The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1902-02-14
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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VIII.
July reigns, vice June, dethroned, but
still the roses hold full sway.
Seaton Dysart has come and gone
many time to and from Greycourt, ana
by degrees little Of the constraint that
had characterized his early visits has
worn away. He has even so far ad-
vanced 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 Vera's side, has taken
a 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 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 1t 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 in the afternoon, his coming causes
distinct embarrassment In several guar
ters.
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 a
sickenink fear that 1t might be Mr.. 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 it out with her now,
and 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 hourw cries she. with the
friendliest air, beaming on him as he
comes into the room.
''It is good of you to call 1t happy"
says he, casting a really grateful look at
her as he shakes hands silently with
Vera. "ln time for luncheon, too, see,
though" with rather surprised glance
at the table, you don't seem in very
= hospitable mood. Nothing to spare, chr
I'VE didn't know you were coming. you
see" says Griselda, mildly. sand it isn't
lunch you see, or rather you don't see,
before you; it is dinner"
"WhatP says Seaton, flushing a dark
red. He has got up from his seat and is
regarding her almost sternly.
'Is 1t trueT asked Seaton, 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 1t not be trueY 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. 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 l not speak," asks Gri-
selda, in a meekly injured tone. II was
merely going to add that a fowl occa-
sionally 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"
Il feel as IL ought to apologize to
you for all this" says Dysart, with a
heavy sigh, addressing Vera exclusively,
"and as il, too, no apology could be ac-
cepted. But | shall see that 1t does not
occur again"
u 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 a foolish
child. l." folding her hands tightly to-
gether. II forbid you to say anything
about it."
II regret that ! must disobey you, "
saws 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
will be If you try to alter matters In ouI
favor"
"You mean that you will accept moth
ing at my hands; is that tr exclaims he
passion that will not be repressed in his
tone: the coldness seems broken up, there
Is fire in his eyes and a distinct anger
"You have had that time you spoke Of
has il fulfilled its missions-has it taught
YOU to detest mef No" OBTAINING her
deliberately as she seeks to leave thC
room. Don't go; you should give me q
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 defantly at him, her blood little
hot, you are too like your father for mi
TO pretend friendship with you"
"Oh, Vera. think you shouldn't say
thatw cries Griselda, now honestly
frightened at the storm she has raised
hut neither Of the others hear her. Vera
with one little slender white hand grasp
ing the back Of chair near her, is look.
ing hxedly at Seaton. whose face has
changed. An expression of keen pair
crosses 1t.
HAS he been so bad to you as thatT
he says: and then, with profound sigh
"My poor fatherw
There is something so honestly grieveC
In his whole air that Vera's heart smite.
her.
"why will you bring up this discussion
again and again?" she says. with re
morseful impatience. why not let m,
60 my way unQuestoned, and you yours
What am | to you when all is told2
am outside your life-l ever shall be
yet il seems to me ns IL you were ben
on compelling my likes and dislikes."
"You are right" says he, going close
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
fance into his.
"If could" supplements he, gently.
He turns and leaves the room.
CHAPTER IN.
While the two girls were discussing, il
frightened way, the result Of Griseldai
imprudence. Seaton was having a tussle
sharp aud severe, with his father.