The Washington herald., 1908-01-05
CHAPTER V-Continued.

Agnes BrentO0 said DrlSklY. MY dear,
do ring that bell. and we viii have that
table cleared and after that we must go
out il is a shame TO lose this bright
morning. Just make yourself coy By
the fire, and look at these papers. Ca
milla sent them. She buys every news
paper going, and when she reads them is
a mystery"
Katherine took the papers, but they
lay on her lap untouched.
Instead of reading she sat looking at
the roofs of the houses. opposite. They
were powdered with the white Of a hoar
frost. and the red. red sun shone from
behind and made the frost a network Of
jewels
A slight mist hung in the air Ike a
veil. The sense of unreality. the delight
ful excitement that had held the girl as
in a spell throughout the night, had sway
with her again now; nothing was very
tangible or distinct. Rupert Haverford
had brought her spirit to earth and hard
facts for a few moments. but rs he had
left the house the range of resentful
feeling he had reused had gone with
him. She even passed away from the
veXatiOn of having to be temporarily
obliged to him. As she rested back in
the comfortable chair, looking at the
glory of the winter sky. she felt that she
and happiness had really met for the first
time.
There exclaimed Mrs. Brenton. my
letter 10 Dick is written. very long
time ago spoiled my husband she said
looking back over her shoulder; when
ever We We're apart I promised to write
TO him every day. and now he holds me
10 this bargain. I really do owe him
letter this morning, however, for came
away in such a hurry with her Mrs
Lancing insisted on bringing me up to
town. and l had scarcely time to ex-
plain things, or arrange my household
affairs. Happily, Dick is an old hand at
housekeeping She broke off, and
turned again In her chair
From the staircase beyond there came
all at once the sound of an important ap-
prOach; there was a great stamping of
feet, accompanied by observations in
clear. high-pitched little voices.
"Camilla's children" said Mrs. Bren-
ton.
As she put down her pen and rose the
door was opened very widely, and w
small persons entered hand-in-hand
Katherine had never seen two prettier
little mortals, or two so daintny attired.
They flung themselves on Mrs. Bren-
ton. and hugged her with enthusiasm.
Good morning Auntie Brenny," said
Betty, the eldest, and she settled her
rufied plumage as she spoke. How is
you this morning, darling? Aren't vou
very pleased 10 see US? We coined be-
cause we have brought you this letter
from mother, and because we promised
10 come She advanced 10 Miss Grani-
ger and took her little sister with her.
Good morning she said "hod-d-ve-
90? Say Good morning, Baby"
Baby put out tiny hand in a white
wo2len glove with fingers thar were
much too large.
'Dormez bien" she said. with an
angelic smile and a doubtful accent
She cuddled up TO Katherine TO be
kissed, and then, detaching herself from
her sister. went and seated herself ar the
table. while Betty administered correc-
ton
'Dormez bien' is not good-morning'
Baby; It's goodnight. " she said. then
she looked at Katherine and shrugged
Ter shoulders Baby does say such
sxtra-ninary things she observed.
want somehng TO eat" said Baby. In
q very determined voice
Dennis the maid who was in charge of
the children, and was speaking TO Mrs.
Brenton, advanced quickly.
"Oh, no, Miss Baby. dear. you can't
want anything to eat, I am sure. Please,
in 70
don't give her anything"
But Miss Baby had her own views on
this subject
i want some 'oney and some am"
she said tearing off her pretty gray fur
cap and removing her gloves. NASTY
Dennis go away; I'm awful 'Ungry."
Betty was making gfeat friends with
Miss Granger
4 like you" she said candidly; why
have 1 never met you before? What is
your name?' Then she whispered: I'm
going TO have birthday in March; but
don't tell Baby. she'll want it. too. and
she does fuss so when she wants things
How old are yOu2' Katherine knelt
down the better to study the child's bril-
liantly lovely little face
Betty Lanclng at six had all the charm
and distinction of her mother Already
she commanded homage
i was only born yesterday" Katherine
answered the child, and her voice was
not quite steady.
on" said Betty She stared at Kath-
crime thOughtfully. You look very big
for baby" she said; I've seen littIer
babies than you. Mrs Bates that's the
lady that cleans our kitchen sometimes.
has tiny tiddy little baby. and It is
three months-that's older than you
lot. Your eyes are Wet" said Betty
pointedly; "aTe you crying? What for?
has any one smaCked your"
Fortunately al this moment Betty was
awakened to a sense of her response
bilities, for she turned and saw her sis
ter regaling herself at the table
Baby" she exclaimed She darted
forward and vigorously shook the shoul-
der Of the small person devOuring bread
and honey.
oh! you greedy greed. And you had
such lot Of breakfast! I never kn0wed
such child in all my life commented
Betty severely; then, struggling her
shoulders, she turned to Mrs. Brenton.
= can't DO nothing with her she said
This remark provoked a scene in which
Baby amply demonstrated that honey
was excellent for strengthening the vocal
cords
many sue CoiiSehteu 20 Slt on MISS
Graniger's knee, while her hands and
little person generally were made clean,
and then-Betty having eaten several
biscuits meanwhile-the time for halting
was declared at an end
IF we don't go now we shall get no
walk; and Miss Betty. please promise to
hold my hand" pleaded Dennis, the
maid. "She do play such pranks ma'am.
she makes my heart fair jump. that she
do"
But Betty and Baby were hanging on
10 their new friend
Wa want vo7, fo Gonna o,,+ ,,-f.t 80, 81,