Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1902-02-13
CuApTER VII,

by degrees little OF the cnnstralnt that
had characterized his early visits has
worn away. He has even 80 far adj
yanced as 10 be almost on friendly terms
with Grlselda.
But between him and Vera that first
dark veil Of distlust still hangs heavily
dlstruSt that. on Vera's side. has taken
blacker hue and merged itself into dis.
like.
Seaton Dysnrt's arrivals being only
looked for by the girls at about seven
o'clock In the evening Just an hour or 80
before dinner--gave them plenty Of time
70 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; aud 80 thoroughly un',
derstood was Il that he would not put
In an unexpected appearance, that when,
after 4 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 Ia several quar-
tcra.
What can have brought him at this
hourI London must be reduced TO
ashes." hazards Grlsclda. her tone now
as genial ns usual For one Instant q
Hlckenlng fear that II might be MFR. Pey-
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 wild fear that he
had come up to have Il out with her now,
and here, had taken possession OF her.
Al such moment the advent OF Seaton
Is hailed by her. at least with rapture
why. what happy wind drove you
down at this hourI' cries she. with the
friendllest air. beamlng on him as he
comes Into the room.
1T In good OF you to call II happy"
says he. casting a really grateful look at
her a. he shakes hands silently with
Vera. 'In time for luncheon. too, | see,
though" with rather surprised glance
at the table. you don't seem In a very
hospltahle mood. Nothing TO spare, eh r.
I'VE didn't know you were ccEning. you
sec." says GriSelda, mildly. And II isn't
lunch you see, or rather you don't see,
before you: II IL dinner"
''Whatf" says Seaton, flushing a dark
red. He has got mp from his seat and is
regarding her almost sternly.
SIS Il true" asked Seaton, turning to
Vera. II ia rather rude question, but
there Ii so much shame and anxiety in
his tone that Grisclda forgives him.
"Why should il not be true?" says
Vera. coldly. "As 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
thNt--that this Is your dinner every
day?"
Literally" says Griselda, cheerfully.
"This is the chop that changeth not. 1t
10 not all that one could desire, Of course.
but IL sometimes II might he altered
for"
"GriseldaW interrupts Vera, rising to
her feet.
"Why should not speOky' asks Gri-
seldn, In meekly injured tone. II was
merely going to add that a fowl occa-
honally would be a good deal OF moral
use to US. have always heard that to
keep the temper In healthy state,
change Of food Is necessary"
~ feel as IL | ought to apologize to
you for all this" says Dysart, with
heavy sigh, addressing Vera exclusively,
"and as II, too, no apology could be ac-
cepted. But shall see that 1t does not
occur again"
II beg you will 90 nothing" says Vera,
quickly. Nothing. win 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-
gether, II forbid you to say anything
about It."
~ regret that | must disobey you,"
says Seaton. courteously, but with deter
mination. MY fathers house is in part
mine, and win suffer no guest to endure
discomfort In It."
There Ii no discomfort now. There
will be IL you try to alter matters in our
favor"
"You mean that you win accept moth
ing at my hands; II that itT' exclaims he,
passion that will not be repressed In his
tone; the coldness seems broken up, there
Is fire In his eyes and distinct anger
"You have had that time you spoke of
has Il fulfilled its missions--has It taught
you to detest meP MOI" OBTAINING her
deliberately as she seeks to leave the
room. "Don't go; you should give me
real reason for your studied discourtesy,
for won't believe that am naturally
abhorrent to you There must be some
thing else"
IF you must know" says she, looking
back defahtly at him, her blood little
hot, "you are too like your father for me
to pretend friendship with you"
ooh, Vera, think you shouldn't say
thatp' 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 a chair near her, Is look
Ing fxedly at Seaton, whose face has
changed. 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 fatherl"
There Is something so honestly grievcd
In his whole air that Vera's heart smites
her
"Why win you bring up this discussion
again and againr she says, with re-
morseful impRtience why not let me
60 my way unQuestioned, and you yours
What am to you when all Is told?
am outside your life--I ever shall be-