Part 17 (1/2)
”No, thanks,” said she ”I've chosen And I' look and went out on the veranda, to go along it to the outdoor stairway Arkwright gazed after her through a fierce conflict of emotions Was she really in earnest? Could it be possible that Josh Craig had soot a hold over her? ”Or, is it that she doesn't trust me, thinks I'd back down if she were to throw hi positively for Craig in her tone and expression She was really intending to marry hi a man of that sort means!” he exclaimed, half aloud ”But she doesn't Only a woman who has been married can appreciate what sort of a hell for sensitive nerves and refined tastes ht!”
At this interruption in a woman's voice--the voice he disliked and dreaded above all others--he startled and turned to face old Madaray-white hair and ebon staff carried firmly, well forward Grant bowed ”How d'ye do, Mrs Bowker?” said he with respectful deference What he would have thought was the ilad to see her
”She'll put an end to this nonsense--this nightmare,” said he to himself
Madam Bowker had Williams, the butler, and a azed round the room; she pointed with the staff to the floor a few feet from theand a little back ”Place my chair there,” commanded she
The butler and the ilded chair to the indicated spot Madam Bowker seated herself with e the roo that sofa from the far corner to the other side of this , and put the tea-table in front of it Put two chairs where the sofa was; arrange the other chairs--” And she indicated the places with her staff
While the room was still in confusion Mrs Severence entered ”What is it, Mahtful roohtful”
”Don't you think the pictures should be rehung to suit the new arrangeht
Madam Bowker, suspicious of jest, looked sharply at hiht,” said she
”But people will be co in a few minutes,” pleaded Roxana
”Then to-morrow,” said Madam Bowker reluctantly ”That will do, Williao at once and make yourself neat You've had on that cap two days”
”No, indeed, ma'am!” protested Betty
”Then it was badly done up Roxana, how can you bear to live in such a slovenly way?”
”Will you have tea now, Mamma?” was Roxana's diplomatic reply
”Yes,” answered the old lady
”Tea, Mr Arkwright?”
”Thanks, no, Mrs Severence I'ratulate Rita”
Madahter? Upon what, pray?”
Arkwright siement”