The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1899-09-30
CHAPTER VIII.

Seaton Dysart has come and gone
many a time to and from Greycourt, and
by degrees a little of the constraint that
had characterized his early visits has
worn away. He has even so far adj
yanced as to be almost on friendly terms
with Griselda.
But between him and Vera that first
dark veil of distrust still hangs heavily
distrust that, on Nera's side, has taken
Il blacker hue and merged itself into dis
like.
Seaton Dysart's arrivals being only
looked for by the girls at about seven
o'clock i'll the evening-just an hour or so
before dinner-gave them plenty of time
to prepare for his coming. Any day on
which he was expected, Mrs. Crunch
brought formal message to Vera from
her uncle to that effect. Never yet had
their cousin come without the announce
ment being made; and so thoroughly I'M
derstood was it that he would not put
in an unexpected appearance. that when,
after a rather longer absence than usual,
an absence extending over all last week
and part of this, he turns up at half-past
two III the afternoon, his coming causes
distinct embarrassment in several quar-
tiers.
What can have brought him at this
hour! London must be reduced to
ashes" hazards Griselda, her tone now
as genial as usual. For one instant Il
sickcning fear that it might be Mr.. Pey-
tons knock had made her blood run cold.
There had been a short but sharp en-
counter between him and her the day be-
fore yesterday, and a wild fear that he
had come up to have it out with her now,
ana here, had taken possession of her.
At such moment the advent of Seaton
Is hailed by her, at least, with rapture
Why, what happy wind drove you
down at this hour?' cries she. with the
friendliest air, beaming on him as he
comes into the room.
1t is good of you to call it happy"
says he, casting a really grateful look at
her as he shakes hands silently with
Vera. In time for luncheon. too, l see,
though with rather surprised glance
at the table, you don't seem in a very
bospitable mood. Nothing to spare, eh -
We didn't know you were coming, You
See" says Griselda, mildly. And it isn't
lunch you see, or rather you don't see,
before YOU; it is dinner"
'WhatT says Seaton, flushing Il dark
red. He has got up from his seat and is
regarding her almost sternly.
rs it true?" asked Seaton, turning to
Vera. 1t is a rather rude question, but
there is so much shame and anxiety in
his tone that Griselda forgives him.
why should it not be true?" says
Vera, cOldly. 'As a rule, we dine early
She means that we always dine early
except when we know you are coming"
supplements Griselda, even more mildly
than before.
And this" with ii hurried glance at
the scanty meal. do you mean to tell me
that-that this is your dinner every
day.
Literally" says Griselda, cheerfully
This is the chop that changeth not. 1t
is not all that one could desire, of course,
but if sometimes it might be altered
for
"Griseldar' Interrupts Vera, rising to
her feet.
why should | not speak?' asks Girl
seida, in Il meelly injured tone. Il was
merely going to add that Il fowl occa-
sionally would be good deal of moral
use to us. l have always heard that to
keep the temper in healthy state,
change of food Is necessary
Il feel as if | ought to apologize to
you for all this" says Dysart, with a
heavy sigh, addressing Vera exclusively.
and as if, too, no apology could be ac-
copied But l shall see that it does not
Occur again
L beg you will do nothing" says Vera.
quickly. Nothing. | will not have my
uncle spoken to on this subject Griselda
is only in jest; she speaks like foolish
child. l." folding her hands tightly to-
-ether Il forbid you to say anything
about it."
Il regret that | must disobey YOU
says Seaton, cautiously. but with deter
mination. My fathers house is in part
mine and | will suffer no guest to endure
discomfort in it,
There is no discomfort now. There
will be if you try to alter matters in our
favor"
You mean that you will accept moth
ing at my hands; is that ity' exclaims he.
passion that will not be repressed in his
tone: the coldneSs seems broken I'D. there
is fire in his eyes and a distinct anger
You have had that time you spoke of;
has it fulfilled its missions-has il taught
Won to detest me? No.' OBTAINING her
deliberately as she seeks TO leave the
room. Don't go; you should give me a
real reason for your studied diScourtesy
for | won't believe that l am naturally
ahhorrent TO you. There must be some
thing else"
If You must know says She looking
back dcfiantly at him. her blood a little
hot. you are too like your father for me
10 pretend friendship with YOU
"Oh. Vera, | think you shouldn't say
that cries Griselda, now honestly
frightened at the storm she has raised.
but neither Of the others hear her. Vera.
with one little slender white hand CRASH
ing the back of a chair near her. is look
inS GxeGiy at Seaton. whose face has
changed. An expression of keen pain
crosses it
Has he been so bad to you as that ~
he says; and then, with a profound sigh:
My poor father"
There is something so honestly grieved
:. his whole air that Nera's heart smites
her.
why will you bring up this discussion
again and again. she says. with re-
morseful Impotence. WHY not let me
20 my way unquestioned, and you yours
What am / to you when all is told? |
am outside your life-I ever shall be
yet il seems to me as if you were bent
on compelling my likes and dislikes."
y ou are right" says he, going closer
to her, his face very pale, Il would com
pei you Toto more than like me-
Compel" She has drawn back from
him, and her eyes, now uplifted, look de-
lauce into his.
III | could" supplements he, gently.
He turns and leaves the room.
CHAPTER IN.
While the two girls were discussing. in
i frightened way, the result of Griselda' :
.alprudeuce, Seaton was having tussle.
sharp and severe. with his father.