The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1902-03-07
CHAPTER XVI.

teriously disappeared, no one knows
whittier except perhaps Griselda, his sis
ter and two others. North" he was 60
ing. he said to inquiring friends. To-day,
however, he has turned up again, admira-
bly, dressed as ever, and as radiant as
good conscience should make any man.
"Pm 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 tell me what it is
that has annoyed you"
II must be mad to be annoyed" says
Vera, with angry self-contempt.
"Seaton againT
at is always Seaten," with an increase
of her irritation, when II isn't his faith
err. Was there no other path into which
! fate could have flung me, except this?
Yes, it is Seaton."
But why think so much about him2
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"
81 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 say or Ali! 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.
II told you," she says, vehemently, "it
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
Seaten with one trembling hand, while
he advancing slowly, looks with some
anxiety from her to Griselda, who is sore
lly troubled, as IL to demand an explana.
ton.
II think you must be mistaken, dar'
ling" she says, uervously, 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 me?" his brow growing dark.
"She imagines-or, Of course, it Is al
n mistake-but she has somehow got II
into her head that you are here to-tC
watch her"
"Is that how It strikes your" says he
slowly; a sudden, short, miserable laugh
breaks from him. 80 that is how yor
look at it? Great heaTen, to think how
, have loved you-such as you-so poo
a thing! II shames me now to think o.
itw He draws his breath sharply
though she writhes. "No, you shall hea
/, me! have heard much from you, frs
and last-this shall be the last swear
Here, even now, in this moment when
. find you so altogether contemplate
. creature, It Is my misery to know that
still love you! Day after day you hav
7 heaped insults upon me. Your every Loo
!. has been an affront. / have said to
Z much" he continues, wearily; but wit
2 a little eloquent gesture she renders hir
3 silent.
"Oh, not too much, but perhap
. enough"-she smiles again, that crut
= smile that hurts him like the sharpes
v stab-''surely 1t would be hard to expeC
i YOU to find another insult to-day. II
i morrow, perhaps. And now let me sa
e one little word. Have | no cause
s doubt your
n None, none" declares he, vehement!
She throws out her hands with a Ii
\ tie expressive movement. Il leave tbs
A to your own conscience. to your ow
,. sense Of right and wrong" she say
: Struggling her shoulders, finely. "B'
70 once for ALL" raising her voice ar
= throwing up her head. II warn 20
"A Rather than marry you," making a sligl
. gesture Of horror, IL would accept Il
' FIRST man that asked me!'
A faint rustic among the bushes ou
10 side, a footstep-and Lord Shelton ste
NJ into view.
n Il hold you to your word,". cries b
gayly: he steps lightly within the fowe
crowned archway. aud looks straight
es Vera. He is smiling, but underneath {
be smile lies longing to be taken seriousl
ar "You give me a chance" he says;
st here. before witnesses, declare myself
suitor for your hand'-his expression
still wavering betwixt mirth and grayit
ds and he holds out TO her both his hands
"YOu are not, however. the FIRST to a
Us her." says Dysart. in a voice vibrati
with many and deep emotions. His bro
ly is black. aud anger fights for maste
on with despair in his dark eye.
Vera. pale as death, but with a lit
Is indignant frown, steps between the T.
men.
er What does II all meanF' she AS
ng CONTEMPORARY; would you make q
IA gedy out OF a farcei IL so. at least
ad good enough to assign me no part In !
Do- She sweeps both men out Of her pa
Do By q slight imperious gesture. and pa
ing them, walks swiftly away In the
on rection Of the house.
Ut Ito be continuedl
The population Of the world inereai