Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1910-07-08
RHODA'S
SECRET
BY SYLVIA CHESTER


that startled Molly. She got up and
crossed over to her mothers side.
Mother, 1t could never have been.
I should never have married Adrian.
Don't think that Rhoda has crossed
your will in this. could never have
married Adrian"
'She has supplanted you with
your aunt" Mrs. Dering went on In
the same bitter tone. II am sure
she has made a new will in Rhoda's
favor. That money ought to be
yours"
But why? Rhoda Is her niece
too; and she did leave it to me until
/ teased her so unkindly. Rhoda has
known how to be truthful to her and
yet win her love. / shall be very
glad If Rhoda has the money!
you are child, silly child! You
know nothing of the value of mon
ey! Molly. i wanted you to live here
when your father and l are gone;
but it is Rhoda who will be mistress
here!"
"And what a charming mistress of
Dering she will make! You will like
it when you are used to the idea,
mother, and you would rather l was
happy than rich. You want your lit
tie Molly to be happy?"
You do not understand, Molly"
was Mrs. Dering's impatient answer.
She got up, stumbling over the dog,
who had curled himself up in a cor
ner of Molly's gown.
THAT dogs right place is In the
stables!" she said sharply.
MY Bill in the stables, mother?"
tress Then | must live in the sta
bles, too; l cannot be parted from
hirl!"
Mrs Dering could not resist smil-
ing; but the smiie instantly gave
way to heavy frown.
"Rhoda will be with her aunt all
day, l suppose?"
ternoon."
He is sure to spend most of the
time in Millicent's room. We are
outsiders, now, Molly"
We'll, / am glad to be an out
slider, so far as Millicent's room Is
concerned" said Molly, with little
laugh. Even Rhoda cannot con-
vert her to the extent of having fresh
air in her room. Poor Aunt MILL
cent! Do you think she is really
very i'll, mother?"
Il am afraid so. The doctors speak
very seriously about her heart.
There will be no time for" Mrs.
Dering stopped. She was going to
say, mo time for this infatuation for
Rhoda to wear out" but she could
not go on with Molly's innocent eyes
upon her.
Il must go and write my letters"
she said, shortly.
Rhoda found her aunt lying on the
couch She was looking very Ill
now, and her breathing was short
and painful After little conver-
sation, Miss Dering took up a let
ter.
II have heard from Adrian this
morning, Rhoda."
"Yes?"
you know he is coming to-day to
stay for few hourS?"
Molly told me so this morning."
said Rhoda, without looking at her
aunt.
He is coming to speak to you
again, Rhoda," Mrs. Dering went on.
HE would not take your answer
last week. You promised me to re-
consider that answer. He writes to
me to-day to say that he must know
his fate now that you have had time
enough for consideration, and that
he has right to final answer"
THAT is quite true" said Rhoda,
low tone. 81 wanted to give
a final answer last week"
But we were too wise to allow
you. Rhoda, / do not understand
you. Look at me, child"
Rhoda turned her eyes upon her
aunt and met the eager glance of
Miss Dering's haggard dark eyes;
then her own eyes dropped Her
aunt laid her hand upon her arm.
"Rhoda, you love him! All, do
not tell me that you do not, for !
have read the truth in your eyes!"
Aunt, l cannot marry him!" fall
tered Rhoda.
"Why?"
do not ask me why. / cannot
marry him!"
Miss Dering looked steadily at her
niece for some moments.
"Rhoda. l think / know the rea-
son."
"Ah, no, aunt"
Eyes, / think l know. You think
of your father, and you are unwill-
ing that Adrian should have to be
ashamed of your father. But Adrian
and / have talked of this
You have talked of my father?"
"Yes, that was inevitable. Adrian
was very explicit about 1t. He said
that IL Won had lived with yOur