Wichita eagle., 1890-02-09

your mothers permission to stay here
awhile
Dora remained talking until she heard
James voice calling her to her mornings
duties. Promising to arrange for an in-
terview between Mr.. Chorley and her
mother, she ran down. received small
scolding from the impatient Jane, who
wondered what she could find in that
old ghost tower to interest her so much.
She read awhile TO her mother and then
assisted Jane with the dinner, finding no
time for the conversation she had prom
ised herself. However, Jane was going
to spend the afternoon with sick neigh
Dor, and when Dora saw her walk down
the garden path in all the glory of clean
dress and white apron she took out her
sewing and sat down beside her mother
with satisfied smile.
Mamma" she began, after consid-
erable silence, do you think it would be
wrong for Mr.. Chorley TO come here and
search the place for his grandfather's
will:''
"Why, no. child" said Mrs. Bertrand
'.But you know he could not do it
openly, on account of his former trouble
with Mr.. Harton. So he would have to
remain concealed, and work quietly.
Should you disapprove very much Of
such course:'
cit is not likely he viii come, Dora
Why do you seem SO Interested
Il think he viii, mamma; indeed,
have seen him.
Mrs. Bertrand gave a sudden start,
glancing around almost as if she expected
to see him, too.
'Where is he:" she asked. ''Surelv
not in the village? 1t is well Mr. Harton
is away"
''He is here in this house, or rather in
the tower, and wishes to see you
''To see me! When did he come? Are
you sure it is he. Dora:"
"Quite sure; be looks SO like the pict-
ure of his father. And now DO not be
frightened. mamma. while | tell you the
whole story" and Dora came and knelt
beside her mother. while she repeated
the incidents of the morning, leaving
out much OF the alarm she had expert
enced.
Mrs. Bertrand was greatly surprised.
and quite undecided what course To pur-
sue, but Dora pleaded so warmly in Mr..
Chorleys behalf. that she at length said:
Il think we might manage it but for
Jane"
But Jane is very trusty when one
really confides in her | think she would
be proud of having a secret to keep"
So presently Dora went to summon Mr..
Chorley, who succeeded in deepening the
good impression the young girl had be
gun. He was very manly and straight
forward, and when he repeated his
fathers dying charge Mrs. Bertrand be-
gan almost to believe in the possibility of
a will being found.
They were still talking earnestly when
a shadow passed the window. Dora
sprang into the hall, closing the door be-
hind her, and found an old friend, but
most unwelcome guest, entering the wide
doorway. She stood quite still, her face
paling visibly.
My darling Dora, have frightened
you almost to death, have not?" said the
gay, pleasant voice of Olive Harton.
Il was not expecting you-when did
you Ieturn?"
AT noon, and couldn't wait, wanted
we in,ended, and Clara's lover came with
us. she is to be married Immediately.
And your mother-is she quite wellF'
"Impro-'- I'll the tirre Fv"use me
a moment, Olive, dear. while / - and
prepare her for visitor. Come in the
parlor."
'.No. I'll sit here" and Olive took one
of the chairs in the hall.
There was no mode of egress from Mrs.
Bertrands S room save into the hall, and
consequently Mr.. Chorley was pris-
oner. After a moments S consideration,
Mrs Bertrand came forth with her
daughter. and all three entered the par
lor opposite.
Il don't believe you are a bit glad TO
see me-" Olive said, with an embar-
rassed laugh. "You did not use TO make !
such company of me"
Both Dora and her mother tried % I
place their guest at ease as rapidly as
possible, and Mrs. Bertrand judged this I
would be more readily done by leading
her to talk of her journey. In 4 few
moments Olive launched into q lively /
description of ell she had seen, and ex- I
pressed her delight in the approaching 4
wedding; only" she ended with, II .
don't like ClaraS lover, and am afraid i
| never shall.
Mrs. Bertrand gave her some gentle, /
motherly advice, but Olive soon changed 4
the subject by inquiring what Dora had
busted herself about the last three weeks
After this there came little awkward
lull, and Olive rose to so.
'-Oh," she said, pausing in the hall,
"have you seen the tower ghost yet,
Dora? Come, let us take a turn in the
old rookery.'
Dora would faia have declined, but
Olive pushed on in gay unconcern- 1t
was well her eyes or suspicious were not
very acute, or she would have discovered
some traces Of Mr. Chorley's recent
search. Dora fairly trembled. and was
when they reached the hall.
II NAV as well take the key home,
suppose" Olive exclaimed. Papa might
happen to ASK about II.
"Oh. not now, said the frightened Dora.
81 want it few days longer"
VERY well. Bur how oddly you act,
Dora; and first you are pale, then GRIM
son-uhat is the natter
Nothing" and Dora laughed 70 hide
her agitation, walking with her compan-
ion to the end of the garden, and prom
ising to come over early the next morn