Richmond Hill Public Library News Index

The Liberal, 15 Feb 1900, p. 2

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"You understand nothing. Be silenL; you must not presume to piLy me. I repeat to you that J. nvlll nuL aid in the carrying out, of these directions.” "Yet it musL all be done, Miss Neslic; unlass it is the blame will full wpon innOOent servants. You know Sir 'Arâ€" ihur’a; (iniét, bool way; he will ignore all idea at your having failed, and dis- miss the whoLe household.” .“\Vhy do you say LliuL?" she asked quickly. "1 know it, Miss Neslie, b‘ir Arthur is New good. but there is! a. will (of iron under his gentle manner. For my own part, I would submiL cheerfully to the dismissal, but I should like to remain that I mighl â€"â€"" He hesitated. “That you might take 111)" part. you mean," she said, with a bitter laugh. f'Well, I, who thought myself suprauie One short hour mince, may1 wunL a friend. My father wuuild nol dismiss you. n p.-. "I should like to be the first," he de- clared. He began to perceive that he ‘might touch her through her gener- osiLy. influence her Lhrough her kindâ€" ness of heart. “Pray do not consider me," he added; "1 would sucrifica my- self most cheerfully. But, Miss Natalie â€"â€"do not be angry with meâ€"is it of. any use to begin a course of opposition that you cannot keep up? bit Arthur is Bole master; his will sole law. Is it ofigny use opposing it ‘4" . ._:._._ "ALL u- nu, uw wrr-'-__ He saw thiii sheufidé Listening with more attention. "It; seems to me." he continued, “thuL the more dignified course wouild be to carry out Sir Arthur‘s directions. Then there is another thing L0 be: con- aidered. I am quite certain that Sir Arthur would dismiss the whole household for disobedience. The ser- vants are, most of them. old family retainers; as such, they will natural- lyâ€"no matter who comesâ€"look upon you as their true mistress. A new set of domestics would jusL as natural- ly consider Lady Neslie first.” "That is true," she said, "but I can- not do it, Mr. Dovman. I will be pass- lve. I will give no orders." A 7.7,. "I will glve them as coming from you â€"with your permis:iou. There is jUSL one Lhiug mute L bhvuld like Lo hay. to you. Xou are proud. 1 know you would not like you disappointment, your sorrow to be gossiped. over by every one in the Abbey. lf. you re- [use 1.0 recognize these orders ilk-any way, it will be so. If, for example, you leave me to tell Mrs. Spenser what she has Lo do, she will Lhink ether that Sir Arthur has ignored. you, or that yuu are L00 angry to speak} Par- don me if 1 put matters too phinlyâ€" "So far your are right,” said the yuung girl, saAly. "011, Mr. Dormun. what a. trouble to fail on me this fair sunny morning. How little 1 dream- ed at iL! Is it a'H a dream? Can it be possible? Nothing around me. has changed, yet how changed aim II The sun still shines, the [lowers Still bloom, even this AiLLle whiLe dove is sun on my shoulderâ€"yet; the whole world is changed to me. How shall I bear the change. it is only better." ‘;B;d§elyâ€"zxs the ladies of your race have ever borne trouble," he said. "No. 1 shall not bear iL bravely; aven thinking of it makes_ me. a cow. lrd. If iL were some great trouble thaL would cull all my virLuesâ€"hered- itary Virtues. Such as courage and tom. tudeâ€"iuto pday, well and good; but it is not. There is nm a fumlL ur a defect, or a meanness in me but this will not force law a‘ gigantic growth. I can forsee it.” “It may not be so bad, Miss Neslie, May 1 say one thing more to you 1" "Day what you will,” was the indif- ferent rep-1y. VH0 look-ea at her beuuLiful downcast face. " ‘A liule mouse once,’ says the table, ‘set a lion free ;’ Lbs humblest slave might save his masler’s life. Let me, \vdthouL presumptiun, say that, if by giving my life 1 could serve youI I would give 1L. My small: Lulems, my mind, my heart, are an” your disposal. I woulu die for you. .Do not, because I am humbleâ€"because 1 am of no ac- 'r.ounL' in this great worldâ€"despise the after 01‘ my entire devuLion. LeL me do all I can." “Ion are very kind,” she said, list: “They will, and when they do, Miss Neslie, if ever in sore