The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1915-06-18

as they sat far into the night and dis
cussed the possibilities of the day sc
near at hand. She could see nothing
out disaster, and she could think oil
nothing but her own lamentable weak
ness IN shrinking from the encounter
that might have made the present stu
alton impossible. She tried to make
light OF the situation, however, prophe
syl1g q 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 TRANSFERRED 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.
1t was four o'clock before they went
back to bed and long after five before
elther closed her eyes.
Mrs. Desmond, utterly exhausted,
was the first to awake. She glanced
at the little clock on her dressing-t table
and gave great start Of consterna-
ton. 1t 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 Broods home.
Fearing that she might be too late.
she walked SO rapidly that she was
quite out Of breath when she entered
the house. Mr.. Riggs and Mr.. Dawes
were putting On their coats in the hall
preparatory to their short morning
constitutional, They greeted her effu'
siyely, and with one accord proceeded
to divest themselves Of the coats, an
nouncing In one voice their intention
to remain for good, old-fashioned
chat.
"It's dear of YOU" she said, hur-
riedly, but l must see Mr.. Brood at
once. Why not come over to my
apartment this afternoon for cup Of
tea and"
Mrs. Broods 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
day-was leaning over the banister
rail.
q came to see Mr.. Brood on a very
important"
Have you been sent over here by
someone else?" demanded Mrs. Brood.
81 have not seen Frederic" fell from
her lips before she thought.
Il dare say you haven't" said the
other with ominous clearness. He
has been here since seven this morn.
ing, waiting for a 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. l trust you
may enjoy your long walk"
Mrs. Desmond followed her into the
library. Yvonne closed the door al.
most in the face of Mr.. Riggs, who
had opened his mouth to accept the
invitation to tea, but who said he'd
"be id" 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
a high touch of color in her cheeks,
Her beautiful eyes were alive with an
excitement she could not conceal, Mel.
Their spoke for moment.
you are accountable for this, Mrs.
Brood" said Lydia Desmond's mother,
sternly, accusingly. She expected
storm Of indignant protest. Instead,
Yvonne smiled slightly.
1T will not hurt my husband to
discover that Frederic is a man and
not milksop," she said, but despite
her GOODNESS there was a perceptible
note of anxiety In her voice.
"You know, then, that they are
that they will quarrel?"
II fancy 1t was In Frederics mind
to do so when he came here this
morning. He was still In his evening
clothes, Mrs. Desmond"
Where are they now?"
II think he has them on" said
Yvonne, lightly.
Mrs. Desmond regarded her for a
moment in perplexity. Then her eyes
flashed dangerously. 81 do not think
you misunderstood me, Mrs, Brood
Where are Frederic and his father"
II am not accustomed to that tone
OF voice. Mrs. Desmond"
Il am no longer your housekeeper,"
said the other. succinctly. "You do