The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1908-02-14

| I'D ODJect.
She smiled TO herself as the deft
French maid helped her into q quiet
gown Of gray. Audrey was a fayorite
with the servants, and with loving care
Marie pinned and draped until she was
satisfied with the result.
Audrey was just In time to descend
the stairs and receive with Mrs.
Thompson-Terhune the first OF the
guests. With the strange feeling that
II was all a part Of the enchantment,
she moved through the rooms, chatting
with the guests until dinner was an
nounced.
Mrs. pson-Terhune counted IN uch
upon her prospects from the major.
He was still hale and hearty, but she
lived In pleasurable anticipation of his
unexpected taking off, and she sadly
needed the money that would come to
her at his death.
! His word was law with her, and
when he insisted that Audrey be placed
next TO him at table the hostess
promptly changed the seating arrange
ments even while she planned that
/
day with salary In lieu Of a notice.
Audrey, all unconscious Of the ankle
ties OF her hostess, enjoyed herself to
the full, and enjoyment transformed
the little face that had become so wan
and somb Der In the last few months.
Knowing how anxious Mrs. Thomp-
son-Terhune was that her guest OF hon
/ oh M ort-
ed herself TO be entertaining with such
good success that the major insisted
that Audrey should be brought over to
the castle for luncheon some day be-
fore her return 10 town.
"Miss Sheldon unfortunately is re-
turning 10 town tomorrow" said Mrs
Thompson-Terhune acidly as she gave
the signal to the ladies to rise In order
TO terminate the argument
The men were not long In joining the
ladies, and the major made straight
for Audrey's side, nor would he be dis
lodged until the party broke up.
AS the last carriage rolled away Au-
drey turned to her employer with eyes
that danced. at was such fun to mas
Suc tIIcu, Win a hlIic
laugh. 81 wonder what the major
would say could he know that my re-
turn to town In the morning was mere
ly change to the nursery governess."
"You will go up to town In the morn
Ing" was the quiet response. IL will
pay you n months salary instead of
the usual notice / cannot have my
darling children in the charge Of a
person who so shamelessly pursues a
rich man."
The unexpectedness Of the dismissal
was such a shock that Audrey was too
dazed to argue against the charge.
She had nowhere to go, and the ptiful-
ly small sum she would receive would
not last more than two weeks. The
happy light gone from her eyes, she
groped her way to her room, scarce
seeing through her tears.
There was no relentlng the next
morning, and, with her few belongings
packed In the tiny trunk, she was driv-
en- to the station for the early train.
To her surprise the major was impa-
tiently pacing the platform in the rear
OF the diminutive depot lie hurried
forward 10 assist hcr to allght, but Au-
drey shrank from him.
IL thought you would be going to
town on this traln," he cried exultant-
ly. "I'm going too. Didn't Isabel
come to see you offY
ut was all mistake" said Audrey.
trying to speak bravely. 1T was be-
cause of your aversion to thirteen at
table that was called upon. was
Mrs. Thompson-Terhun gov erness."
WAS" he echoed. $50 q IT'S the
trouble. Is IT? | guess | do Lot need
more ample explanation. My dear, my
niece's fears are we'll founded" he con-
tinued bluntly. 81 did fall In love
with you. That's why am here this
morning to ask II may call upon you
In town."
81 don't even know where am go
ing" dcmurred Audrey.
Il do" said the major, with decision.
"Yon are going TO be the guest Of my
partners wife until you find a new
place-or find that after all, an old
man may still be worthy of love. Do
you think that will he $3.50 hard?'
mot so very" confessed the girl shy
ly, and in her heart she knew that al
ready this kindly old man had won her
affections. She had not thought of his
money, but 1t was inexpressibly pleas
ant to be looked after instead of look
Ing after others, and as the train sped
along the side OF the river Audrey
knew that 1t would not be long before
she would come back again to bo
chatelaine OF the castle of her valiant
knight.