need you want a friendâ€"if ever the strength of a man's arm, the subtlety of his intel- lect, the devotion of his heart, the sacrifice of his Life, can serve you. I offer them to yuu.” “You are very? kind," she declared, listlessly. us with a how she turned from him and went toward the house. CHAPTER. II. tLaucawood Abbey is one of the show- places of England. Every book of pic. turesque views contains an engraving of it; artists of eminence without number have sketched it; people trav- elliug within thirty miles of it turn aside to see it. lessly A grand, picturesque pile, massive in Itructure; time has colored the stones, remva "They l‘l CHAPTER I.â€"â€"CONT1N UED ‘ Through Storm and Sunshine may dor so." she siid, indif- {11.51717 may serveâ€"you {he room." Gerald Dormm had ju 'ged her right- ly. Whatever she might suffer. from either Wounded pride or love should not be matter of gossipt amongst ser- vants. She seuted herselfi in the morningvroomâ€"one of the prettiest rooms in the Abbey, all I‘OSE‘rhut-Ed and gold, with white lace hangings. She banished all trace of emotion from her face, and when the two servants stood wondering before her, she saidâ€" "I have sent for you. as the heads of the household, to tell you that my father, Sir Arthur Neslie, is married again, and will bring his wife, Lady Neslie, here on Tuesday evening." “Meroiful goodness I” cried Mrs. Spenser, startled out of all propriety. |“1 beg your pardon, Miss Neslieâ€"but it Iseemed so sudden." and round some of the tallest towers and turrets luxuriant ivy clings. The gardens that surround it are brilliant with nmny-hued flowers; over the stone bal’ustrades of lhe terraces pas- sion flowers dump and. hang. It is the very beau ide.ll of one of those stately homes of England so tamed in story and song. Vivien Neslie avoided the grand en- trance. She went round to one of] the side entrances, :1 small postern door overhung and hilt hidden by drooping sprays of wistnria. ‘ She went 10 (he housekeepers room, where Mrs Spen- ser received her with all respect. “I have something Mrs. Spencer, and 1.0 bar. Come with bill "Sudden to you. perhaps,” returned Miss Neslie, proudly. "Sir Arthur has chosen his own time for wishing the communication to be made to you." “Certainly,” said the housekeeper. "I beg your pardon for speaking so hast- ily. \Vhal orders hava you to give, miss ’I” "Sir Arthur has sent a list of inâ€" structions to Mr. Dorman. Go to him for any information you may want.” missed, and withdrew, full of wonder. They understood that they were dis- "She. will not like that," said Mr. iHolmes. with a grave shake of his head. "It will go hard with her, af- ter being mistress so long. to have a SteEâ€"imOIhel‘ placed over her." ‘Make no fnistake, Mr. Holmes," re- sponded the housekeeper, sagaciouglry, Vivien had kept her “'Ol'dl To check gossip, she had told the news herself. But she would do no more. Mr. Dor- man went himself to the housekeepi- er’s room. and repeated adl' ihe direc- tions given. ' He was obliged to see thaL they were carried out. Vivien never interfered but once, and that was when the picLures were being re. moved from the Blue Room. Amongst them was a very beautiful prolrail of her mother, Consmnce Howardâ€"the picture of a thoughtiul, fair, aristo- cratic girl, with the shadow of early death in her eyes. It was not from this fair young mother that Vivien in- herited her glowing, sunny southern loveliness. She entered the roomjust as the men were about to remove. the portrait. “neither step-mother. inor secâ€"0nd wife, nor any one else will ever he Met over Miss Neslje.” "Who tolhd you to take down that picture ?” she asked, quickly. “Mr. Dorman, miss," replbied one of them, with a. half-frighLened rbow. "\Vhere is it going ?” she asked. "Into the boudoir in the western wing," was the reply. A keen pain seized her. In was evi- dent Lhat, in giving orders for thel reâ€" moval and disposal of the pictures, Sir Arthur had forgouen her mother’s portrait; otherwise he would never have ordered it to be taken to the room of his nevm wife, “He has put some one else in your place, mother, darling,” she said; “he has forgotten