The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1903-05-28

CHAPTER II.-(CentInuedl

every well, then. l went over 10 iunch
with Hastings, as you know, and atter
lunch we had a game Of billiards, ana
then, went into the stables to look at the
horses. And such horses, too! Well, ar
ter we had left the stable and chatted
bit, he ordered the chestnuts round, ana
we started to come over here. How those
horses did fret, and prance, and rear!
But he took it as coolly as posslble, anu
soothed and quieted them, until they Went
off like lambs. They continued very quiet
for about a mile, when we came to gate
where girl was standing, and then they
SHE'D and reared again, until | thought
they would have upset us in the dltch.
But Hastings was not bit disconcerted'
he held the reins with one hand. and with
the other took off his hat to the girl as
II she had been an empress. She was SO
graceful, and had such lovely eyes!
was anxious to know who she could be,
and asked him. Guess, Flo, wh0it was.
How should | know?" answered his
sister, pettishly. "How provoking you
arew
"Well, then, 1t was our cousin, Miss
Eyre; and l can tell you she is nothing
to be ashamed Of, either. l could see
how much he admired her, and was just
going to tell him of our connection with
her when the chestnuts bolted, and, by
the time he got them in hand again, it
had gone out Of nay mind. However, the
information will keeI ill another time "
Reginald" cried his sister, white to
the lips with rage, +'you will not dare to
tell him that low-born girl is related to
us?-you will not dare?"
Reginald knows better than to do any
thing so foolish" interrupted Mrs. Cham
pion. But In case you should be tempt
ed to do So" she added, turning to her
son, remember that not tithe of that
five hundred pounds l promised you for
your last seasons debts shall pass into
your hands"
"0h! very well, that's enough" re-
sponded Reginald, sulkily. But | can
tell you one thing, Flo-I believe he's tre-
mendously cut with that girl, and that
he's gone off after her now"
And having uttered this remark with
the amiable intention Of annoying his sis
ter, he proceeded to quit the room.
= Il think Reginald gets more unbeara-
BILE every day." exclaimed Flora, an
grily.
"Twenty-one is not generally a very
agreeable age in young man." remarked
her mother.
And so the fates cOnspired to keep a
secret from Enrol Hastings, which, as it
turned out, was very important he should
know.
He called at Hurst Manor the day af-
ter Reginald lunched with him, and ac-
cepted Mrs. Champions invitation to stay
and dine.
MRS. Champion" he said, as they sat
together in the drawing room, Il am GO
Ing to beg favor of you and Miss Cham
pion."
Il am sure we shall be but too happy
to grant 1t, II it is in our power" she re-
turned, smiling.
II think of giving ball at the Court,
Mr.. Hastings continued, "and before
issue my fnvtations / want to secure tbs
promise Of your presence and co-opera
ton"
"A ball at the Court; that will bt
charmingp' exclaimed Miss Champion
with unusual animation. Bachelors al
ways give such charming parties; besides
which, it will crafty my long-felt desir'
to go over your house."
"Tf you really have any curiosity to SCI
my domain. Il trust you will not wait TO
the ball. Why not ride over this after
noon before dinner? Your brother, hav
no doubt, win accompany u.s."
Miss Champion looked at her mother il
a dutiful interrogative manner, and Mrs
Champion replied Immediately:
Certainly, my love, il you persuad
Reginald. You look a little pale-a rid
will do all the good in the world"
Reginald being agreeable, the horse
were ordered round, and Miss Champio
left the room to equip.
"Apropos Of the ball." said Enrol, e
am expecting an influx of visitors to th
Court, and l shall beg of your charlt
to come and help me to entertain then
Sir Clayton and Lady Grace Farquha
are coming for a fortnight, until thei
place at Endon Vale Is ready and sh
has promised to play hostess for the OF
casion. Lady st. Ego and her daughter
will come up from Hertfordshire. Nj
and Mrs. Rivers, Lady Marion Alton an
her niece and several bachelor friends
so | shall need some assistance in IN
novel part Of host"
when is the ball to take placer? il
Quired Mrs. Champion.
~ hardly think / am justified in dign
flying my gathering by the name of
ball; but mean to invite every one roun
for twelve miles; and as this Is such
very quiet time of the year, do not al
prehend many disappointments. Indee,
only intend giving ten days notice"
''That will be quite enough" Mr.
Champion agreed; mo one thinks of giv
ing parties in the country at this tim
of year, and ball will be quite boo
TO the young people. l prophesy yoJ
entertainment will be great success"
II hope So" said Mr.. Hastings. 81 a
sure you shall spare ne pains to mai
everything go of we'll
Flora came in at this juncture, lookiI
very handsome in her perfectly fittir
habit and they all walked out of Il
window to the horses, which were wal
ing at the door. He placed her in Il
saddle, mounted himself, and bidding {
revoir to Mrs. Champion, they start,
for their ride.
Reginald usurped the greater part
the conversation on the way, much
his sisters annoyance, but she had
intention OF betraying any ill-humor b
fore Mr.. Hastings. When they arriv
at Hazel Court they dismounted, Sc
the horses TO the stables, and proceed
TO explore the house. