The Carlisle independent., 1915-04-01

as the best old boys in all the world" and they were both saying, with spas modic cackles of pleasure, that she mustn't believe word the young rascal said"
 He was struck by the calm, serene manner in which she accepted these jocular contributions to the occasion. Her smile was friendly, her handshake cordial, and yet there was an unmis- takable 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 it was musical, not throaty. Frederic, on first 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 nasty "reminiscences, effectually ending it, 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 disconcerted him. There was no smile on her lips. It was as if she regarded this moment as pronounced crisis.
 Frederic mumbled something fatu- ous 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 Frederics clasp, James Brood extended his. How are you, Fred eric?"
 Quite well, sir"
 They shook hands in the most per functory manner.
 q need not ask how you are, fa ther," said the son, after an instant's hesitation. You never looked bet ter, sir"
 Thank you. I am we'll An Mrs. Desmond! It 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"
 "I have heard you speak of MT. Des mond thousand times," said his wife. There may have been shade of em- phasis on the prefix, but it was so slight that no one remarked it save the widow of John Desmond, who had joined the group.
 Will you go to your room at once, Mrs. Brood?" asked Mrs. Desmond, The new mistress of the house had not offered to shake hands with her, as James Brood had done. She had moved closer to Frederic and was smiling in rather shy, pleading way, in direct contrast to her manner of the moment before. The smile was for her stepson. She barely glanced at Mrs. Desmond.
 Thank you, no. I see nice, big fire and-oh, I have been so cold!" She shivered very prettily.
 "Come!" cried her husband. That's just the thing" No one spoke as they moved toward the library We must try to thaw out" he added dryly, with faint smile on his lips
 His wife laid her hand on Frederic's arm,, Tt is cold outside, Frederic" she said; very cold. l am not accus- toned to the cold"
 He was prepared to dislike her. He was determined that his hand should be against her in the conflict that was bound to come. And now, in flash, strange, new emotion rushed up within him like a flood. A queer, wistful note of sympathy in her voice had done the trick. Something in the touch of her fingers on his arm completed the mystery. He was con scious of a mighty surge of relief. The horizon cleared for him.
 We shall do our best to keep you warmth" he said quite gayly, and was somewhat astonished at himself.
 They had preceded the others into the library. James Brood was divest- ing himself of his coat in the hall. at tended by the leeeh-like old men. Mrs. Desmond stood in the doorway, a de- tached figure.
 You must love me, Frederic. You must be very, very fond of me, not for your fathers sake but for mine. Then we shall be great friends, not antagonists
 He was helping her with her coat. q confess l looked forward to you with a good deal of animosity," he said
 But I shall not be a stepmother." she said quickly. Her eyes were seri- ous for an instant, then filled with luminous smile. "I shall be Yvonne to you. and you Frederic to me. Let it be a good beginning"
 You are splendid" he cried. Its not going to be at all bad"
 q am sure you will like me-" she