none of that pretentiousness that Edith Bryce led us to expect. I don't know," rather doubtfully. "Mrs. Blake is certainly not an humble person: she thinks a great deal of herself. At times her manner was almost patronizing. She talks a great deal too much about her son. Of course she has a right to be proud of him, but it was a pity to be quite so gushing." It is useless to talk to you, Gage," returned Audrey, impatiently. "Edith Bryce has prejudiced you too much. You are judging Mrs. Blake very unfairly.' 66 66 "I hope not. I do not wish to be unfair to any one; but I must own that I am sorry that you have such an infatuation for her. 66 'I don't know about that; but I am certainly very much interested in the whole family." "Yes; and could not help observing to mother that I thought it a great pity. They evidently look upon you as a close friend. It was dear Miss Ross' every minute from one or other of them." 66 Audrey has been so good to them, you see," returned Mrs. Ross, whose soft heart had been much touched by her daughter's praises. "I am quite sure, Geraldine, that Mrs. Blake meant every word she said; there were tears in her eyes once when she mentioned how unused they were to such kindness. Audrey, my dear, I have asked Mrs. Blake to waive ceremony and come to us on Monday, and 1 assure you she was quite pleased. She said it was such a treat to her to watch tennis, and that she loved to see her son play. And now, of course, we must ask Mr. Blake." "Oh, yes, I suppose so," Audrey spoke with studied indifference. "It is a pity you are engaged "-turning to her sister" for we shall have quite a large party. "Yes, I am thoroughly vexed about it," returned Geraldine, "for Mrs. Charrington is coming too. I wish Mrs. Sheppard would not always fix Monday;" and then, after a little more talk about the arrangements for the tennis-party, she took her leave, Audrey, as usual, accompanying her to the gate. "I suppose Michael will be back for it?" was her parting question. Audrey supposed so too, but she was not quite certain of Michael's movements. He had said something about his intention of coming back on Monday, but he might alter his mind before that. Michael had not seemed quite like himself the day before he went to town; she was sure something had harassed him. Geraldine hoped fervently that this was not the case; she never liked dear old Michael to be troubled about anything. And then the two sisters kissed each other very affectionately. Audrey always forgave Geraldine her little vexing proprieties and tiresome habit of managing every one when she felt her loving kiss on her cheek. "After all, there are only we two," she thought, as she walked back to the house. I must not magnify Gage's little faults, for she is a dear woman. And Geraldine's thoughts were quite as affectionate. 66 I hope I have not vexed her too much about this new protégée of hers," she said to herself, "but one can not pretend to like a person. Audrey is a darling, and 1 would not hurt her for the world. After all, she is a much better Christian than I am;" and then she had long, comfortable talk with her husband, in which she indemnified herself for any previous restraint. It is so nice to be able to tell you everything, Percy dear!" she exclaimed, as the dressing-gong warned her to close the conversation. "That is the good of having a husband," he replied, as he put his books together and prepared to follow her. Michael did not return in time for the tennis-party, but Audrey could only give him a regretful thought-so many people were coming that her hands were quite full. She was busy until luncheon-time, and Geraldine good-naturedly came down from Hillside to offer her help, and had to submit to an anxious lecture from her mother on her imprudence in coming out in the heat. Audrey had scarcely time to change her dress before the first guest arrived. Mrs. Blake came early; her son was still engaged with his scholastic duties, and would make his appearance later; but he had not allowed her to wait for him. Audrey saw her coming through the gate, and went at once to meet her. 66 Well, Miss Ross, I am making my début," she said, gayly; "have I come too early? Do tell me which is the schoolroom window; I want to know where my boy sits; he said he should look out for me. "" Audrey suggested rather gravely that they should walk along the terrace: her mother was on the lawn with Mrs. Charring ton. She thought Mrs. Blake looked exceedingly nice in her thin black dress and little close bonnet; nothing could be simpler, and perhaps nothing would have suited her half so well. Audrey felt sure that every one would admire her; and she was right. Mrs. Charrington fell in love with her at first sight, 116 LOVER OR FRIEND? and to Audrey's great amusement her father paid her the most marked attention. 66 My dear, do tell me who that lady in black is," inquired Gertrude Fortescue, catching hold of Audrey's arm; "she is perfectly lovely. What magnificent hair she has, and what a sweet smile! Papa is talking to her now, and Mrs. Charrington is on her other side. " "Oh, that is Mrs. Blake-you know her son, Gertrude." "Mr. Blake's mother! why, she looks quite young enough to be his sister. I wish you would introduce me, Audrey; I have quite lost my heart to her. وو "I have brought you another admirer, Mrs. Blake," observed Audrey, mischievously, while Gertrude Fortescue turned red and looked foolish. Mrs. Blake received the young lady with one of her charming smiles. 