Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1910-07-08

her aunt raised her hand.
do not speak; listen to me. 1t Is
easy to destroy a will. You must ac-
cept Adrian to-day, or l shall de-
stroy that will. shall make new
one and leave all my money to Mrs.
Dering!'
"You are trying to bribe mel"
cried Rhoda, her face flushing and
growing deathly pale. She left the
window and stood opposite to her
aunt.
II am trying to make you choose
your own happiness. l don't pre-
tend to understand you, Rhoda; but
will not let you cast away your
life's best chance"
Rhoda stood silent. There was a
terrible struggle in her heart. Sud-
denly she sank down at her aunt's
feet and took her hands in hers.
Aunt Milllicent. let me tell
you"
But she stopped. The peculiar
paleness which accompanied the
heart attacks, which were growing
more frequent daily, came over Miss
Dering's face.
Call Stanton!' Miss Dering said
hoarsely.
Rhoda hastily called the maid.
and together they administered the
remedies the doctor had ordered.
Slowly the color came back into Miss
Dering's face. The danger was over
for the time. Stanton went away.
| and Rhoda sat down and put her
hand into her aunt's.
you will dc what want?" Miss
Dering whispered, holding the girls
Rhoda, and let me die happy in the
thought of your future"
Rhoda bent and kissed her.
Il will give Adrian my answer
this afternoon she said, softly.
Tell me now what your answer
will be-"
Dear aunt, let me wait till this
afternoon. l cannot tell you now"
And with this Miss Dering was
forced to be content.
Adrian was not coming until late
in the afternoon. After luncheon,
Miss Dering sent Rhoda for walk.
When the girl came downstairs, she
found Mrs. Dering in the hall.
Where is Molly, Aunt Agnes?"
she said, pleasantly.
"Out with her father" was Mrs.
Dering's short answer.
Rhoda crossed the hall to the
door, but her aunt called her back.
Come here, Rhoda want to
speak to you"
Mrs. Dering was sitting In one of
great carved oak chairs that stood
by the marble hearth. Rhoda came
and leaned against the carved man
telpiece. She was looking very pale
and grave, and there was indications
of recently shed tears. Mrs. Dering
looked at her with a hard cold
glance.
Look round this hall, Rhoda. and
tell me how it strikes YOU"
Rhoda glanced round the stately
! hall. The paneled walls were cov-
cred with old armor, and there were
one or two of the finest portraits
there. In the glorious arched roof
were stained glass windows, and the
colored light fell upon the marble
floor and illumined the beautiful
tapestry hanging before the doors
and the oak cabinets filled with
costly china.
'It is very beautiful" Rhoda said
gravely.
THE Derings have held this house
for more than five centuries." said
Mrs. Dering, in a cold tone. THE
annals of our race are filled with no.
BILE deeds of noble men and women.
Do you think that you are worthy to
be mistress here?"
Rhoda's dark face flushed at the
cruel words.
"Do you mean to insult me. Aunt
Agnes?"
II mean to tell you the truth.
Since you have entered these doors,
you have been spoiled by adulation
and fattery; but l will speak the
truth to you"
go on said Rhoda She
clenched her hands. and her very
lips grew pale with the effort to be
calm.
Your father Is disgrace to his
name," said Mrs. Dering. in slow
measured tones. You were edu-
Gated by charity In the convent.
You were asked here out of pity be-
cause your uncle did not wish you to
live with your father or to become
a governess. And how have you re-
warded his kindness? You have
schemed to get your aunt's fortune.
You have schemed to get Adrian's
love. You think you are successful
in both, but be not too sure. Your
aunt is still living and Adrian has
not proposed to you yet"
Mrs. Dering stopped. The pale set
look cn Rhoda's face checked her
| violent words