The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-10-28
CHAPTER XVI

ANCE they were gone, ROsanna has
 Htened back to her domain. She
 was making a batch of cookies and as her oven was a quick baker, she did not approve of interruptions. As she ambled about the kitchen-she was a woman of generous size despite which and her apparently easyFgoing gait she accomplished lot of Work--she was thinking of Joan. She liked her and lad not been backward in letting Ru- pert know what she thought. Being an old family retainer she was allowed a measure of intimacy that would not have been permitted in any one else. Her judgments were frequently ac- cepted, although in the interests of all concerned, they were alternately smiled or frowned upon.
 She had often thought it would be good thing if Rupert were to marry again, but she had done everything in her power to forestall any attempts made by former housekeepers to in- veigle Rupert. He, however, had been completely obvious to their sometimes evident admiration for he was devoted to the memory of his wife. Of course, Rosanna confessed to herself that if he should, it might be that her reign at Hearts Desire would be over! the new mistress of the house might not care for her. Her rambling thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sharp ringing of the telephone.
 "Surely that can't be Miss Joan," she murmured to herself, and pushing another tray of cookies into the oven walked along the little passage that led to Rupert's office. The bell rang it's staccato call again. "Dearie me, they must be in a hurry. Well, just a min ute, and I'll be after getting there" '" she said.
 Taking the receiver in her hand she heard voice that she disliked and on her face came an angry frown. But Mir. Ransomes not here. He's away from home." There was a pause and | it was evident that Rosanna did not relish the statements coming from the other end of the line. He's all right, 1 too," she answered. "No, he's not alone There's the housekeeper and me- self"
 Again an ominous silence. "She's quite capable. Yes, she's new" Once more q pause and Rosanns's lips began | tO. quiver, while the veins in her neck ] SlOOu out lIhe " 4ll ouOII SAG hung up the receiver.
 "Just when we're getting along so nicely that old sister-in-law comes but tin into things. Suppose she thinks she'd better give Miss Fairweather the once over. Well that means I must fix room for her. Coming tomorrow. Shure hope MT. Rupert gets home be- fore she does too much mischief"
 Although Mrs. Maribel Love was a full sister of Rupert's wife she was a complete contrast both in appearance and disposition. A few years older l than her sister, she had married a wealthy old man when still in her early teens. After satisfying her wishes in | regard to travel, he had just arrived in New York determined to find a home and settle down when he was seized with apolexy and died in the hotel to which they had gone after leaving the steamer.
 As there were no relatives to contest his will and as her husband had his affairs in excellent order, she found her self the sole poSsessor of a large for tune. Not having loved husband but merely what he could offer from ma terial viewpoint, her days of mourning were not many. Just as soon as she decently could, she set off on her travels again, turning a deaf ear to the requests of her family that she so- iourn with them for awhile.
 Years passed and as she happened to be in the states when her sister was about to marry Rupert, she condescend cd to. grace the ceremony. This was the first time she had met her brother-in- law and instantly she sought to arouse his interest in her. Always accustomed to having her wishes Gratified, she felt decidedly hurt when he would not re- spond to her wies, and so while her sister lived she rarely visited Hearts Desire.
 Since her death, however, she had made it a point to keep in close touch with Rupert and whenever she travelled she kept him posted ss to her where abouts and her doings. He could not see why such a clever woman should give evidence of interest in life ]