Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1914-08-13


her intention of going to London for
week. She wished, she said, to
consult 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 a 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.
II will go and see the doctor to-
morrow" said Miss Dering, who
looked wonderfully bright and we'll.
Now 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 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 a
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. II 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.
II must have frightened you, and
l wanted to please you! Come, Rho
da, let US have our luncheon and
then go out; l am anxious to see how
people will look at me. How do you
think l 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.
81 like your dress, my dear"
ha cojI IL
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
Adrian Dering yet; want to intro
duce him to YOU"
The carriage stopped at house in
| Brook Street. Mr.. Dering was at
home, and the two ladies were taken
upstairs into large front room, the
walls of which were lined with
books. A tall, handsome, dark eyed
man came to meet them.
Aunt Millicent, this is a great
and unexpected pleasure" He
looked at her in some amazement
and she said with nervous laugh
You scarcely knew me in this
new style of dress; this is Rhoda 8
work. Let me introduce you to
Rhoda"
Adrian held out his hand with a
grave smile.
of cb 40 dc b1
da, as cousins should" He took her
hand in a firm and friendly clasp.
II should have made your acquaint-
ance at Dering next week." he said !;
II have been SO busy that have not
been able to run down lately"
Adrian Dering was remarkably
handsome man. He was a true Der
ing, tall and dark and slenderly
built. He reminded Rhoda a little
of her father; but there was a look
Of intellectual power on Adrian
face that was wanting in Mr.. Der
ing's. Yet 1t was a cold face; there
was no tenderness or softness in its
lines, no gentleness in the brilliant
dark eyes. He was very cordial how
CfSI " luc lWO lduleS, SOL Icd lOi
them, and accepted with evident
pleasure Miss Dering's invitation tc
dinner that evening.
This is for your black silk dress
Rhoda, 1t is too plain for you. Put
this lace on and wear some flowers
tonight. I don't want Adrian tc
think us dingy and old-fashioned."
Rhoda saw Adrian Dering nearly
every day that week-often more
than once a day. Once or twice Miss
Dering sent chem out together. One
long walk they had in the early
morning of the last day through
Hyde Park into Kensington Gardens
Rhoda exclaimed at the beauty oi
the old trees in the Gardens.
They remind me of the trees IN
our convent garden" she said invol
UNFAIRLY.
Adrian looked at her with one oi
his rare smiles.