Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1908-10-20

who came. His college friends he rarely
asked to Hohve, for this indeinable and
subordinate position he held in his faith
er's house at present would, he knew, be
a subject for endless remark and surmise
among other young men. even of pity for
himself most likely, and from this he
shrank with most utter repulsion Of the
young men of his own neighborhood Athol
We're was the one most gladly received by
Rourke in his den, but then Athol had his
work to do, and it was not often he could
spare the hours through which Rourke
liked to have him sitting opposite him at
the window or the fire, now talking of
hundred things which made the hours pass
gayly, and now drifting, as they two
could at times into a rarer talk, which
made the day seem better and the be-
yond more pleasant. Trenham thought
The only occupant of the den in the
late afternoon of this day was Rourke's
valet, a small, brisk fellow, with a keen,
intelligent, whiskerless face and closely
cut dark hair. He was setting the room
in order. He all the while kept watch
through that window which commanded
the grand sweep before the steps on which
the cannon stood, beside the door of
Hohve The nature of the man glanced
out as he pursued this double occupa-
ton; deft neatness which was almost
womanly, and a watchful alertness most
thoroughly man-like.
1t was several minutes before Rourke
rode up to the open sweep, where his SER
want could see him. On his way to his
own room he met his stepmother gliding
languidly downstairs in her velvet dinner
dress.
81 thought" she said, in answer to his
smile and nod, "that you were staying
out to dine?"
Dining out in this dpess ~ he an
swered, laughing, as he glanced down at
his clayey boots and splashed red coat
Though l have, haven't l, before now,
stopped with old Uncle Digby or at Ru-
pert's Rest. But l should not have done
SO tonight, even if 1 had been scrupu-
lousy attired. Did you imagine 1 should
leave you to dine alone on my last night?"
'No; but I've asked-told Newley to
dine with us tonight"
Rourke started back, the genial look
all gone from his face, a proud contempt
there in its stead.
Next year-at this pace-you will be
asking him to meet our other guests, and
asking other guests on purpose to meet
him. l only WONDER" he added, scornful-
ly, that you did not ask him to grace
the ball tonight"
Il did," said Mrs. Trenham, with
deliberateness which might be either COO
defiance or touch of fear.
You did" cried Rourke, an angry fire
in his eyes; you did You asked him
to come to do honor to my birthday; you
asked him-a servant whom my father
took into his house for charity, because
you told him that the boy was homeless,
and would serve US well Is he to come
here to be one with the guests we honor?
to sit at my table among them? He shall
not! Such a thing was never heard Of"
at will be heard of now," said Mrs.
Trenham, with naughty GOODNESS, though
her heart was beating uncomfortably ~
have told him to be here. He dresses
well, and bears himself well, and be-
HAYES well; and l choose he shall take
a place among my guests. Whether he
can hold it or not depends upon himself,
and you will see."
why did you not tell me before?" said
Rourke, speaking leisurely for a moment
in the strength and heat of his passion,
as strong men often do. II would have
given Brent an invitation TOO. How many
of the women servants have you invited ?"
Don't be inconsistent, Rourke," said
his stepmother, seizing her passing adj
vantage; they are none of them his
equals He las no equals in the house,
poor fellow. You, naturally perhaps, hold
yourself his superior because you-well, l
will not enlarge upon that now; and the
servants are, of course, his interiors"
Precious few of them"
You, Rourke, cried Mrs. Trenham.
beginning to shed tears, always mis-
judge in your blind prejudice. Another
son would value one who was so devoted
to his mother. Think what l should be
without Newley's constant advice and SER
vice"
Rourke looked down curiously into the
fearful face. What was there in this
woman which could have won his fathers
heart? Were any other homes governed
by such rule as this?
"Value Newley's services as you like"
he said, Il never complain of that; but
is he to entirely monopolize my placer"
HE is so much more experienced and
thoughtful than you are, Rourke."
You are no judge" the young man
said; you have never tried me you have
trusted all to him, nothing to me. By
heaven, when l think of the injury my
father did me. in making me a cipher in
this house, l hardly trust myself"
WAS it injury in your father to place
confidence in his wife?' inquired Mrs
Trenham, smiling coldly. And is it I'M
natural that l should place confidence in
one who is skillful and cautious? You
ought to rejoice that I have sense to do
so, and be glad to see him in this house."
IF you had made up your mind TO ask
him TO this ball." said the young man,
sternly, why did you not let it be a mix
ed ball, as l wished, for the tenantry and
servants, as we'll as for our own friends?"
Because l dislike such things; they
are a great trouble, and there is always
some ridiculous offense taken by some
body or other for what l do. What is
the use of exciting yourself for nothing
Rourke? 1t is not a mixed ball, and
Horton Newley is to be here"
If he does come-for L hope you will
have the good taste even yet to stop him
shall insult him. l will put no restraint
upon myself, and so l know l shall in
suit him in the sight and hearing of every
guest that is here. How could l help it?
And what must the sneak expect but that,
if he dares TO take such gross advantage
Of"
HE will not mind" interrupted Mrs
Trenham, with cool unconcern. He has
been insulted by YOU too often to mind
it now. Ii never moves him. He is an
older and more self-governed man than
you are, and knows how to allow for a
hasty and impatient spirit. He would
bear more than that for my sake, because
he is faithful 10 me, and knows how de-
pendent am upon him"
The glimpse of helplessness in this
III Il