Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-02-21
CHAPTER XVII

Jack had explained very gently to Au-
'drey that there was a quarrel going on
between his mother and his sister.
1T is all about some nonsense, dar-
ling" he had said, but mother is quite
right to hold her own. Gladys has a
wretched temper. II am afraid you
must not expect her to be too kind to
you"
THAT is why she looked so coldly at
me when your father took me up to n
Troduce me, then?"
BE ready for me at five, darling.
shall take you for drive then. What
are you going TO do all day while / am
down looking at these horse swith Sin
-clair?"
II am going shopping with mother, but
/ will be ready and waiting for you by
i've"
What long, happy, sunny days those
We're. 1t seemed to Audrey as though the
hours were not half long enough to cram
in all the delights that came following
one another so quickly.
IF only Miss Irons and the matrons
could see me now. How funny it all is
| have often heard some of the older
girls say that when | first went to the
home l was supposed to be very lucky,
because Lady Biddulph was going to look
after me, but l never thought my luck
would be as great as it is. Mother, Miss
Fraser is very kind to me-
Constance's brow contracted slightly.
There is no reason why she should not
be, Audrey"
rs she really going to marry that hor-
rid little man, mother?''
who is the horrd little man?' in
quired Jacks voice at the door. Don't
&C, Constance, dear" Jack continued. kiss
ing her affectionately, and then sitting
down beside his wife and gathering her
bodily into his arms.
This is the children's hour. so | think
| had better take my departure" smiled
Mrs. Fraser. Audrey, if you are going
to this ball tonight, have an hours resi-.
No, Jack, there is no occasion to come
down with me-"
But Lord John insisted
Didn't she look lovely?" he exclaim-
ed, as they went down the stairs. ..Ev-
erybody is raving about her, my little
darling Oh, Con, dear. what have /
done that l should be so blessed?"
Take care of her, Jack. Be good TO
her always The words broke from the
mothers lips suddenly
DO you not trust me?" he asked. re-
pIoachfully, and then be looked at her
gently. do you know, you are very
pale and worn. Mrs. Fraser? What have
you been doing to yourself? | think |
must have long chat with you, mad
ame."
Constance Fraser put her hand on the
young mans arm.
Jack, dear Jack. { 1T you know what
my pale face means. she said, so low as
almost to be inaudible.
Nothing very serious, l am sure" he
answered quickly, though he felt sudden
pang at his heart.
DO not let her know" she whispered,
very softly; her life is so happy. do not
let me be the first to cast a shadow on it
time enough when"
When years hence you shall still be
alive, and, heaven grant, strong and well.
Constance, why do you talk like this,
dear?"
Jack, my friend Ay. you have been
that, my true, good, stanch, faithful
friend. My son, the fat has gone forth;
- 'tAS huiipS4Su. ais
will be my last. mo, l will say no
more. Let US go onr'
Jack Glendurwoods face worked for
n moment; he half yielded to a strong
impetus within him to break out into pas
sionate words of sorrow, incredulity,
binding promises of everlasting, never
changing love, but the ashen pallor of
her face, the expression round her lips.
checked him. He led her gently to her
carriage.
Constance tried to speak vaguely, but
the tears rushed to her eyes, and she sank
back into her carriage and gestured to
him to let her drive on unmolested.
The season ran on its appointed course
The curiosity that had ragged about the
romantic Glendurwood marriage had had
plenty of time TO wane, but in its place
came the celebrity which Audrey's I'M
doubted beauty and natural charm OBJ
tanned for her. Constance Fraser orderd
her trunks packed.
Il wish l could go with you," Audrey
said, sorrowfully, as she sat watching
these proceedings the last day her mother
spent in town.
why, you little baby" laughed Con-