HER SILENCE JUSTIFIED.
BY HENRIETTA 33. EUTHVEN. Author of " His Second Love," " Corydon's Infatuation," " Daring Doia," " An Unlucky Legacy," Etc., Etc.
CHAPTER XXVI.--Continued
Lois rushed up-stairs to throw her arms round the general's neck; and if her tears flowed more freely than her expressions ot gratitude, he did not ki.ow that thoughts of Hal Dartford were evoking them, and was pleased to find her evincing so much sensibility.
CHAPTER XXV
FRIENDLY DISCUSSIONS,
General Haydon was beginning to see that Lois did not get on with her seJt'-constituted instructress, ar.d that Lady Marcia was too indolent to be the kind, considerate friend the girl so Eadiy needed Yet he could not make up his mind to adopt the course "Laurence was urging upon him, and place her in a school; and Mr Stuart, to whom he appealed for advice agreed with him that it would be kinder to Lois herself to take no positive steps with regard to her education till she had grown more accustomed to her changed circumstances "if Am bra has not left us," the general observed, with a sigh, mind WOUld hav\i been quite at ease respecting the poor child. No young girl could live with Ambra without insensibly aquiring some of her grace cf manner and feminine delicacy. Lady Marcia is a charming woman; my poor old friend, the admiral, fairly doted no her. And Miss Braysby's is such a sad story—you have heard, perhaps, how her lover jilted her, poor thing?—that it accounts for a few little eccentricities, doesn't it?—and be the reason Lois is—is somewhat rrstive under her teachings. Ambra would have had the tact to reconcile all the warring elements in my household." "I saw Miss Neville the day she left you." Wilfred Stuart observed, "and fancied from her manner that she will be much pleased to return as soon as you think it advisable." He did not care to tell the general that when he encountered Ambra at London Bridge, whither he had gone to superintend a mission for the sending of some sick children to the seaside, she had tearfully entreated His feood offices. "1 am afraid, terribly afraid," she faltered, "that Laurence's impetuous temper will lead him to I act in a manner that would incense the general frightfully." "He has vexed his father ofteii, but always won forgivtntss," she W..S reminded. I "Yes, but in this case Oh, Mr Stuart," she went on, with a sob, "one must be frank with you! lam trembling for myself as well as for Laurence! 1 am but a weak woman, and if I should be tempted into forgetting my duty to my guardian, how could I ever be happy again?" Wilfred started. "Is it not to shield you from this that he sends you away?" "But if Laurence follows me—if I cannot avoid hearing his pleadings? Ah! Mr Stuart, save me from the pain of grieving him cr forfeiting my own respect! Do not let him come near me. Induce him to bear this separation patiently, even as I shall endeavour to do." "AJy dear Miss Neville," he answered sadly, "you overrate my influence." "Impossible!" was the eager response. "Laurence has no friend he values so highly, or from whom he would bear a remonstrance so well!" Wilfred could have told her that no remonstrances of his had ever prevailed with Laurence Haydon to give up anything he had set his heart on having, or abstain from following any course that he wished to pursue. When he wanted advice or sympathy, he came to his better principled friend; at other times he was careful to avoid him. "Miss Neville," he said, "I am forced to repeat that I have not the influence with which you credit me. You must rely upon yourself. You will not be tempted beyond your strength. For the sake of your own welfare, be firm. Laurence must thank you for it by and by." "Is this all the aid you will give him?" she asked, with unusual acrimony. "I ask you to prove your friendship for Mr Haydon, and you talk to me about myself ! I thought I might have relied on you who have known him so long, and to whom he is so sincerely attached." Anxiety of mind made her unjust, and she hurried to take a seat in the train, vouchsafing but the slightest acknowledgement of Wilfred Stuart's adieus. He went back to his lodgings hurt at her reproaches, and longing to prove his interest in her, yet not knowing how to do it. That the general had made a false move by letting hter leave his protection her own confession had just proved; but how was he to make Laurence's father see this?—how say to him, "Your son will not hesitiate to take advantage of your error to prosecute the suit you, with your nicer sense of honor, have forbidden?" v Still, he listened breathlessly for General Haydon's reply to his remark upon Ambra's reluctance to be exiled. j "She is a dear, affectionate little ] creature!" the veteran exc'.aimed, i witn glistening eyes. "I miss her at J
every moment. If the doctors did not positively forbid the move till they have done with me, I should give tha word for a change of quarters; leave Lady Marcia and Miss Braysby here to represent me, and carry Lois and my ward to Plymouth, or Folkstone, or Portsmouth, for a quiet sojourn near the sea." "By all means do this, sir! You could not take a more prudent step." "Didn't I tell you the doctors forbid it? Excuse my rudeness, Mr Stuart; I have a great deal to try my temper just now—pain, disappointment, and no little anxiety of mind. Bat [ am not going to entertain you with my troubles. I want to know whether you could find time to drop in upon us two or three times a week, and direct Lois' studies?" "What are they?" This was a posing question. "I really don't know how to answer you. Miss Braysby has ordered a pile of books on different subjects, but I am afraid their leaves are uncut, for her method of imparting information has not bsen very successful as yet," "Why not engage a governess?" "My dear Mr Stuart, I do not know any lady qualified for the and if I were to advertise I should bfi' inundated with applications. I have talked it over with Nurse May, and it was she who advised me to speak to you. A woman of great judgment is Nurse May." "I will come on my first leisure evening end hear from Lois herself what progress she has made, and then I shall be able to judge how I could assist her." This was all Wilfred Stuart could promise conscientiously. He lenew it would be a pleasure unspeakable to be frequently where he should hear of Ambra, to him the best and sweetest of women; but it was partly because he was aware of the danger of such indulgence that lie hesitated to consent to the general's proposal, and accept the munificent salary with which the generous old soldier was prepared to reward his instructions. Ignorant of this new arrangement, or even of Mr Stuart's visit, Lois had shut herself up till her glass assured her that no traces of the tears she had been shedding were visible. When sue descended to the drawingroom she found that Lady Marcia and Miss Braysby had seen the new equipage; and, though they both decided mentally that it was thrown away on the general's clumsy, obtuse granddaughter, they met her with congratulations, spoken as cordially as if they were sincere. | TO BE CONTINUED.!
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Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3217, 15 June 1909, Page 2
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1,283HER SILENCE JUSTIFIED. Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3217, 15 June 1909, Page 2
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