The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1915-04-08

as the pest Olu boys IN all tue NOTlut
and they we're both saying. with spas
modic cackles OF pleasure. that she
mustn't believe a word the young
rascal said"
manner in which she accepted these
jocular contributions to the occasion.
Her smile was friendly, her handshake
cordial and yet there was an unmis-
taxable air OF tolerance. as OF one who
Is accustomed to tribute. She merely
smiled and thanked them in simple,
commonplace phrases. Her voice was
low-pitched and marked by huski-
ness that was peculiar in that II was
musical, not throaty. Frederic, on
trst seeing her, had leaped to the con-
clusion that her English would not be
perfect. He was somewhat surprised
to discover that she had but the faint
est trace OF an accent. He awoke sud
denly, however. to the realization that
he had been looking into his new step
mothers eyes for long time and that
she was returning his gaze with some
intensity.
And this?" she said, abruptly break
ing in upon one OF Danbury's hasty
"reminiscences, effectually ending II,
this is Frederic?"
She came directly toward the young
man, her small, gloved hand extended
Her eyes were looking into his with
an intentness that disconnected him.
There was no smile on her lips. II
was as II she regarded this moment
as a pronounced crisis.
Frederic mumbled something fatu-
GUS about being glad to see her, and
felt his face burn under her steady
gaze. His father came forward.
Yes; this Is Frederic, my dear" he
said, without trace Of warmth In his
voice. AS she withdrew her hand
from Frederic's clasp. James Brood
extended his. How are you. Fred
eric"
quite we'll. sir"
They shook hands in the most per.
functory manner.
II need not ask how you are, IA
ther." said the son, after an instant's
hesitation. you never looked bet
ter, SIR"
THANK you. | am we'll All. Mrs
Desmondl 1t is good to be home
again with you all. My dear permit
me to introduce Mrs. John Desmond
You have heard me speak of my old
comrade and"
81 have heard you speak Of Mr.. Des
mond thousand times" said his wife
There may have been a shade OF EN-
phasis on the prefix, but 1t was Sc
slight that no one remarked 1t save
the widow of John Desmond, who hat
joined the group.
"Will you go to your room at once
Mrs. Brood?" asked Mrs. Desmond
The new mistress Of the house had no
offered to shake hands with her, al
James Brood had done. She hat
moved closer to Frederic and wa
smiling in a rather shy. pleading way
In direct contrast to her manner OF tn
moment before. The smile was 70
her stepson. She barely glanced a
Mrs. Desmond.
|
fire and-oh, have been so cold
bShe shivered very prettily.
"Come!" cried her husband. THAT
just the thing" No one spoke as the.
moved toward the library. I'VE mus
try to thaw out" he added dryly, witt
faint smile on his lips.
His wife laid her hand on Frederic
arm "It is cold outside. Frederic,
she said; very cold. am not accui
, toned to the cold"
He was prepared to dislike her. II
was determined that his hand shoul
, be against her in the conflict that wa
J bound to come. And now, In fasl
a strange, new emotion rushed u
: within him like a food. A quee
} wistful note OF sympathy in her voic
l had done the trick. Something
!. the touch OF her fingers on his arr
r completed the mystery. He was col
scious OF a mighty surge OF relic
. The horizon cleared for him.
I'VE shall do our best to keep 20
: warmth" he said quite gayly. and wa
1OhiCW What uosohiohCu ~ hiluocis
They had preceded the others inl
: the library. James Brood was dives
I ing himself OF his coat In the hall. a
3 tended by the ieech-like old men. Mr.
:. Desmond stood in the doorway. o d
e tached figure.
You must love me. Frederic. YC
must be very. very fond OF me. n,
for your fathers sake but for min
Then we shall be great friends, n,
!. antagonists"
He was helping her with her Goa
81 confess l looked forward to yC
with good deal, OF animosity," |
said.
But I shall not be a stepmother
she said quickly. Her eyes we're sci
Gus for an instant. then filed with
luminous smile. Il shall be Yvoni
s. to you. and you Frederic to me. L
u II be good beginning"
you are splendid!" he cried. I'll
II NOT OotnQ fo "A at oil had