The Carlisle independent., 1915-05-27

CuSS6u the pOSSlDll1lleS OI tue udy SO near at hand She could see nothing but disaster, and she could think of nothing but her own lamentable weak ness in shrinking from the encounter that might have made the present situ- ation impossible She tried to make light of the situation, however, prophe- sylEg 8 calmer attitude for Frederic after he had slept over his grievance, which, after all, she argued, was doubt less exaggerated. She promised to go with Lydia to see James Brood in the morning, and to plead with him to be merciful to the boy she was to marry, no matter what transpired. The girl at first insisted on going over to see him that night, notwithstanding the hour, and was dissuaded only after the most earnest opposition.
 It was four o'clock before they went back to bed and long after five before either closed her eyes.
 Mrs. Desmond. utterly exhausted, was the first to awake. She glanced at the little clock on her dressing-table anu gave d Sl tdl Oldl Ol bOhotCl AleA tion. It was long past nine o'clock. While she was dressing, the little maid servant brought in her coffee and toast and received instructions not to awak- en Miss Lydia but to let her have her sleep out A few minutes later she left the apartment and walked briskly around the corner to Brood's home.
 Fearing that she might be too late, she walked so rapidly that she was quite out of breath when she entered the house. MT. Riggs and MT. Dawes were putting on their coats in the hall preparatory to their short morning constitutional. They greeted her effu- sively, and with one accord proceeded to divest themselves of the coats, an- nouncing in one voice their intention to remain for a good, oldfashioned chat
 It's dear of you, she said, hur- riedly, but I must see MT. Brood at once. Why not come over to my apartment this afternoon for a cup of tea and"
 Mrs. Brood's voice interrupted her.
 What do you want, Mrs. Desmond?" came from the landing above. The visitor looked up with start, not so much of surprise as uneasiness. There was something sharp, unfriendly in the low. level tones.
 Yvonne. fully dressed-a most un- usual circumstance at that hour of the hn ha picta tar. rail
 q came to see MT Brood on a very important"
 Have you been sent over here by someone else?" demanded Mrs. Brood
 'I have not seen Frederic" fell from her lips before she thought
 T dare say you haven't" said the other with ominous clearness. ''He has been here since seven this morn- ing, waiting for chance to speak to his father in private"
 She was descending the stairs slow ly, almost lazily, as she uttered the remark
 "They are together now?" gasped Mrs Desmond
 will you come into the library? Good morning. gentlemen. trust you may enjoy your long walk"
 Mrs. Desmond followed her into the library. Yvonne closed the door al most in the face of MT Riggs, who had opened his mouth to accept the invitation to tea, but who said he'd be d--d" instead, so narrow was his escape from having his nose banged He emphasized the declaration by shaking his fist at the door.
 The two women faced each other For the first time since she had know Yvonne Brood Mrs. Desmond observed high touch of color in her cheeks. Her beautiful eyes were alive with an excitement she could not conceal. Nei- ther spoke for moment.
 You are accountable for this, Mrs. Brood" said Lydia Desmond's mother, sternly, accusingly. She expected a storm of indignant protest. Instead Yvonne smiled slightly.
 Tt will not hurt my husband to discover that Frederic is a man and not a milksop,"' she said, but despite her coolness there was a perceptible note of anxiety in her voice.
 You know, then, that they are that they will quarrel?"
 q fancy it was in Frederic's mind to do so when he came here this morning. He was still in his evening clothes, Mrs. Desmond"
 Where are they now?"
 T think he has them on." said Yvonne, lightly.
 Mrs. Desmond regarded her for a moment in perplexity. Then her eyes flashed dangerously. q do not think you misunderstood me, Mrs. Brood Where are Frederic and his father?"
 T am not accustomed to that tone of voice, Mrs. Desmond"
 q am no longer your housekeeper, said the other, succinctly. You do not realize what this quarrel may mean. insist on going up to them before it has gone too far"
 Will you be so good. Mrs. Des- mond as to leave this house instant