The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1899-10-21
CHAPTER XVI

teflOuSIy disappeared, no one knows
whittier, except perhaps Griselda, his sis
ter and two others. North" he was go
ing. he said to inquiring friends. To-day.
however, he has turned up again. admira-
bly, dressed as ever, and as radiant as a
good conscience should make any man.
I'm SO glad Tom has got back in
time" says Griselda. Il quite feared
| Uncle Gregory would be too many for
him. Vera, what makes you look like
that, darling? Now tel! me what it is
| that has annoyed YOU
Il must be mad to be annoyed" says
Vera, with angry self-contempt.
'Seaton again."
at is always Seaton," with an increase
of her Irritation, when it isn't his faith
er. Was there no other path into which
fate could have flung me, except this ?
| Yes, it is Seaton."
But why think so much about him ?
! He cannot interfere with you now, be his
| father never SO persistent in his idea of
marrying you to him, because all the
| world can see he is as good as engaged
to Miss Butler"
Il pity her, then, with all my soul,
What a family to enter. She is too good
to be sacrificed so cruelty | believe he
is employed by his father to watch me,
to report all that l say or Ah,' she
breaks off abruptly, and points almost
triumphantly to the pathway outside,
! where indeed Seaton stands.
That it is one of the most public walks
at The Friars, that Seaton might have,
nay, indeed has, come this way without
intention of any kind she does not allow
herself to believe.
Il told yOu,' she says, vehemently. st
is to spy upon my every action he is
here. Oh, fool that l was, to dream of
being free for even these few days."
She has come a step or two forward; a
scarlet tide of indignant humiliation has
dyed her cheeks. She still points toward
Seaton with one trembling hand, while
he, advancing slowly, looks with some
anxiety from her to Griselda. who is sore
ly troubled as if to demand an eXplana
ton.
Il think you must be mistaken, dar-
ling she says, nervously, laying her
hand upon her sisters arm. Il feel sure
Seaton would not undertake the part you
have assigned him. Seaton, speak to her:
tell her it is impossible that you should
do this thing
What thing? OF what does she ac-
cuse mc?' his brow growing dark.
"She imagines-or, of course, it is all
n mistake-but she has somehow got it
into her head that you are here toto
watch her"
rs that how it strikes you?' says ne
slowly: sudden, short. miserable laugh
breaks from him. $50 that is how you
look at it? Great heaven, to think how
l have loved you-such as you-so poor
81, ,i,>l- -
it, He draws his breath sharply,
though she writhes. 'No, you shall hear
me. | have heard much from you. first
and last-this shall be the last. | swear
Here, even now, in this moment when
find you SO altogether contemplate a
creature, it is my misery to know that
still love you. Day after day you have
heaped insults upon me. Your every look
has been an affront. l have said too
MUCH" he continues, YEARLY; but with
a little eloquent gesture she renders him
silent.
"Oh, not too much, but perhaps
enough''-she smiles again. that cruel
smile that hurts him like the sharpest
stab-"surely it would be hard to expect
you to find another insult to-day. To
morrow. perhaps. And now let me say
doubt yOu:'
None, none.' declares he. vehemently.
She throws out her hands with a lit
tie expressive movement. Il leave that
to your own conscience to your own
sense of right and wrong" she says,
Struggling her shoulders, finely. But
once for ALL raising her voice and
throwing up her head, Il warn you.
bop rn,, eli
gesture of horror, Il would accept the
first man that asked me-
A faint rustic among the bushes out
side, a footstep-and Lord Shelton steps
into view.
Il hold you to your word cries he,
gayly; he steps lightly within the flower
crowned archway. and looks straight at
Vera He is smiling, but underneath the
smile lies longing TO be taken seriously.
You give me a chance" he says; Il
here, before witnesses. declare myself
suitor for your hand''-his expression is
still wavering betwixt mirth and gravity.
and he holds out to her both his hands.
You are not. however. the first to ask
her." says Dysart. in voice vibrating
with many and deep emotions. His brow
is black, and anger fights for mastery
with despair in his dark eye.
Vera, pale as death, but with a little
indignant frown, steps between the tw"
men.
What does it all mean:" she asks,
contemptuously; would you make a ira
gedy out of a farce: If so, at least be
good enough to assign me no part in it.
She sweeps both men out of her path
by slight imperious gesture. and pass
ing them. walks swiftly away in the di-
rection of the house.
Ito be continuea.i