The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1915-06-12

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-
sying a 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.
1t 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
and gave a 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 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. Mr.. Riggs and Mr.. 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, old-fashioned
chat.
Its 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 a 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.
81 came to see Mr.. Brood on a very
important"
Have you been sent over here by
someone else?" demanded Mrs. Brood
Il have not seen Frederic" fell from
her lips before she thought.
81 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, whC
had opened his mouth to accept the
invitation to tea, but who said he'(
"be id" instead, so narrow was hi.
escape from having his nose banged
He emphasized the declaration b!
shaking his fist at the door.
The two women faced each other
For the first time since she had know
Yvonne Brood Mrs. Desmond observe,
high touch Of color in her cheeks
Her beautiful eyes were alive with al
excitement she could not conceal. Mel
ther spoke for a 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 Il
discover that Frederic is a man an,
not a milksop," she said. but despit
her GOODNESS there was a perceptibl
note of anxiety in her voice.
"You know, then, that they are
that they will quarrel?"
81 fancy 1t was in Frederic's min
to do SO when he came here thi
morning. He was still in his evenin
clothes, Mrs. Desmond"
Where are they now?"
Il think he has them on" sal
Yvonne, lightly.
Mrs. Desmond regarded her for
moment in perplexity. Then her eye
flashed dangerously. Il do not thin
you misunderstood me, Mrs. Brood
Where are Frederic and his father?
Il am not accustomed to that ton
of voice, Mrs. Desmond"
II am no longer your housekeeper,
said the other, succinctly. "You d.
not realize what this quarrel ma
mean. insist on going up to then
before 1t has gone too far"
will you be so good, Mrs. Der
mond. as to leave this house instant
ly?" cried Yvonne, angrily.
NO." said the other quietly. 81 sur
pose i am too late to prevent troubI
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