The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-07-16
CHAPTER VIII-ContinuedJ

bending over UeT tOuSlh Niit 49,
pected to find Winifred awkward ana
addressed and here she was, perfectly
at her ease. and elegantly dressed. II
was in Miss Champion 5 heart TO treat
her with sighting disdain, but Lady
Grace was there. and she could not 1or-
get her good breeding to gratfy her
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 couslnly
friendship between them.
How do you do? Did you have
pleasant drive from Hurst"
"Delichtful." said Winifred recovering
herself Mrs. Champion was kind enough
to send me in her carriage, although she
was prevented coming herself. She sent
message through me to YOU that Slf
Howard was rather unwell, and she did
not like to leave him, but she hopes 10
drive over early next week
Il trust there is nothing serious the
matter with grandpapa," exclaimed Miss
Champion, feigning interest.
Nothing more than a 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-
sideration of her amiable hostess. She
was a little shy at first with Sir Clay
ton, but he talked 50 pleasantly to her,
and his manner was so reassuring that
she soon felt at her ease. And then at
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 took 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
h.,
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.
Il must troubel you for Miss Alton 5
fan and gloves" he said, nonchalantly.
Il will give them to her myself Col.
dAguilar said, coldly, rising.
Mr.. Clayton turned away with scowl,
that reminded Winifred painfully of Mr..
Fcnner.
Miss Alton" said Col. d'Aguilar,
have you forgotten that you intrusted
your property to my careT
"Oh, my fan and gloves" she eXclaim-
ell, thank you, did not remember them;
the fact is, | was so anxious to return
to my new acquaintance that | forgot
You. But | will make amends for my
neglect by sharing my pleasure with you.
Miss Eyre-Col. d'Agular." And she
made room for him on the sofa beside her,
greatly to Mr.. Claytons annoyance, who
began to talk TO Miss Eyre assiduously
Winifrcd did not dislike him SO much
when he was talking; his conversation
was certainly amusing, and he told her
a 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. dAguilar, that she remem-
bered her instructive repulsion for him.
As the days passed Flora Champion
became very uneasy, and not without rea-
son. She had feared it 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 woman can hate rival who sup
plants her. A singing innuendo, a point
ed sarcasm. at times betrayed her feel
ings, but as rule she had too much tact
10 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.
Il 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
pete mystery TO every ONE
We quite thought he intended to live
permanently at the Court" answered
Miss Vance. at appears he made the
most complete arrangements for doing so.