Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1900-01-17
CHAPTER VII.


July reiGns. vice June, dethronrd. but
still ;he roses hold full sway.
>rarru Dysart has come and gone
NANNY 20 time to and from Greycourt and
bv I.-rrrs a little of the constraint that
bad characterized his early visits has
worn away. He has even far ad-
vaau-l as to be almost on friendly terms
with Grl-clda.
Eur between him and Vera that first
dark VOL of distrust still hangs heavily
Ii-rrust that. on Vera's side. has taken
h.ackrr hue and merged itself into dis
like.
Scat,n Dysart's arrivals being only
looked for by the girls at about seven
prInrk in 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 a formal message to Vera from
her uncle to that effect. Never yet had
fhrIr cousin come without the announce
ra"ut being made; and so thoroughly un-
frrstuod was it that he would not put
in an unexpected appearance, that when.
afrtr rather longer absence than usual,
en- absence extending over all last week
and part of this, he turns up at half-past
two in the afternoon. his coming causes
distinct embarrassment in several quar-
tcrs.
What can have brought him at this
h"ar! London must be reduced to
ashes.' hazards Griselda, her tone now
"a genial as usual. For one instant a
s!ckrning fear that it might be Mr.. Pey-
toms knock had made her blood run cold.
There had been n short but sharp en-
counter between him and her the day be-
fore yesterday, and Wild fear that he
had come up to have it out with her now.
and here. had taken possession of her.
At such a moment the advent of Seaton
is hailed by her, at least. with rapture.
Why, what happy wind drove you
Gown at this hour?'' cries she. with the
frieulliest 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 a rather surprised glance
at the table, you don't seem in a very
hospitable 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"
"What?' says Seaton, flushing a dark
AtA' LIZ mas Sot up iAciii MS SSoe oAiN p
regarding her almost sternly.
is 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 "a 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. Ii
is not all that one could desire, of course.
but if sometimes it might be altered
for"
'Griselda"' interrupts Vera, rising to
her feet.
Why should l not speak?' asks Gri
scda. in a meekly injured tone. Il was
merely going to add that fowl occa-
sionally would be a good deal of moral
u~p 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-
ccpted But l shall see that it does not
occur again"
Il 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-
grthcr. Il forbid you to say anything
about it,
Il regret that l must disobey you"
SAYS Seaton, courteOusly, 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
viii be if you try to alter matters in oui
favor"
You mean that you will accept moth
iuc at my hands; is that it?' exclaims he.
passion that will not be repressed in his
cone the coldness seems broken up, there
Is fire in his eyes and distinct anger.
You have had that time you spoke of;
has II fulfilled its mssions-has it taught
,ou to detest me? No. OBTAINING hei
deliberately as she seeks to leave tn.
room Don't go; you should give me a
real reason for your studied discourtesy.
Gnr won't believe that l am naturally
aunorrcnt to you. There must be some
thing else"
If you must know" says she. lOokin.
back detantly at him. her blood a little
uot. you are too like your father for me
20 preter| friendship with you"
oh. Vera, l think you shouldn't say
that cries Griselda, now honestly
f.-utcned at the storm she has raised,
lut neither of the others hear her. Vera,
with one little slender white hand grasp
u- the back of a chair near her. is look
.u- .iNcdly at Seaton, whose face has
hanged. An expression of keen pain
crosses it.
Has he been so bad to you as thatT'
he says; and then, with profound sigh:
My poor father
There is something so honestly grieved
~ lis whole air that Vera's heart smites
Le-
Why will you bring up this discussion
I-".u and again?" she says, with re-
norseful impatience. Why not let me
% rug way unquestioned. and you yours?
What am / to you when all is told! l
am outside your life-I ever shall be
S"' II seems to me rs If You were bent
W romp"lling my likes and dis!ikes.
gu are right" says he, going closer
% -er, his face very pale. Il would COM
pei You to-to more than like me-
ompel.'' She has drawn back from
am, and her eyes. now uplifted. look de-
lance into his.
II ! could" supplements he, gently.
lie turns and leaves the room.