The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1903-06-25
CHAPTER vIII.-GContinued.)

pected to find Winifred awkward and
ill-dressed, and here she was, perfectly
at her ease, and elegantly dressed. II
was In Miss Champions heart to treat
her with sighting disdain, but Lady
Grace was there. and she could not for
get her good breeding to crafty ner
spleen. So she walked straight up to
where her cousin was sitting and held
out her hand, as though there had never
been anything else but the most cousinly
friendship between them.
"How do you do? Did you have a
pleasant drive from HurstT
Delightful" said Winifred, recovering
herself. Mrs Champion was kind enough
to send me in her carriage, although she
was prevented coming herself. She sent
q message through me to you that Sir
Howard was rather unwell. and she did
not like to leave him, but she hopes to
drive over early next week."
II trust there Is nothing serious the
matter with grandpapa," exclaimed Miss
Champion, feigning interest.
Nothing more than severe cold"
At this juncture In came pretty Miss
Alton, and on Lady Grace introducing
her to Miss Eyre, she sat down beside
her and spoke In such a pleasant, win
ming way that Winifred thought her the
prettiest, sweetest little creature she had
ever seen. And then the other guests
came in, and were introduced to her In
turn; and when dinner was announced,
Sir Clayton gave her his arm and led her
into the dining room. Miss Champions
lip was curled contemptuously, but Win
fired was deeply touched by the kind con-
sideratlon Of her amiable hostess. She
was a little shy at first with Sir Clay
ton, but he talked so pleasantly to her,
and his manner was so reassuring that
she soon felt at her ease. And then af-
ter dinner Miss Alton came and sat be-
side her. and chatted to her of their af-
ternoon excursion. and the picnic that
was arranged for the following day.
When the gentlemen came in, Winifred.
felt no longer shy; she was thoroughly
enjoying her first glimpse of the world
Mr.. Clayton came up and carried Miss
Alton away to the piano, and Lord Har-
old went over to Miss Champion. Wini-
fred todk the opportunity of looking
around at the different faces.
There was a handsome. melancholy
looking man, who attracted her attention
in particular. He had come in late, and
was the only person who had not been
introduced to her. He was sitting alone
near the piano, watching Miss Alton,
Winifred thought, with tender, almost
sad interest, as she sang her brilliant
French chansonette. The little fairy had
thrown him her gloves and fan, in that
careless, peremptory way women often
use to men who they know love them
and he held them gently and reverently.
Mr.. Clayton frowned as he saw the ges-
ture, then he turned away to the piano
and began arranging the music.
When Miss Alton had finished her
song she moved back to her place beside
Winifred on the sofa. Mr.. Clayton walk
ed up to Col d'Aguilar.
II must troubel you for Miss Alten's
fan and gloves" he said, nonchalantlt.
II will give them to her myself" Col.
d'Aguilsr said, coldly, rising.
Mr.. Clayton turned away with scowl,
that reminded Winifred painfully of Mr..
Fenner.
"Mlss Alton" said Col. d'Aguilar,
'have you forgotten that you intrusted
your property to my carep
"Oh! my fan and gloves" she exciain-
ed, thank you, did not remember them;
the fact Is. l was so anxious to return
to my new acquaintance that | forgot
you. But l will make amends for my
neglect by sharing my pleasure with you,
Miss Eyre-Col. d'Aguilar." And she
made room for him on the sofa beside her,
greatly to Mr.. Clayton's annoyance, whP
began to talk to Miss Eyre assiduousy. |
Winifred did not dislike him So much
when he was talking; his conversation
was certainly amusing, and he told her
q great deal about Partisan society that
she found extremely entertaining. 1t was
only now and then. when she remarked
the malicious, ugly scowl that crossed
his face when he glanced toward Miss
Alton and Col. d'Aguilar, that she remem-
bered her instructive repulsion for him.
As the days passed Flora Champion
became very uneasy, and not without rea-
sen. She had feared IL from the first, |
and now there was no possibility of
doubling that Lord Harold Erskine was
transferring his allegiance from her to |
her cousin. She detested Winifred, as
only a woman can hate a rival who sup.
plants her. A stinging innuendo, q point |
ed sarcasm, at times betrayed her feel |
ings, but as a rule she had too much tact |
to indulge her angry malice. Now and |
then came an opportunity she could not |
resist. One day at lunch, Lady Grace |
was speaking Of Mr.. Hastings
"I regret so much," she said to Miss
Vance, that we have lost such a charm
ing neighbor as Mr.. Hastings promised
to be. His sudden departure is a com
plete mystery to every one"
ave quite thought he intended to live
permanently at the Court" answered
Miss Vance. at appears he made the.
most complete arrangements for doing so.
All his horses are still there, and have
not heard Of the servants being dismiss
ed. A friend of his is staying there now,
playing host to a party OF gentlemen.
What reason did he assign for his sud-
den departureT
'In a note received from him a few
days before he left he said he coald not
as yet accustom himself to a quiet couA-
tAg hAes anu ASiN luhbluE luE lue excite
ment Of foreign travel But | cannot
bring myself to think that was anything
more than an excuse. which he thought
simple enough to repel further question
ing. WISH" Lady Grace continued, turn
Ing to Winitred. that you could have met
the gentleman we are speaking of, you
would have liked him so much. lie is
not only singularly handsome. but has a
peculiar fascination OF manner that rem
ders him a general favorite. Perhaps
some day he viii return, and | shall have
an opportunity Of introducing him to
you"
Winlfred bent down her head in silence.
Miss Champion looked up, and a glance
Of malicious light shot from her cold, blue
eyes.
AN Introduction between such lnti-
mate friends would scarcely Be neces-
sary," she remarked in her clear voice.
that was heard from one end OF the long
table to the other. Il should think Miss
Il - - I