you. Anothfl‘ wife has his heart and his Love; another; wife will use your rooms, sit in your' place, wear your jewel/s; he will call anoth- er wife by the same loving names he gave you. He mill kiss her! face as he kissed yours. But I will never forget you, my darling, my fair, fond, gentle mother. I will love you the more that he loves you the less; and I will hate with all my heart the insolent girl that has dared. to take your place." She swept, like an avenging queen, into Mr. Dorman’s study. She stood with her hand on the open door. "Mr. Dorman," she said. “will you be; pleased to remember one thing? I forbid any one to touch my mother‘s ,picture; and, if any one dares to do it, they must take the oomseuuem-es,” it, they must take the consequences." " You shall be obeyed, Miss Neslie," he replied. "I will see that it is not touched.” H s submission disarmed her. “ After all." she thought, " it is not his faultâ€"he is not to blame." So she added, gently. "I will explain to Sir Arthur that I do not wish my moth- ar’s portrait to be removed unless it can be taken to my rooms." Vivien went away, and as he Witch- ed her, the young secretary said to himselfâ€" “ It is very hard for herâ€"very hard." And so, indeed, it was, harder than even he could guess. She had Mon. to all intents and purposes, mistress of the Abbey ever since her mother‘s death, which had happened in her sixth year. They were an ancient family these Neslies of Lancewood. They had had no title. Time after time honors had been offered them and refused. "We can harveno nobler title than Neslie of Lancewood," those soions of "No one shall tc'ucb it lie," he replied. mm of the tallest towers luxuriant ivy clings. The surround it are brilliant hued flowers; over the ing to say to yo‘ 1 1.0 Holmes, the bu him 101 the mornim Miss to you a fine old race would say. The estates were strictly entailed until the reign of George IV., when the entail was broken, and it became simply a code at the family honor that. when there broken, and it became simply a code at the family honor that, when there wasa son, that son should succeed, and when there was aduughter, thedaugh- ter should succeed, but even in marry- ing, should keep her name of Neslie. The present Sir Arthur was the first havronet, and it was said that be ac- cepted the title hemuee it was less trouble to accept than to decline it. Early in life he married Constance H \wurd. one of the noblest girls in ianglund. H‘: dearly loved his fair, high-bred wife; and when she died, leaving. him. with Vivien.1he said that; nothing should ever induce him to mur- ry again. People believed him. The ry again. People believed him. Neslies were a constant race, fail. and loyal. They believed him, and vien was always looked upon as l ass of Lnncewood. Sir Arthur brm 1101‘ up as his heiressâ€"he taught all that concerned the estate. knew the histotry of every wood plantation, of every farm and h( stead, of every house and Gotta; her up as his heiressâ€"he taught her all that concerned the estate. She knew the histotry of every wood and plantation, of every farm and homeâ€" stead, of every house and cottage. \Vhen she grew older and was able to be more of a companion to him, Sir Arthur resolved upon finding a sec- retary who would relieve him. of some of his correspondence. 1]“. was longin pleasing himself. At lmgth he met Gerald Dorman, and found in him the son of an old college friend. There were two brothers, Gerald and Thomas. Sir. Arthur went up to London to see them. H]: found Gerald a quick, intel- ligent, honorable young manâ€"his hroâ€" their Thomas was a bookworm, Hi: had no thoguht or care or interest outside his books; they were everything to himâ€"~Gerald: used to say he would sit reading while the house was burning around him‘ Sir Arthur engaged Ger- add as his seoretary and general as- sistant. . . People said at first that it was a risk to bring a handsome, talented young man like Gerald into a house with a beautiful girl like Vivien. Those who talked in that fashion did not know much of Sir Arthur’s daugh- ter. H‘ himself never dreamed of risk. H: Knew Vivienâ€"he knew her pride, her dignity; he