Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1918-12-26

OIL tne JWO girls. Pauline, al
though her aunt's hciress to thu
extent of half the fortune, the
other half to go to an absent
cousin, was by no means treated
as an equal of Miss Darlington
herself. 1t seemed to give the
elder lady delight to domineel
over her niece and in every pos
sible way make her life uneasy
and uncomfortable. AS to the so.
cial secretary, Miss Frayne, she
was scolded for everything she
did, right or wrong.
Often had the three young PEG.
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 Haviland' s
patience was SO sorely strained
that he was secretly looking for
another position. Anita Frayne,
whose pretty blonde doll face be-
lied 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 90 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
left his entire fortune to Lucy,
his only remaining child. Thus
her niece and nephew were her
only direct heirs, and, save fcr
some comparatively small be.
quests, the Darlington estate
would eventually be theirs.
Pauline well knew. that if she
left her aunt siroof it meant com.
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 70,
short visits from his now perma.
nent 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-,
broideries.
To break the awkward pause
that followed Miss Darlington
rude speech to Gray Haviland
Pauline picked up an antique
scarab and drew the Count g at
tention to its inscription.
He expressed q polite interest
but cast furtive chances at hi,
hostess, as IL afraid of q further
|outbreak.
Nor were his fears unjustified
Miss Darlington administered .
Iscathinr reproach t6nPSuline To-
Iintr1ding herself ufNn th,
lCount's attention, and badss he
putasids the ssarab'ahd bold he'
tongue. j,
Don't speak T. ne Ike that
Aunt fyasyyI ams1et Aschildl'
Ard Pauline, unable, 70 eontro
heEsslf longer; 1leed Aer sangr,
aunt With n " s risAtso6'