Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1908-01-24

that outbreak of Stephens means to
those whose families have been New
Workers. since New York was 1t Is
ominous, 1t is more than omnous II
means that the master vice has seized
on one more Siward But shall new
er, never admit 1t to his mother"
The younger girl sat. wide eyed,
silent The elders gaze was upon hers
but her thoughts. remote, centered ON
the hapless mother of such Il son
Such indulgence was once fashion
able. Moderation is the present fash
lon. Perhaps he will fall into line"
said Mrs. Ferrall thoughtfuliy. "rhe
main thing is to keep him among peo-
pie. not to drop him. The gregarious
may be shamed, but II anything, any
incident happens to drive him outside
by himself. if he should become soil
tary. there's not chance In the world
for him. It's pity. know he meant
rule--and look Already one carouse
of his has landed him in the daily pa
pers"
Sylvia flushed and looked up. Grace.
may ! ask you question:
"Yes. child" she answered absently.
HAS it occurred to you that what
you have said about this boy touches
me very closely!"
Mrs. Ferrnll's wits returned nimbly
from woOlgathering, and she shot a
startled, inquiring glance at the girl
beside her.
"You--you mean the matter Of hered.
ity. Sylvan
Yes. think my uncle, Major Bel
wether, chose you as his august mouth
piece for that little sermon on the dan
gers of heredity-the danger Of being
| ignorant concerning what women of
my race had done-before | came into
the world they found so amusing"
Il told you several things" returned
Mrs. Ferrall composedly. Your uncle
thought 1t best for you to know"
Yes. There was, If understood
you. enough Of divorce, of general in.
discretion and irreguarity to seriously
complicate any family tree and coat OF
arms | might care to claim
Sylvia"
The girl lifted her pretty bare shout
ders. I'm sorry. but could | help iii
Very well: all can do is to prove @
decent exception. Very well; I'm do
ing 1t. am not-practically scared into
the first solidly suitable marriage Of
fered, Selling the unfortunate How
ard with both hands for fear he'd gel
away and leave me alone with only d
queer family record for company
Very we'll! Now, then. l. want to ash
you why everybody In my case ddn't
60 about with sanctimonious face
and dolorous mien repeating: Hell
grandmother eIoped! Her mother rar
away! Poor child; she's doomed
doomedv"
Sylvia, r.
"Yes; why didn't they? That's the
way they talk about that boy ou
there" She swept rounded arm to
ward the veranda.
Eyes. but he has already broker
loose. while YOU
$50 did NEARLY. Had it not beer
for you. you know well enough
might have run away with that dread
full Englishman at Newport. for
adored him--I did, did. and you
know 1t. And look at my endless es
capes from compromising myself! Car
you count them? All those indiscre
tons when mere living seemed to In
toxicate me that first winter and onl,
my uncle and you to break me in"'
I'm other words" said Mrs. Ferral
slowly. you don't think Mr.. Siward il
: getting what is known as SQUARE
denl?"
mo. l don't Major Belwether ha
already hinted-no. not even that. bu
has somehow managed to dampen III.
pleasure In Mr. Siward."
Mrs. Ferrall considered the girl be
side her. now very lovely and flushed
: In her suppressed excitement.