The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1918-12-26

was scolded Tor everything she
did, right or wrong.
Often had the three young peo-
pie declared intentions Of leaving
Garden Steps, but so far none of
them had made good the threat.
Vanity was the key note of
Lucy Carrington's nature, and,
knowing this, they could, if they
chose, keep her fairly sweet tenn
pered by inordinate. flattery often
administered. This proceeding
hurt their self respect, Jared
their tempers, and CALLED their
very souls, but it was that or dis
missal, and thus far they had
stayed. Matters were nearing a
crisis, however, and Hayiland's
patience was 50 sorely strained
that he was secretly looking for
another position. Anita Frayne,
whose pretty blonde doll face be-
he'd a very fiery disposition, was
on the verge Of a serious break
with her employer, and Pauline
Stuart continually assured her
self that she could not go on this
way.
Pauline was the orphaned
daughter of Lucy's sister, and
had lived with her aunt for many
years. Darlington Loria, the son
OF another sister, was engaged in
antiquarian research in Egypt.
where he had been since his grad
uation as an engineer. He, too.
was an orphan and had lived with
Lucy in his younger days, and he
and Pauline were equal heirs to
their aunt's wealth.
The father of the three Caring
ton sisters, having become an
gered at his two daughters, who
married against his wishes, had
lett his entire fortune to Lucy,
his only remaining child. Thus
her niece and nephew were her
only direct heirs, and, save fer
some comparatively small be-
quests, the Darlington estate
would eventually be theirs.
Pauline well knew that if she
left her aunt's roof it meant CON-
plete disinheritance, for Lucy
Darlington was proud Of her
beautiful niece, and, too, was fond
Of her in her own way. But the
ungovernable temper of the lady
made her home an almost unbear-
able abiding place.
Since childhood years Caring
ton Loria had lived there only
during his college vacations but
had been back occasionally for
short visits from his now perma-
nsat Egyptian occupation. He had
always come laden with gifts Of
oriental products, and the rooms
at Garden Steps showed many
rare specimens Of cunning handi-
work and rich fabrics and en-
To break the awkward pause
that followed Miss Clearinghouse
rude speech to Gray Haviland.
Pauline picked up an antique
scarab and drew the Count at
tention to its inscription.
He expressed a polite interest,
but cast furtive glances at his
hostess, as if afraid Of q further
outbreak.
Nor were his fears unjustified.
Miss Darlington administered a
scathing reproach to Pauline for
intruding herself upon the
attention, and babe her
put aside the scarab and hold her
tongue.
Don't speak to me like that,
Aunt Lucy | am not q childl'
And Pauline, unable to- control
herself longer, faced her angry
aunt with an air Of righteous
wrath.
TN speak to yon as / choose.
It is for you to mend your
tone in addressing mel If you
you may have cause to re-
greet It. Count Charlier came here
to see me, and I refuse to coun-
tenances your clumsy attempts to
engage his interest in your silly
babble!!
Butt insist stanlmered
the greatly embarrassed Count
s allow me. madame. LET me saw