The new enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 1908-02-06


nafy rule of courtesy bade me offer
thanks. particularly since there Is
nought else / may oier Elizabeth,
child. we will 60 indoors. / wish you,
Mr.. Eyre, a very good evening. I'd adj
wise you to rest for the night at the
'Heathylees Arms' in the village Tell
the hostess that she must use you we'll,
since you are known to me. Once
more, sir, good evening"
To her great chagrin her sleeve
was caught by her granddaughter.
Madam" said the girl. There is
there is an understanding between Mr..
Eyre and myself
ut Is apparent" said Lady Healthy
lees; "but strongly advise It's iiscon-
tinuance Mr.. Eyre, you viii oblige me
by retiring now"
He laughed lowly and pleasantly,
bowed to both ladies. rose again to
the saddle; then, with a fine flourish
Of the hat, passed slowly down the
glade.
"A handsome man, God wotl" OBJ
served the dowager. "And one pleasant
enough pour passer lie temps. But pray,
my dear child, what name did you say,
/ can scarce hear as well this last year
or two?"
"Mr. Eyre OF Hassop, madam"
The, dowager smiled more agreeably
than usual. why, l could have sworn
that | had seen him before, and now
learn the reason. His grandfather
--Rowland-and l were friends In
youth"
Lady Elizabeth came nearer, actual
Iy presuming to rest her cheek against
her grandmother's.
"Then his grandfather-and you
were lovers"
But the other fell a-laughing very
loudly and heartily for a person of
quality. my sweet Elizabeth" she
cried, 81 was too young to know the
meaning OF love--in truth, being no
older than you are now But loves
thing that begins with game-a silly,
signing game-and Rowland Eyre and
were gamesters-just as you and this
country beau are gamesters. Pshaw!
After the first few months gave
never a thought to the grandsire.
though 'twould be lying If / denied
that he was singularly handsome"
The girl gazed into her face with
disconcerting steadiness my dearest
grandmother" she said, without ire
NOR, because it pleased you to play
at the love game is no reason why !
should mimic you. l have known Mr..
Eyre for many years and not day
but my love for him has grown strong
er and more worthy"
Never before lad the dowager been
so confronted. Her somewhat vivid
color faded; her lips met closely; her
eyes snapped with vexation.
"Your friendship with Mr.. Eyre is
a matter Of no consideration" she
said, 1T is best, seeing that you are
sent here for a purpose, TO make you
acquainted with that purpose. My
good son, your father. relies upon me
% bring you to proper state Of mind
for the reception Of Lord Allithwaite's
formal courtship.H
The effect Of this plain speaking was
contrary to the dowager's expectation
Lady Elizabeth, smiling more winning
ly than ever, stopped to a bush of
moss roses and gathered one flower.
eve cannot grow them so well at
home" she said. above all lovely
things 1 love the moss rose. There's
a pungency in its sweetness How or
why know not, but It always reminds
me Of ravine in a pleasaunce-a ra-
vine with little waterfall"
Lady Heathylees seemed to swell
out like the frog in the fable. "Did
you hear me, mistress? she cried.
81 heard you, madam said Lady
Elizabeth; but as / considered what
you said to be unworthy Of you
thought best to let 1t pass without re-
mark. But, since you insist, I in all
humility decline to allow my state OF
mind to be changed. l have no doubt
that my father has also requested you
to break my spirit; but that madam,
you will find impossible OF perform-
ance. Once and for all I-most defer
entially-declare that win not marry
the man of my fathers ehoice-that !
viii be wife to none same him I lovei"
She united the riband Of her hood |
and with steady fingers placed the rose
amidst the laces Of her bosom. The old
lady's agitation was so profound that
for full minute she could not utter a |
word.
Five daughters and Is granddaugh-
tiers have / married with ease" She
ala hnrnhl.. 49, -. u. =. -. =