Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1910-06-17
RHODA'S
SECRET
BY SYLVIA CHESTER
CHAPTER III.


Amelie had sent two lay sisters with
Rhoda as far as Calais. At Calais
she was met by her uncle. AS the
train drew up at the platform she
was looking out, expecting to see
some tall dark man like her father.
1t was a great surprise when some
what short, burly, CHEEKY little gem
tleman hustled up to her and held
out his hands.
Il should have known you any
where, my dear" he said warmly.
You are a thorough Dering. We
have ever so many good likenesses
of you at home in our picture gal
lery.
They had only just time to catch
the boat, and Mr.. Dering hurried his
niece away, only giving her few
moments for hasty farewell to her
two companions.
Very kind, good women they
looked too," he said, referring to
them when he and Rhoda were safe
on the boat. "And they must be
so fond of you, Rhoda. I'll bound
you shed a good many tears last
night How many years have you
been there"
Ever since my mother died, !"
Rhoda answered steadily.
II wish you had come to us be-
fore, but there were circumstances
which / do not care to mention"
He looked at the girl uneasily
Your father and l are not friends,
Rhoda. You must not talk about
him at Dering"
II understand" she replied, and
turned to hide the CULVER Of her lips.
Her uncle patted her shoulder
gently.
Il wouldn't say 1t to you If you
knew him better, my dear. But he
has not been a good man. Now you
are coming home, my dear, and you
will have father and mother and a
dear little sister, Heaven bless her!"
Rhoda's heart was swelling with
wounded feelings, but she kept her
voice steady as she asked:
How old is your daughter?'
Just eighteen. Three years
younger than you are! But you look
older than you are, Rhoda. That Is
because you are dark"
And she Is fair?"
Blue eyes and light brown hair
"a regular English beauty. You
will see her this evening. She is
prepared to love you dearly, and 1
want you to love her very much,
Rhoda-to love us all. You are 60
ing home, remember. 1t will be as
much your home as 1t Is Molly's.
You are my daughter now. You un-
derstand that, don't you, my dear?'
Thank you," the girl said family.
The warm tones the kindly looks
only served to increase the feeling
of misery at her heart. AS she stood
there watching the coast of France
disappear in the cloudy distance, it
was with difficulty that she pre-
vented herself from telling her uncle
all the truth. But her fathers
words were in her ears-"If they
knew the truth, the doors of Dering
will be shut to you for ever" And
these words kept her silent
1t was quite dark when they
reached Dering. The carriage was
waiting for them at the station, and
they drove quickly through long ave-
nues of stately elms and lines that
led to the house. Rhoda's uncle half
lifted her out and led her up the
steps.
Welcome home, my dear!" he
said, kissing her, as they reached
the door. Then he led her in.
Rhoda had one glance at the
great hall, with its glorious arched
roof and panelled walls, and then
two loving arms were clasped close
round her, and Molly's sweet voice
repeated her fathers Welcome
home!"
Mrs. Dering waited at the draw
ing room to greet Rhoda.
I'VE are very glad to see you,
Rhoda." she said in her kind firm
tones.
The calmness of this greeting re-
stored Rhodas self possession,
which had nearly given away She
answered questions about the jour-
ney with perfect calmness, con-
scious that Mrs. Dering's eyes were
surveying her with critical surprise.
Mrs. Dering turned to her hus-
band when Molly had taken Rhoda
away to her room.
81 had no idea that Rhoda would
be like this" she said. Il expected
girl, shy young girl"
She is perfect Dering!" re-
turned Mr.. Dering heartily. "She Is
exactly like that beautiful portrait
of Prudence Dering in the hall"
81 do not see much likeness.
Rhoda's eyes are gray"
How quick you are to see that,
Agnes!" said Mr.. Dering admiring-
ly. Il thought they were dark at
first. She is beautiful and exactly
like my poor brother Arthur"
do not mention his name!" Mrs.
Darfpp roturpad charp1y at hone