never thought of danger. People said at first that risk to bring a handsome young man like Gerald int with a beautiful girl lik: Those who talked in that f: not know much of Sir Arthu The. only person who ever said a Word to him about it was Sir Elrry Lane, an old friend and neighbor. Sir Ar- thur listened patiently, and then he answeredâ€" " My dear Sir H'nrry, if my daugh- ter has one quality, one characteristic stranger than another, it is intense pride of race; that alone will keep her from ever doing anything a Neslie should not do. Between ourselves, I wish she had a little less of it." " \Vell, you please yourself," said Sir H rry, testin ;. " but I have seen some very proud girls make very stnange marriages.” Sir Arthur, however, was right. To Vivien Nesli-e the young secretary was her father‘s paid dependentâ€"nothing more or 1955. H 1w the preparations for the homeâ€" coming of Sir Arthur Neslie and his bride were ever accomplished was a myster to Mr. Dorm-an. Miss Neslie spent the glreater part of her time in her favorite garden; she talked lit- tie to any one, she gave no orders, she never interfered with any of the ar- rangements made. Great van-loads of new and beautiful things came from London and Parisâ€"all was activity and disorder at the Abbey; she looked on with supreme indifference, asking no questions, giving no advice. How she passed those days was known only to herself; whatever she suffered, she made no Sign, she never by look or word betrayed it. She saw the extensive preparationsâ€"great ar- ches of evergreens, with the word “ Welcome " in wrimson roses; she saw banners and flags flying from the trees in the park; she saw the stir amongst the tenantry, the subdued excitement of the household; more 'than once she heard the servants speak of Lady Nes- lie’s room, but she treated all with su- preme indifference. The young secretary looked at her more than once with wonder; anything would have been better tu him than this silence. If she bud complained, reproached her fate, broken out into invectives against Sir Arthur, it would have been better than the unbroken silence she maintained. On the Tuesday that was to bring the travelers home, he felt no slight degree of agitation himself. \Vhat would she be likeâ€"this new wife whom Sir Arthur culled young and beautiful? What difference Would her coming make? He felt that amount of uncer- tainty always produced by the intro- dllflction of a. new element into one’s l' e. What Vi'vicn Neslie had suffered during that interval no one ever knew. No How so cruel had ever been dream.â€" ed of by herâ€"no fate so bitter. She wandered listlessly through the grounds, musing no longer in the sun- shine/over the great good she was to do; she wandened through the long galleria em resti ters \w ough t1 old rife 111 would 11 My mother I; with a bi oud. tree 1D the ma ( 11‘.me III udering in mfi never her th ;d upon as hair- ‘Arthur brought sâ€"he taught her he estate. She every wood and farm and home- 'ent rooms. Dev‘ always how mat- felt keenly en- appan might, She sole mistress as not possible she for rds seemd t( decline it. Constance it girls in .nd’ my ible she :r‘s sole 11d nev- Lin find it too hot for singing, and had retired into the shadiest depths of the trees. The warm air was full of sweet odors, the rippling of the fountains made pleasant musicâ€"it was a day when nature seat wonted event. :11 to stand still in The day had arriv were to be at the Al Still Vivien had spo}; Gerald went to her ing was over; he ‘luo faceâ€"it was unnatu " I am half frightened, Miss Neslie," he said, “ to Mk you what carriage should be sent to the station." “Any you please," she replied short- ly, " I have no suggestion to make on ‘the subject, and (‘leeline to discuss it." \Vith that answer he was compelled to” be content, but it was to save heu‘ that he studied so hard to make all things pleasant, and to carry out Sir Arthur‘s wishesâ€"it was to save her that he went so carefully and anxious- ly through the house, trying to find out if everything was as its master would like it, still ‘tbe subject, and (‘levline to discuss it." \Vith that answer he was compelled