Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-02-13
CHAPTER VIII.

many time to and from Greycourt. and
BY degrees little of the constraint that
had characterized his early visits has
worn away. He has even so far adj
vanced as to be almost on friendly terms
with Grisclda.
But between him and Vera that first
dark veil of distrust still hangs heavily
dstrust that. on Veras side has taken
blacker hue and merged itself into dis
like.
Seaton Dysart's arrivals being only
looked for by the girls at about seven
o'clock in the evening-just an hour or so
before dinncr-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 UNI
derstOod was it that he would not put
in an unexpected appearance, that when,
after Il rather longer absence than usual.
an 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-
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.. Pcy-
tons knock had made her blood run cold.
There had been short but sharp en-
counter between him and her the day be-
fore yesterday. and Il wild fear that he
had come up to have it out with her now.
and here, had taken possession of her.
At such Il 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
friendiest air, beaming on him as he
comes into the room.
ut is good of you to call it happy"
says he, casting Il really grateful look at
her as he shakes hands silently with
Vera. I'm time for luncheon, too | see,
though" with rather surprised glance
at the table, you don't seem in a very
hospitable mood. Nothing to spare eh?"
I'VE 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
red. He has got up from his seat and is
regarding her almost sternly.
rs it true?" asked Scaton. turning to
Vera. 1t is rather rude question, but
there is so much shame and anxiety in
his tone that Griselda forgives him.
'Why should it not be truc?" says
Vera, coldly. AS Il rule. we dine early"
"Shc means that we always dine early
except when we know you are coming"
supplements Grisclda, even more mildly
than before.
"And this" with Il hurried glance at
the scnnty 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"
"Griselda!" interrupts Vera, rising to
her feet.
"Why should not speak?" asks Girl
selda. in a meekly injured tone. Il was
merely going to add that a fowl occa-
sionally would be Il good deal of moral
use to us. ! 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 Il
heavy sigh. addressing Vera exclusively.
''and rs if. too, no apology could be ac-
ccpted. But | shall see that it does not
occur again"
Il beg you will do nothing" says Vera.
quickly. "Nothing. | viii not have my
uncle spoken to on this subject. GrSclda
is only in jest; She speaks like Il foolish
child. l." folding her hands tightly to-
gether. Il forbid YOU to say anything
about it,
Il regret that | must diSoley you.'
says Scatun. cou.tcouSiy. but with deter
mnation. My fathers house is in part
mine. and | VIII suffer NO guest to endure
discomfort in it,
There is 10 discomfort now. There
will bc if You try to alter matters in our
favor"
"You mean that you will accept moth
Ing at my hands: is that y eXclaims he,
passion that will not he reprcSscd in his
tone: the GOODNESS seems broken M. there
is fire in his eyes and distinct anger
"You have had that time you spoke of;
has it fulfilled its misSions-haS it taught
you to dctcst me? No. Obtaining her
deliberately ms she seeks to leave the
room. Don't go; you should give me n
real reason for your studied discourtesy,
for | won't believe that | am naturally
ahhorrcnt to you. There must be some
thing else"
IF YOU must know" says she, looking
back dciiantly at him, her blood a little
hot, you are too like your father for me
to 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 grasp
ing the back of chair near her, is look
ing tiXcdly at Seaton. whose face has
changed. An expression of keen pain
crosses it.
Has he been so bad to you as thatY'
he says; and then, with profound sigh:
My poor father"
There is something so honestly grieved
in his whole air that Veras heart smites
her.
why will you bring up this discussion
again and again?" she says, with re-
morseful impatience. why not let me
go my way unquestioned. and you yours
What am | to you when all is told?
am outside your life-I ever shall be-