The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1908-04-24
BISHOPS
WEAKNESS

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Lady Athea Bullen sat quite alone
In her boudoir. although Christmas
AYE was more than half erased from
the calendar of days.
Usually, at this time Of the year,
DQrmy Place had not been big enough
f6r the number of guests it was call
ed upon to welcome, and in every
room gay voices and laughter made
All atmosphere OF youth and weN-be-
i&& for the son of the house, who
carried the joy Of living in every
feature of his debonair face, and ev-
cry movement of his agile figure.
But the potentiaHties that lie in
wait for contented mortals had
changed all that-a week ago; and
Lady Althea, having cancelled her
thirty invitations, sat and endured
the result-silence and loneliness.
Her handsome gray eyes, hard and
bright, stared at the fire; her mouth,
always resolute one, set itself into
firmer curves than usual, as though
it would repress, by sheer force of
will, a tendency to droop or CULVER;
her hands folded themselves in each
other with a mutual assurance that
they needed no familiar clasp to hold
and warm them.
Lady Althea was alone by her own
wish; she was determined not to re-
gret it.
Yet when carriage wheels sounded
on the drive, and the clang of the
bell echoed through the empty rooms,
she rose involuntarily and stood for
a moment with the calmness all gone
from her face, and two emotions
battling with each other in her mind.
Then she moved to the speaking
tube by the fireplace and blew sharp
ly down it.
Il am not at home to any one"
she said slowly and distinctly.
"A message is coming up, my lady
was the answer, and the next mo-
ment footman entered, with card
on salver.
The card had some writing on it,
in addition to the name and address
THE Bishop of Ware. Wareham
Castle
The message ran: II must apollo
gize for intruding ON you, but am
on my way to Mrs. Elliot at Sem
bourne, and the drive is a long one
for me in my present state of health
would be grateful for half an hour
OF your ospitality.-Ware"
Lady Althea considered, began a
sentence and stopped. then dropped
the card on table, and said: "Show
the Bishop up"
The faint flicker of smile touch.
ed her lips as she shook hands with
him.
81 have read of your illness in the
papers, she said; 'is it not very
unwise for you, my lord, to be taking
long drive so soon?" She looked
him straight in the eyes. They were
keen but very kindly ones that met
her own. Though it is fortunate
for me-" she added more graciously,
since It gives me the pleasure OF
seeing you"
Il counted on your forgiveness. .
said the Bishop, when stopped at
your door. | felt sure you would
take our mutual friendship with Mrs.
Elliot as personal introduction, and
would allow me to waive ceremony
and ask for the. warmth of your fire
side on my way"
He held out his hand to- the blaze;
white, thin hands but fine in shape,
and expressive as were his features
of nervous strength. The Bishop new
er allowed illness to impede him in
his work.
Lady Althea handed him some tea.
MRS. Elliot is an old friend OF
mine,' she said, ''and have often
heard her speak of you. But am
surprised that she did not tell you
her nearest station is Senbourne.
suppose YOU came to langley. II
must be eight miles off," Her tone
was a little questioning
Indeed" said the Bishop, sis II
so far as that?'
Not very favorable weather for
driving, either" continued Lady AL
thea, with chilly politeness.
No." he assented meditatively
II have known it colder at this sea
son, and have known 1t warmer.
should prefer one or the other. Elk
tremes are so much easier to dea
with than a temperature that is Meth
er friendly nor inclement"
He had been looking at the fire
hut as he concluded he glanced al