockets. OF course, his watch
trOlnnblo De- l.