Author of "Not Like Other Girls,” “Wooed and Married," Etc. NEW YORK: THE F. M. LUPTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, No. 65 DUANE STREET. THE BLAKE FAMILY ARE DISCUSSED. There is nothing, sir, too little for so little a creature as man. It is by studying little things that we attain the great art of having as little misery and as much happiness as possible. -DR. JOHNSON. EVERY one in Rutherford knew that Mrs. Ross was ruled by her eldest daughter; it was an acknowledged fact, obvious not only to a keen-witted person like Mrs. Charrington, the head master's wife, but even to the minor intelligence of Johnnie Deans, the youngest boy at Woodcote. It was not that Mrs. Ross was a feeble-minded woman; in her own way she was sensible, clear-sighted, with plenty of common sense; but she was a little disposed to lean on a stronger nature, and even when Geraldine was in the school-room, her energy and youthful vigor began to assert themselves, her opinions insensibly influenced her mother's, until at last they swayed her entirely. If this were the case when Geraldine was a mere girl, it was certainly not altered when the crowning glories of matronhood were added to her other perfections. Six months ago Geraldine Ross had left her father's house to become the wife of Mr. Harcourt, of Hillside; and in becoming the mistress of one of the coveted Hill houses, Geraldine had not yet consented to lay down the scepter of her home rule. Mrs. Ross had acquiesced cheerfully in this arrangement. She had lost her right hand in losing Geraldine; and during the brief honey-moon both she and her younger daughter Audrey felt as though the home machinery were somewhat out of gear. No arrangement could be effected without a good deal of wondering on Mrs. Ross's part as to what Geraldine might think of it, and without a lengthy letter being writ+ten on the subject. It was a relief, at least to her mother's mind, when young Mrs. Harcourt returned, and without a word took up the reins again. No one disputed her claims. Now and then there 3666 (RECAP) .14 769400 |