Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1903-06-25
CHAPTER vIII.-tContinuedJ

CHAPTER vIII.-tContinuedl
A sharp pang OF annoyance shot across
Flora Champion as she saw Lord Harold
bending over her cousin. She had ex'
pected 10 Hnd Winifred awkward and
addressed, aud here she was, perfectly
at her ease, and elegantly dressed. IL
was In Mias Champions heart 70 treat
her with slIghting disdaln. but Lady
Grace was there. and she could not for
get her good breeding 10 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 cousiniy
friendship between them.
"How do you dot Did you have a
pleasant drive from Hurstf'
Delightful" said Winifred, recovering
herself "MrB. 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 10
drive over early next week."
II trust there ID nothing serious the
matter with grandpapa," exclaimed Miss
Champion, feigning interest.
Nothing more than q 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 q pleasant, win
ming way that Wlnlfred 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-
slderatlon Of her amlable hostess. She
was a little shy at nrst with Sir Clay
ton. but he talked so pleasantly to her,
aud his manner was 80 reassuring that
she soon felt at her ease. And then af-
ter dinner Miss Alton came and sat boz
side her, and chatted 20 her OF their AZ.
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 20 Miss Champion. Wkni'
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, aud
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 plano
and began arranging the music,
| When Miss Alton had finished heI
song she moved back to her place beside
winlfrcd on the sofa. Mr.. Clayton walk
ed up to Col. d'Aguilar.
~ must troubel you for Miss Alton''
fan and gloves" he said, nonchalantly.
II will give them TO her myself Col
d'Aguilar said, eoldly, 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 intrustet
your property TO my careT'
"Oh! my fan and gloves" she exclaim
ed, "thank you, l did not remember them
the fact is. was so anxious to return
to my new acquaintance that forgo
you. But l win make amends for m!
neglect by sharing my pleasure with you
Miss Eyre--COl. dAguilar." And sh'
made room for him on the sofa beside her
greatly to Mr.. Clayton's annoyance, wh'
began to talk to Miss Eyre assiduously
Winifred did not dislike him SO mucl
when he was talking; his conversation
was certainly amusing, and he told he
great deal about Partisan society tina
she found extremely entertaining. 1t wa
only now and then. when she remarked
the malicious, ugly scowl that crossed
his face when he glanced toward Mis-
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
son. She had feared 1t from the first
and now there was no possibility 0
doubling that Lord Harold Erskine wa
transferring his allegiance from her I
her cousin. She detested Winifred, a
only woman can hate rival who sur
plants her. A stinging innuendo, point
ed sarcasm, at times betrayed her fee
ings, but as rule she had too much tao
70 indulge her angry malice. Now an
then came an opportunity she could nc
resist. One day at lunch, Lady Grac
was speaking of Mr.. Hastings.
81 regret so much," she said to Mis-
Vance. "that we have lost such charm
ing nelghbor as Mr.. Hastings promise
10 be. His sudden departure is d con
plete mystery to every one"
eve quite thought he intended to hv
permanently at the Court" answere
Miss Vance. ''It appears he made-th
most complete arrangements for doing 81
All his horses are still there. and,I hav
not heard Of the servants being dismis!
ed. A friend Of his Is staying there nov
playing host to party Of gentlemen
What reason did he assign for his SUI
den departure2"
"In a note received from him fe7
days before he left he said he could M
as yet accustom himself to quiet couI
! try life, and felt a longing for the excite
! ment Of foreign travel. But cannC
bring myself to think that was anythin
more than an excuse, which he though
i. simnle enough to repel further question