The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-05-13

Mrs. Chichester Was Angry; Ethel
Said Nothing.
to say: Now, who would not make a
mistake like that? Who could tell this
girl was your niece?"
He beckoned Peg to come into the
room.
Then the Chichester family received
the second shock they had experienced
that day--one compared with which
the failure Of the bank paled into i'll
Significance. When they saw the
strange. shabby. red haired girl slouch
into the room with her parcels and that
disgracefuI looking dog they felt the
hand of misfortune had indeed fallen
upon them.
AS Peg wandered into the room Mrs.
Chichester and AElric looked at her in
Mortified amaZement.
Ethel took one swift glance at her
and then turned her attention to Pet.
Jarvis looked reproachfully at Mrs
Chichester rs much as to say. What
did tell you?" and went out.
AIaric whispered to his mother:
"Oh, | say. really. you know-it isn't
true. 1t cant be-" ..--.
Pet suddenly saw Michael and began
to bark furiousiy at him. Michael re-
sponded vigorously until Peg quieted
him.
At this juncture Mr.. Hawkes. came
forward and. taking Peg gently by the
arm. reassnred her by saying:
Come here, my dear. Come here.
Don't be frightened We're all your
friends
He brought Peg over to Mrs. Chi
chester. who was staring ut her with
tears of modification in her eyes.
When Pegs eyes met her aunt's she
bobbed little courtesy she used to do
It's a child whenever she met some OF
the gentlefoik.
Mrs Chichester went cold when she
saw the ganche act. Was it possible
that this creature was her sister An.
gela's child: 1t seemed incredible.
What is your name?" she asked
sternIy.
peg. ma'am."
"What?"
Sure. me names Peg. ma'am," and
she bobbed another little courtesy.
Mrs. Chichester closed her eyes and
shivered She asked Alaric TO ring.
As that young gentleman passed Ethel
on his way to the bell he said: 1T
can't really be true. Eh. Ether
"Quaint." was all his sister replied.
Hawkes. genially drew Pegs atten-
ton to her amt by introducing her:
This lady is Mrs. Chichester-your
moment. then turned to Hawkes. ami
asked him:
Where's me uncle!'
ALAS. my dear child, your uncle is
dead"
"Deadr' exclaimed Peg in surprise.
"Afther sendin' for me?'
.I1e died Just before you sailed.
aided Hawkes.
God rest his soul" said Peg piousIy.
Sure. if I'd known that I'd never have
come at all I'm too late. then. Good
day to ye." and she started for rhe
door
Mr.. Hawkes. stopped her.
Where are you going"
Back to me father
''Oh. nonsense.'
"But must 60 back to ne father
| II me unce's dead"
1t was Mr.. kingsnortt's last wish
that you should stay here under your
| annts care. So she has kindly con
| scented 10 give you u nolle.'
Peg gazed at Mrs Chichester curl
ousiy.
| Have yeY" she asked.
Mrs. Chichester, with despair in ev-
| cry tone. replied, Il haver'
Thank ye.,' said Peg. bobbing al.
| other little courtesy.
Mrs. Chichester gazed mt Peg and
| covered her eyes with her hand as II
to shut out some painful sight.
Peg looked at Mrs Chichester and al
the significant action. There was nc
mistaking its significance. 1t convey
ed dislike and contempt so plainly thai
/ Peg felt 1t through her whole nature
/ She turned to Alaric and found him re
| garding her as though she were SOME
strange animal. Ethel did not deigI
| to notice her. She whispered t.
/ Hawkes.:
Il cant stay here.
'.Why not:' asked the lawyer.
I'D be happier with me father sal.
Peg
You'll be quite happy here-quite.'
Were not wanted here. Michael!
she nurmured.
The terrier looked mp at her and the
buried his head under her arm q
! though ashamed.