Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1907-03-14
CHAPTER III.

Sheila Fraser explained every thing In
her sharp way. and Audrey, standing
modestly in the background, looked In
admiration and surprise at the neat, we'll
turned figure sitting easily IL The saddle,
at the small, oval face under the straight
hat brim, and the coil of red gold hair
at the nape of the neck.
How pretty this Miss Fraser was Her
teeth were so even and 50 white. her
cheeks so rosy warm in color; only her
eyes seemed cold and hard. They moved
about quickly, and to Audrey were just
like sharp needles.
Il rode back to inquire after Lord
John at his mothers request, because
some one said he was really hurt. Now
/ wish | had not been so Guixotic.
really don't quite know what shall do
Miss Fraser tapped her smrn foot with
her whip impatiently, and then frowned.
The wind had blown the veil over Au-
drey's face again, but she could see
through it easily, and she did not like
that frown, it made the eyes more sharp
and cruel than before.
Il suppose it is no use asking you to
have some luncheon with ne, Mrs. Thorn
gate said, and then, all at once, she re-
membered Audrey, and altered an ex-
-clamation. Il very nearly forgot" she
said. turning to Miss Fraser, your new
maid has arrived. This is She
Sheila Fraser looked carelessly at the
slender form in its black cloak and all.
oh she said shortly; size paused a
moment. and then addressing Audrey,
''you had better go up to Dinglewood at
once; ask Bircham; she Will tell you
what your duties are, and-cr-what ls
your name"
.Maxse-Audrey Maxse," Mrs. Thorn
gate replied quickly.
"Well-er-Maxse, you must alter
YOUR dress. That funeral cl)af and veil
are simply absurd. Please see to that at
once"
Miss Fraser bent from her saddle to
ask one or two questions conueentially of
the wears wife, and then her tace flushed,
ard she uttered an exclama. on of pleas
ure.
Here he is. after all :" is horse
man came feetly toward them
Jack Glendurwood pulled up with a
jerk.
"Halloo. Sheila. you here2 Why, l
thought you would have been at Sher-
wood Downs, at least, by this time
He was thoroughly we'll cleansed of
all mud. and looked as speck and span as
Miss Fraser herself, as he removed his
hat and greeted Mrs. Thorngate.
Heard you had a cropper. and, as
your mother was anxious, ! rode back
TO see what was left of YOU Sheila re-
plied in a curt, somewhat masculine man
ner.
Poor mother" he said, lightly. well,
the best thing we can do is to tear down
10 Welland, The hounds went through
.here a few minutes ago, | heard; |
thought might catch them up here, but
as they have not come this way, we are
pretty sure of tumbing in with them in
that direction
He looked eager to be off, and his eyes
never went toward the gate where Audrey
stood. shrinking back shyly, in her black
garments. A few more words exchanged
and the two young people rcde off, and
Mrs. Thorngate came up TO Audrey.
well, how do you like your young
mistress looks?" she asked kindly.
Audrey paused for a moment. then in a
numb sort of way she answered:
"She is very pretty, think"
Miss Erase is the ACKNOWLEDGED beau
ty of these parts-she is an heress. Din
glewood is a lovely place. | hope you
will get on we'll with her, Ty dear, and
be happy in your new home"
Miss Fraser came home very tired
about 6 o'clock, and found Bircham her
first maid, carefully instructiag the new
conner in the various duties expected of
her. Audrey. mindful of her mistress
commands. had put on her only other
gown. a thick gray one of rough material,
with neat collar and cuffs, aud black
ribbed apron. Her hair vas brushed
straight off her face. and rolled in huge
kno; at the back Of her exGuis,tely shaped
head. She was pale, but her eyes were
Ginning with admiration aud surprise and
some excitement Never, in Ler widest