The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-11-01
CHAPTER ".
Rosemary Has Several shocks.


night before, or whether she had really
heard a strange noise in the dark.
She was down early. and finding no one
in the morning room. where breakfast
WAS laid FOR three people. she stepped out
Of the long French windows and strolled
about with a view of exploring the garden
that was still beautiful. in spite of the
lack Of flowers ana naked branches OF
the trees. Presently she paused and red
dened. for she caught sight of Sir
Douglas and a strange man standing by
an Old sun dial, and apparently talking
earnestly. They had evidently not heard
her approach.
Il don't know how it's going 20 end, %
Sir Douglas clear voice said decidedly,
but I shall hang on it,
IT'S pity, the other man said, slow
ly. The conditions OF the viii were
certainly strange, but 10 my mind
stephen Usher seemed too III 10 marry,
and every one thought that you would
survive him, and inherit the money that
way. II would have been godsend 10
Luck House. Are you sure there is 40
mistaken
Sir Douglas gave a bitter laugh that
made Rusemary's heart throb.
There can be no mistake about a mar
riage certificate" Sir Douglas said, and
my precious cousin seems 60 have chosen
a bride in all things corresponding with
the directions IN the will He"
A dry twig under Rosemarys foot
snapped suddenly. and both men turned
i'm surprise As she stood before them,
her fair hair tangled by the playful
breeze, and her cheeks stained a deep
carmine, the thought shot through Sir
Douglas mind that never before mad so
young and beautiful girl been living be-
meath the gray roof of Luck House In
her was the spirit Of hope and youth per
sonified. while all round her were the
signs Of despair and ruin. He went for
ward and held out his hand courteously
Good morning. Miss Ffrench. Have
you come 10 call us i'm 10 breakfast
Not exactly Rosemary stammered.
Il really came for a stroll. il was so
lovely"
Sir Douglas turned TO his companion.
"Dacre. let me introduce you 10 Miss
French. my mothers new companion.
Rosemary bowed, and instantly liked
the man with the kindly shreWd eyes
and clean-cut face She felt that ne was
a friend that would stick through thick
and thin.
"Dacre is our family solicitor, Miss
French Sir Douglas went on. we
never pay him for his services. but once
a year he has the honor of dining with
us, and apparently he takes out in food
what We owe him in money
Sir Douglas exaggerates my digestive
powers. Miss Ffrench, Dacre laughed.
Il hope you won't look for an exhibition
q fr15F
Rosemary laughed. too, and when they
were all seated at the breakfast table she
glanced inquiringly at Sir Douglas.
My mother never appears till lunch
time" he said. "She will probably send
for YOU when she wants 70 see you, Miss
Ffrench." Then he went on. Did you
sleep we'll last night"
II was on the tip Of Rosemary's tongue
10 tell him how she had been startled,
1ut she felt that both men were looking
40 her inteutly, and somehow she decided
% keep her terror Of the night before To
herself.
Yes. thank you" she answered. Il
was very tired And by the look OF
'elef that flashed into Sir Douglas eyes
she knew that he had expected TO hear
else.
After breakfast Mr.. DaCre retired 10 do
some writing in the library. and as Rose
nary moved toward the door after him,
Sir Douglas said quickly, Miss French,
want a little chat with you, and this
seems as good time as any other"
She looked al him with startled eyes.
What was no going 10 say? Surely lie
lad not guessed her dreadful secret? II
vas impossible-he looked at her too
Kindly.
1T is this" he began aWkwaTdly, 7
want TO apologize for anything my moth
r may have said last night to hurt you,
md for anything she might say in the
Uture. She is a strange old lady, and, of
ate years, has been bitterly grieved at
eeing the estate gradually going to-to
he dogs, for want OF money; and also"
Ia went on, Eve have both had a big
disappointment over some money that
eemed almost sure 20 come to me, and
am afraid the dear old soul IS not
strong enough 10 take things easily
There are times when she is very trying
md difficult to please. but you viii try 10
tay with us. won't you? You seem TO be
ust the companion we have been looking
or for ages"
Indeed, Sir Douglas" Rosemary re-
lied earnestly: Il quite understand how
4ady MaIaby must feel sometimes, and
My hope that ! may he able 10 cheer
.er up and make her forget her worries"
The young mans face frightened, It's
Wfully good Of you not 10 be annoyed
ver last night" he said; 'T-I-wish
ould tell you more" he went on; but
-ou will learn things for yourself quite
Don enough. In the meantime, please
romise 70 let me know If there is any
hing / can do to make you more com
ortable. The servants are old and not
fond of strangers, he smil
d. but ! think they will look after you"
Rosemary thought of Keziahs prophecy
bout her sudden departure and smiled
lso
''Keziah has taken me under her wing
no said; so 1 shall be all right Sir
Douglas
But when she was going upstairs in
nswer TO "A summons from Lady Mallaby
he wondered whether she would get on
$ well with the old lady as she did with
er son.
Lady Malaby was standing by the win |
ow when she entered the room, and in !
he broad daylight Rosemary thought her |
ace looked more haggard and CHASTITY |
han it had the night before. There was |
II expression in the sunken eyes that |
lade the girl pause and say. gently:
You sent for me. Lady Mallaby?"
Sent for you? Did /? Then come here |
nd look out of the window, girl" was |
ne unexpected reply.
Rosemary obeyed Il don't wonder at |
our being fond of the view" she said, |
rightly. Il went for a little stroll be- |
)re breakfast, and thought it was love- /
r"
A harsh, Earring laugh froze the words
n her lips.
The view-it's not the view l look at!
stand here day after day and think of
4