66 Every one is so kind," she murmured; "I am having such a happy afternoon, Miss Ross. I won't tell you what I think of Doctor Ross-I positively dare not; and Mrs. Charrington, too, has been as nice as possible." "And now Gertrude means to be nice, too," returned Audrey, brightly. "Good-bye for the present; 1 have to play with Mr. Blake, and he is waiting for me;" and she hurried away. What a successful afternoon it was! Mrs. Blake was certainly making her mark among the Rutherford people; no one in their senses could have found fault with her manners. She was perfectly good-humored and at her ease; she had a pleasant word and smile for everybody. "One would have imagined that all these strangers would have made her nervous," thought Audrey; but it needed a close observer to detect any mark of uneasiness in Mrs. Blake's voice or manner. Now and then there might be a slight flush, an involuntary movement of the well-gloved hands, a quick start or turn of the head, if any one suddenly addressed her; but no one would have noticed these little symptoms. "Your mother seems to be enjoying herself," observed Audrey, as she joined Cyril and they walked across the lawn together. Yes," he returned, with a pleased look; "she is quite happy. Let us sit where we can see my son and Miss Ross play!" exclaimed Mrs. Blake, rising as she spoke. "Look! there are chairs on that side of the lawn. What a well-matched couple they are!-both play so well. Miss Ross is not as handsome her sistou Mua 66 LOVER OR FRIEND? 117 woman, and one seldom sees such a complexion in the present day-but, in my humble opinion, Miss Ross is far more charming.", Do you think so? We are all very fond of Geraldine, and --oh, yes, Audrey is very nice too," returned Miss Fortescue a little absently. She was considered handsome herself, and it struck her with some degree of wonderment that the afternoon was half over and Mr. Blake had not asked her to play tennis. 66 CHAPTER XIV. I AM SORRY YOU ASKED THE QUESTION." Thou must not be hurt at a well-meaning friend, though he shake thee somewhat roughly by the shoulder to awake thee.-QUENTIN DUR WARD. HALF an hour later Audrey had finished her game, and had resisted all her partner's pleadings to give their opponents their revenge. She might feel tempted-Mr. Blake played so splendidly-but she knew her duty to her guests better than that. 66 "You must get another partner," she said, with something of her sister's decision. Here is Miss Fortescue; she has been sitting out a long time, and she is a very good player. Gertrude "raising her voice-" Mr. Blake wants a partner. I am sure you will take pity on him.” And in this manner Gertrude obtained her wish. Perhaps she would rather have had her desire gratified in a different manner--if Mr. Blake had asked her himself for example. She was not quite pleased at the tone in which he professed himself delighted to play with Miss Fortescue; he fetched her racket a little reluctantly, when Audrey pointed it out, and there was certainly no enthusiasm visible in his manner as he suggested that Miss Cardell and her partner were waiting for them. 66 Do you know where my mother and Miss Ross have gone?" he asked, as they took their place. 66 Mrs. Blake asked Miss Ross to show her the pond. They are waiting for you to serve, Mr. Blake;" and then Cyril did consent to throw himself into the game. Miss Fortescue was a good-looking girl, and played well, but she was not Miss Ross; nevertheless, Cyril had no intention of accepting a beating, and he was soon playing as brilliantly as ever. Meanwhile, Mrs. Blake was talking after her usual rapid 66 What beautiful grounds! and so tastefully laid out, too. I have never seen such a garden. I do love this succession of terraces, and those trees with white leaves just striped with pink-what do you call them, Miss Ross?" Audrey told her they were white maple. "Dear me! Did Doctor Ross plant them? They do look so well against that dark background of tree. Everything is in such perfect taste and order, and Cyril says it is the same in the house. The Bryces' establishment was not half so well. regulated. He declares Doctor Ross has a master-mind, and, now I have talked to him, I am quite sure Cyril is right.' You must not expect me to contradict you. I think there is no one like my father." 66 66 "I dare say not. He is charming-positively charming. So this is the pond Kester and Mollie rave about? What a sweet little place-so still and so retired! But of course you can see the house from it. Is not that your cousin, Captain Burnett?" as they came in sight of the bench. It is very much like him.” "Yes, of course it is Michael!" and Audrey quickened her steps in some surprise. My dear Michael, when did you get 66 back? No one knows of your arrival.” "I dare say not," he returned, somewhat gravely, as he shook hands with her and bowed to Mrs. Blake. "I only got in half an hour ago, and, having no mind to mingle with the crowd, I sat here to get cool." 66 Have you had some tea, Michael?" 66 Oh, yes; Parker brought me some. Never mind me. How have you been getting on?" looking at her attentively. "Oh, very well." But Audrey blushed a little uneasily under that kind look. Mrs. Blake, I believe you have not met my cousin before?” 66 "I think we have met, Audrey." "To be sure we have!" responded Mrs. Blake, with her brightest smile. "I am so glad of this opportunity of speaking to you, Captain Burnett. 1 hope Miss Ross gave you my message?' "I don't believe I have had any message-have I, Audrey?" And Audrey laughed a little guiltily; she did not always remember people's messages. Mrs. Blake shook her head at her. 66 Oh, you traitress!" she exclaimed, playfully. "And I thought you, of all people, were to be trusted. Captain Burnett, I must give my own message. I want to thank you for your kindness to my poor boy.' |