Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1903-06-30
CHAPTER vIII.-tContinuedJ

A sharp pang of annoyance shot across
Flora Champion as she saw Lord Harold
bending over her cousin. She had ex-
pected to find Winifred awkward and
addressed, and here she was, perfectly
at her ease, and elegantly dressed. 1t
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 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 cousinly
friendship between them.
How do you do? Did you have a
pleasant drive from Hurst"
Delightful" said Winifred, recovering
herself. ''Mrs. Champion was kind enough
to send me in her carriage, although she
was prevented coming herself. She sent
a 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."
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 8
lip was curled contemptuously, but Win
fired was deeply touched by the kind con-
sideration of her amiable hostess. She
was little shy at first with Sir Clay
ton, but he talked so pleasantly to her,
and his manner was 80 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 took the opportunity of looking
arouna 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. -
81 must troubel you for Miss Atoms
fan and Gloves he said, nonchalantly.
II will give them to her myself" Col.
d'Aguilar said, coldly, rising.
Mr.. Clayton turned away with a scowl,
that reminded Winifred painfully of Mr..
Fenner.
Miss Alton" said Col. dAguilar.
,''have you forgotten that you intrusted
your property to my care?'
"Oh! my fan and gloves" she exclaim-
CuY IAdAh Ou, L Oiu AOl IcLAeAucE
the fact is. L was so anxious to return
to my new acquaintance that forgot
you. But I 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.. Claytons annoyance, who
began to talk to Miss Eyre assiduously.
Winifred 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. d'Aguilar, that she remem-
bered- her instructive repulsion for him.
As the days passed Flora Champion
became very Hneasy,. 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
his allegiance from her to
her cousin. She detested Winifred, as
only a woman can hate rival who sup
plants her. A stinging innuendo, point
ed sarcasm, at times betrayed her feel
ings, but as 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.
st 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.''
1--WE quite thought he intended to live
at the Court" answered
Miss Vance. sit appears he made the
most complete arrangements for doing so.
All his horses are still there, and l have
not heard Of the servants being dismiss
ed. A friend of his is staying there now,
playing host to party of gentlemen.
What reason did he assign for his sud-
den departure?"
"In a note I received from him few |
days before he left he said he could not |
as yet accustom himself to a quiet coun-
.ry life, and felt longing for the excite |
nent of foreign travel. But l cannot /
bring myself to think that was anything |
more than an excuse, which he thought |
simple enough to repel further question
ng / WISH" Lady Grace continued, turn
ng to Winifred, that you could have met