to” be content, but it was to save heu‘ that he studied so hard to make all things pleasant, and to carry out Sir Arthur‘s wishesâ€"it was to save her that he went so carefully and anxious- Applying for a situation as valet, a. refined young fellow of twentyâ€"five was, to say the least, somewhat as- tounded after an interview with a. companionl-ess English gentleman. In addition to the orthodox require- ments, the latter requested that his servant should rook him to sleep afâ€" telr dinner, a. cushioned hammock stretching from wall to wall of his smokingâ€"room being pointed out as his couch. While gently swinging the net, the valet would perfume the air by smok- ing scented cigarettes, leaving the room noiselessly with the first snore. For these and other services £15Dper year would be given. Did the appli- cant approve? Needless to remark, the lover of ease was soon in possession of a dutiful servant. The Japanese valet of a much bra.- velled gentleman was bumdened will] many and peculiar duties. Not only did he (111988 and overlook his master‘s toilet ; from no other hands would the latter accept his dailytcup of tea, no- body. could make it to Such perfection as the jolly Jay, and nobody knew how, to serve his bowl of rice with his attendants delicacy. An admin-able artist, the valet tat- tooed the body of his employer in all styles of fanciful designs,â€"â€"fans. um:- brellas, scaly monsters in rainbow tints, executed with faithful minute- ..M.., -A__ ness. Every patch of skin save the breast and uncovered parts was il- luminated, the emblazoned on'e being proud to be photographed in semi- nude state. - ‘3 ’ Evetry few days the Eastern artist painted the ban breast of his employâ€" er, choosing some topical 01' humor- ous subject, according to fancy. At his death the valet became possessed of £1,000 and much valuable plate in recognition of five years‘ devoted ser- An advertisement to this effect was inserted in an American paper: ‘XVanted, a young gentleman, as val- et, educated. refined etc., etc., and able to wear No. 5 shoes and 24â€"inch corsets." This wearing- of the master’s tight clothes to ease them of their newness is a great trial to many val- ets. One who can pinch himself into Cinderella shoes and squeeze his waist within fashion plate limits is indeed a: treasure. Vi‘CB Few people ca-re to entrust the writ- ing of their loveslet ters to others. One ‘vwlet, however, pens sentiment tothe dictation of his employer, the latter observing no embarrassment in re- vealing his passion to the scribe. ment 8’ b0. 40. sir. \V'hat makes you think he is the best horse? An English general. in reviewing a corps ofcavalry. suddenly stopped beâ€" fore a splendid-looking fellow and asked, abruptly:â€" He walks, trots and gallops well; is a good jumper ;. has no vice, no blemish; carries his head well; is in his prime. And who is the best soldier in the regiment 2 Tom Jones, sir. \Vhy? [Because he is an honorable man, is obedient, is tidy, takes good care of his equipment and his hurse, and does his duty well. com; eye [Because he is an honorable man, is obedient, is tidy, takes good care of his equipment and his hurae, and does his duty well. 'And who is the best rider of the bes! horse? Yl‘om Jones, 811'. And who is Tom Jones T 1 am, sir! are The bes hi’ch is {hevbest horse in the regi- VALET‘S QUEER DUTIES STUCK UP FOR HIMSELF Iexiorn an A GOOD COMPLEXION To be Continued. seems awaiting some un- , and the world seems I in its golden haze. d arrived, the travelers rhe Abbey about seven. xad spoken nu word. t to her 'when the morn- ; he lacked at the proud unnaturally calm, and lpe a plain person has more ary share of sweeLness dependent. upon d15- people who are plaln those who know them good-looking," much for preserving the )d looks is‘ to Culli- prove that L upon d15- I experienced attacks of vertigo, and these seemed to ra time to affect my memory. The least exertion would leave me almost breathless, and my heart would palpitate violently. I had no desire for food of any kind, and yet I had to force myself to eat to maintain life. I treated with three different doctors and spent much money in this way, but