The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-09-19
CHAPTER XVIII.


came and went, and that she seemed
restless and uneasy. Lady Grace was in
the garden, giving directions to the head
gardener, when Mr.. Hastings Joined her.
II have come to ask favor of you.
Lady Grace" he said.
Il am sure shall be disposed TO grant
it," she answered, pleasantly.
when your guests are gone, want
you all to come and spend two or three
days at the Court"
Lay Grace hesitated.
81 should like it very much" she said,
presently; ''but Sir Clayton has the great
est dislike to leaving home when he is
once settled"
If l can succeed in persuading him.
will you come? l have a particular OBJ
ject in my request"
''Oh, yes, with pleasure; am sure Ma
rion and Winifred will be delighted. But
am afraid you will have some difficulty
with my husband"
Mr.. Hastings was, however, mte'e sue
cessful than Lady Grace anticipated, and
won the baronet's consent without much
trouble. The truth was, there was a
very fine library at the Court, and Sir
Clayton had for some time past been anx-
ious to consult some old and valuable
works he knew to be there.
When everything was settled, Winifred
heard of the arrangements with conflict
| ing feelings. She was almost sorry that
she had been included in the invitation,
her presence could but awaken unpleas-
ant memories in Mr.. Hastings mind.
| Tuesday came, the morning was lovely,
and it was arranged that Mrs. Clayton
and Winifred should ride, and that Sir
Clayton should drive Lady Grace over
in his phaeton. When they arrived at
! the Court Mr.. Hastings and his friends
were standing on the steps to receive
them. This time he did not lift Winifred
from her horse and whisper welcome, but
went at once to Mrs. Clayton. Winifred
felt the difference, little bitterly, per-
haps, and yet with quick consciousness
that she had no right to feel it. But
when she was shown to her room, a glad
thought blotted out the bitterness. Was
it by accident that the walls were hung
with her favorite prints, and that vases
filled with scarlet geraniums and ferns
her favorite combination-were disposed
all about the room? Scarcely. 1t must
have been a wish to please her, and if he
still cared about giving her pleasure,
surely all the love had not died out.
There was a dinner party in the even
ing-a very gay, pleasant party, that ev-
eryone enjoyed. Afterward Winifred
sang, and was brighter and happier than
she had been for many weeks. Mr..
Hastings had scarcely spoken to her, but
vet she was conscious that he was not
Indifferent to her.
The next day he asked her suddenly if
she would like to see her old home once
more.
"Yes," she said, quietly; twill you take
meY
'If you go alone with me l WILL" he
answered.
II will go, if Lady Grace does not OBJ
ject."
"ShaIl ask her?'
"Do"
And they went toward Lady Grace,
who was sitting reading by the open win
dow.
Il see no objection" said Lady Grace,
smiling, except that you always used to
be so terribly quarrelsome. think l
must exact a promise first that there
shall be no disagreement on the way"
II promise" laughed Enrol.
"And l." added Winifred, shade more
seriously.
; ''Then consent" smiled Lady Grace.
They went away silently together
neither speaking until they reached the
end of the broad gravel drive. Then Mr.
Hastings broke the silence.
"Shall we go through the woods?"
81 should like to very much," she an
: swered. II have not been there since
3 And then she stopped suddenly, remem
/ herring on what occasion she had beer
there last.
: "Since when?" and he looked keenly a
her.
"Oh, long time ago-more than tive
:. years."
I do you remember that bank?' Erro
t asked, suddenly. at was there frs
9 saw you"
e Presently they came to gate; thu
: same gate they had stood at more thai
7 two years ago-the same at which the.
> had parted, she suffering, he stung b.
. remorse. He had brought her here Of
purpose to test the strength Of her low
and forgiveness. He did not open it TO
e her to pass through, but stopped an
e leaned against it. She stood in front o
r him, waiting patiently, and he looked in
Il tently at her.
II st is two years and two months sine
we were here together last, Miss Eyre
You are greatly changed since then"
"For the worse?" she asked, quickly.
q ''Not as the world would think"
e "But as you thinkT'
). 81 scarcely know. They say We are a
v the happier when we lose our impulsive
n ness and warmth of heart, and becom
!. cold and Indifferent. You have found
so, no doubt?'
His tone was almost harsh, and sh
looked up in his face sadly, and yet wit
! infinite patience.
II cannot be angry at your saying 81
l. Mr.. Hastings You have the right I
q think it."
o AND yet would rather hear you den
it Indignantly, Miss Eyre"
"If denied it, would you believe me ::
He was silent for a moment, viii
n there was a struggle going on in h
:. heart. He had too much chivalry of fee
ing to wish her to confess herself wron