The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1903-06-04
CHAPTER ".


Winifred had just left the Farm on hel
way to the cottage, when she met and
was accosted by Hawkins, the gamekeep-
er.
II beg your pardon, miss, for making
so Free" he said, taking off his cap re-
spectfully, "but l thought maybe you'd
like to see some Of the grand doings up
at the Court tomorrow"
Winifred colored painfully, and Haw.
klns, remarking 1t, was terribly concern
ed.
II am sure, miss, | meant no offense-
hope you won't take what said as q
liberty" The man looked anxiously al
her.
Indeed, no." exclaimed Wlnifred, re-
covering herself; II am much obliged to
you for thinking of me, Hawkins"
"You see, miss" said tho gamekeeper,
eagerly, 'it was in this way. l says to
myself, why, the doings at the Court to-
morrow will be quite sight; there's the
ballroom done up In that beautiful way
as 'ud be a show in itself, let alone all
the county families coming from miles
round. They tell me as how the master
would make everybody promise to be
there by half-past nine, so thinks 1, II
Miss Eyre ii just step round about ten
o'clock I could let her into the little
garden that the ballroom looks into, and
she could see all the gay dolngs without
soul being the wiser"
"Thank you, Hawkins" said Winifred,
gently; "it was very good Of you to think
OF me-"
As Winifred went on her way she was
terribly hurt at a proposal SO injurious
to her dignity; but It was impossible for
her to feel any annoyance with the man,
who had evidently spoken from sheer
goodwill and the wish to afford her a
pleasure. But the idea Of her, Winifred
Eyre, going to look In surreptltiously at
a window to see the upper classes anus
Ing themselves was q dreadful Offense to
her pride.
But 1t frequently happens that when
we violently repudiate an idea at first
we are all the more likely to come round
to 1t afterward. And as Wlnifred walked
along, insidious thoughts crept in to un-
dermine the stronghold Of her determina-
ton.
after ALL" whispered Curiosity, why
should feel SO bitter at the thought of
being only a spectator of this grandeur
l shall never be able to participate In 1t,
and why should refuse an opportunity
| have so often coveted, Of seeing G really
grand ball5"
Then she fell into a train Of thought.
IF l had only the advantage of being
Sir Howard's granddaughter, that Flora
Champion has-if could have met Mr..
Hastings in society, and ridden and
danced with him as she has done, think
| could have made him love me; but as a
farmers daughter, what chance have I
with an admired, aristocratic beautyT
Here words failed her, and she sat
down on the bank In the lonely woods,
and the tears streamed down her face.
So intent was she on her misery that she
did not hear footsteps approaching her.
and when q mans voice sounded tenderly
In her ears, saying, Miss Eyre, are you
In troublef she started, blushing, to her
feet.
Mr.. Hastings" she exclaimed, covered
with confusion and crimson shame; but
somehow the sight Of his handsome face
banished the memory Of her sadness, and
a bright smile came into her eyes.
II am 90 glad to see q smile again, I"
Enrol said, with the tenderest ln6exion
Of his voice, Il could not bear to see you
In distress"
when people have not very much to
occupy their minds" Winifred answered.
they are rather subject to fits Of de-
preston, without adequate cause. I envy
you almost aow-you are - busted In en-