with- out avail, and I was in a condition bordering on despair. Iwas urged to try Dr. Williams‘ Pink Bills, and in eeember, 1898, I consented to do so. 1 first got four boxes and notio- ed 0. change for the better a-fter [had finished the seoond box. When the four boxes were finished there was a great change for the better, and I then prroou-red another )1an dozen box-es. Befolre these were all used I was again enjoying the blessing of ‘good health. There can be no doubt ‘o[ my cure beuause months have passed since I discontinued taking Dr. Williams’ Pink Bills, and. during that time [have never felt the slightest symptom of the trouble, and lcheer- fully and strongly urge other wom- en ,who are suffering to use this wonderful medicine, feeling sure that: it will cure them; as it did me.” (July 3 Woman’s Story. BUT IT WILL BRING HOPE TO MANY SILENT SUFFERERS. Just a woman‘s story. Not strange because it ha-rfiens every day; not romantic or thruling, but Just a story of misery and suffer- ing such as, unfortunalvb’y, too many or omen endure in silence. For several years Mrs. Thomas Sears, of SL. Calharines, felt her ill- ness gradually but surely gaining a firmer hold urruun her system, and ul- limulely she almost dr-spaired of re- covery. To a reporter who called upon her, Mrs‘.‘ Sears said:â€" "What I have suffered is‘almost be- yond description. My illness has been gradually growing upon me, and eighteen months ago I found my- self almost helpless. My nerves were shattered, my heart weak and my. entire system seemingly broken down. I had norest night or day; the little sleep I did get; did not refresh me. E was in constant agony, and only a woman can understand what I en- dured as I tried to do my household work. Any sudden noise would frighten me and leave me in a. condi- tion bordering on collapse, Al Limes \crvous l’l‘uslnuhln â€" llvurl “'cnknosuâ€" Aguuulng Putin and Misery Such as “unwu Alone Iimlul'e Slade the Life or Mrs. Thus. Sears :5 Burden. Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills are especi- filc for all forms of weakness. The blood is vitalized, the nervous sys- tem is reâ€"orgunized, irregularities are corrected, strength returns and dis- ease disappears. So remarkable have been the cures performed by these little pills that their fame has spread to the far ends of civilization. Wher~ ever you go you will find the most important article in every drug store to be Dr. William-5' Pink Pills. The highest estimates put the Boer army in Natal at 33,000. The Mannlicher bulleL Lravels with a. velocity of 2,000 feet per second. Boots for our Ind'uan forces are man- ufactured at Cawnpore. Tommy's name for his Indian gravel-crushers is to the point. He calls them his "Poreâ€" nawns.” The practice of shooting cit-hand all armed men who may be found in a cuunLry in a statq of war, and who do not belong to the regular forces 0i a. belligerem Government, is sanctioned by mummy law. Horse sickness has broken out earl- ier than usual in SouLh Africa. As a rule il’, comes in February. The Boers being emirer a muunLed force, the trouble will aflect them more than it will uur armies. A favorite Boer sport is to dig a hole: in the ground and. put a turkey 'uuo it. Then they, Covet the pit wiLh a cloth with) :1 allele in it just. big .en- ough Lg Left out ithe turkey? head. The Among the French names which at the present day may be found wide- spread throughout b‘ouLh Africa,‘ from the Cape to the Zambesi, are Marais, Jouben, Du Pleasis, De Villiers, Jour- drau, Lu Roux, Malhrerbe, Du Toit, Ma]- an. Itetief, Theron, and Hugo. Gettysburg, the scene of one of the great fights of the American Civil War, is now the must carefully mark- ed battlefield in the world. Though b.2511 of Lhze uniortunate bird is used as. a target. GeLtysburg, t}: great fights of War, is now the ed battlefield in the number of 11 sides was 160,01") Th In some VIC h bumb ‘ngth are most etcellent. ral estate and's Que 0 the list TOR RANGE-FINDERS. [A‘S rut rteeu at up in [men \V TEA HO USE n matting with the ends to add one :1 houses on the b of these reâ€" 11 )Il some Aled

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