Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-11-10
CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XXII.
1t was the morning after the events re-
lated in the last chapter had taken place,
that Ethel sat alone in Lady Clair Lin
woods private boudoir, apparently en-
gagged with some pretty fancy work, but
in reality more occupied with her own
sad thoughts then the needleworlA
During the weeks she had been in this
place everything had been done to pro-
mote her happiness. She was ever treat
ed with the greatest kindness, and by
Lady Claire with true affection. She
had entered into all her pupils pleasures
with seeming sympathy when her soul
was even most cast down. How beauti-
full everything looked to her weary eyes
as she cast them from the window! How
full the air was of fragrance, FROM flow
ers and bush, and how merrily a staring
was singing from the branches of an old
elm tree near by! But this innocent glee
awoke no answering echo in her own
heart; there all was desolation and sor-
row.
She felt so lonely in this her youth
no mother, aunt, relative near in whom
to find sympathy and love. Yes, she was
utterly alone, and would be until claimed
by an unknown father; and when she
might be cheered by the love of one true
heart, her misfOrtunes had alienated its
respect, and all she could do was to
constantly battle with her own self, and
strive TO overcome the unfortunate at
tachment that was wearing upon her
health and spirits.
To-day, the more she resolved to for
get this man, the more she studied over
his GOODNESS, the more fondly she remem-
bered him, and told herself it was her
own want of frankness and the suspi
cious circumstances in which he had
found her placed, that had shaken his
confidence in her integrity, and merited
only his scorn. But, bound as she had
been to solemn secrecy, she could not
conceive how she could have acted diff
ferently, and she felt convinced that, in
order to be true to the trust imposed up
on her. she had done no wrong
So deep had been her reverie that she
heard no bell, no opening door, no sound,
and not until the words, Miss Nevergail,
hope do not interrupt YOU" fell upon
her ear did she dream that she was not
alone.
Starting to her feet, she turned TO face
DR.. Elfenstein. She would have extend
ed her hand and welcomed him joyfully
but his grave, almost stern looks deferred
her, and as he offered no further greet
ing, she merely assured him she was
perfectly at leisure, and then wheeled up
u large easy chair for his use.
Not noticing the latter, however, the
doctor took lighter one, and placing it
opposite the one she had resumed, said,
as he sat down:
Il am glad TO find you alone, as my
business is important, and concerns no
one but ourselves. The footman told
me at the doorathat the family were abb
sent. and / would find you here"
They are absent for the day, and,
therefore. l am at your service"
The nature of my business, l fear.
may startle you, but | feel that l ought
not 10 forego it on that account. / shall
be obliged to ask you several questions
that you may dislike to answer, but, Miss
Nevergail allow me to say, as a preface,
that perfect frankness on your part will
he the best in the end. Certain things,
lately transpiring, have led me to regret
exceedingly that l did not use my own
Judgment that evening when we were to-
gether in the corridor at Glendenning
Hall, and search for the cause of our
fright. l came TO talk with you little
upon your career while in that house.
Had you, as | suppose. any especial rea-
son for not wishing that candle lighted
and a search nader
Poor Ethel! She knew not what course
TO take now to regain his esteem. Ger
tainly she could only falter, while a
burning blush mantled cheek and brow;
Il had, but | cannot explain il"
Are you ashamed TO tell the reason =
mot ashamed. doctor. Save for what
/ did under compulsion in the tower, l
have no cause for shame"
Then you certainly are very diff
ferent person from the one l took you
10 be-" was the cold reply. Miss New
ergan, allow me to tell you that a more
infamous crime was never committed
than the one you, an innocent appearing
young girl, aided and abetted by your
help while in that Sustained house"
Doctor Elfensteinr exclaimed Ethel,
rising to her feet. surprise and horror
blending together on each of her beauti-
full features, and wonder and dismay
settling in her large hazel eyes; what
is this you are saying TO me? If l I'M
derstand Alright, you are accusing me of
being an accessory TO some dark crime.
Speak! Did / understand you to mean
thisI''
You surely did"
"Then. sir" returned the Indignant
girl. drawing up her slight figure to its
full height. while a queenly dignity
reignsd il each motion. even though ev-
cry particle of color left both cheek and
np. .sthen. sir. all l shall say in reply
IS that you accuse me falsely. and in do
ing so you cease TO be my friend!'
but, Miss Nevergail. reflect one mo-
uent. Had not been your friend
should wish no explanation. ] am your
friend, while l desire 10 be sure of yeur
innocence. You say, and | rejoice to
hear you affirm it. that you are guiltless.
VIII you not relieve my mind Of these
doubts BY telling me frankly the nature
of your occupation while al the hallf
Clasping her hands together in anguish,