Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1910-06-24

"You ought to be angry with me
for my rudeness." said Rhoda.
mo, l am not angry. know l am
a frightful old woman Don't shake
your head and spoil your truthful
ness. l shall tell Mrs. Dering what
you have said to me-" She leaned
back, still looking fixedly at Rhoda.
| You must come to see me every
day." she said, ''and say to me ex-
actly what you think. Perhaps you
will get me to wear caps and leave
off powder. Now call Stanton and go
away. Tell Mrs. Dering l shall
come down to luncheon"
The days passed, and the intense
longing to tell the truth which Rho
da had at first felt gradually wore
off. Her relatives so completely took
her past for granted, they showed so
little curiosity about 1T that 1t was
easy to go on. Molly was too full of
her own experiences to care much to
listen to Rhoda's stories of the quiet
convent days. The two girls spent
many happy mornings in Molly's lit
| tie room. When work was over, Mol
ly was the chief talker. Rhoda
heard all about the escapades with
Jack that had made Molly's child
hood such an exciting time.
Rhoda's afternoons were devoted
to Miss Dering. This occasioned a.
severe struggle between Mrs. Dering
and her sister-in-law. Rhoda was not
present at the stormy interview be-
tween them; but though Mrs. Dering
gave way, she was bitterly cold to
Rhoda after that.
Il wish Rhoda had never come to
Dering." she said angrily to her hus-
band; "she is taking Molly's place
with her aunt"
"Well, well, Molly will have
enough and to spare" George Der
ing replied soothingly. Il wish the
girl looked happier. Agnes; she never
never smiles Have you noticed
that? She looks as if she had some
great burden to bear"
what can girl want more?"
said Mrs. Dering, with a touch of
bitterness in her tone. Molly is de-
voted to her. 1t is ridiculous for her
to have such tragedy airs; l have
no patience with her!"
1t was a day or two after this that
Miss Dering one morning announced
her intention of going to London for
week. She wished, she said, to
consult a new doctor. Rhoda was to
go with her, and Rhoda only. There
was another sharp struggle with
Mrs. Dering, who at first declared
that Rhoda should not go; but she
gave way after time, and one
bright frosty morning Rhoda and
her aunt proceeded by train to Wat
erloo. They drove to the Langham,
where Miss Dering had engaged
rooms.
Il will go and see the doctor to-
morrow" said Miss Dering, who
looked wonderfully bright and well.
Nov we will have lunch, and then /
want to pay call"
She left Rhoda in the sitting-room
and went to her own room. Rhoda
walked to the window and stood
looking absently into the street.
After a while she heard the door
open behind her and turned to
speak to her aunt She started vio-
lently, for the lady who entered was
very unlike the Millicent Dering
whom she had learned to know. All
the false complexion was gone; her
hair was plainly fastened up under
pretty cap; her dress was of sober
make and fashion.
You hardly knew me, Rhoda,"
said Miss Dering with smile. See
l have followed your advice!" She
walked up to the girl and patted her
on the cheek. Il do not know what
you have done to me, Rhoda. You
have made me want to be good"
Rhoda burst into passionate tears
Miss Dering put her arms round her
Il must have frightened you, and
l wanted to please you! Come, Rho
da, let us have our luncheon and
then go out; | am anxious to see how
people will look at me. How do you
think | look?''
But RhOda's tears would not stop.
She sank down upon the chair be-
side her aunt and hid her face
There was a wild longing in her
heart to tell her aunt ALL but the
words would not come, and the good
moment passed. She grew calmer
after a time and was able to talk
lightly about Miss Dering's new
mode of dressing. She was pale and
tremulous however when they went
out and drove down Regent Street
and towards the Park Miss Dering
looked critically at Rhoda as they
drove on.
Il like your dress, my dear"
she said, "and being pale suits you.
We are going to steal march on
Mrs. Dering, Rhoda."
Rhoda looked for an explanation.
We are going to call upon "our
heir, said Miss Dering, with an ex-
act imitation of Mrs. Dering's I'M
pressive tone. You have not seen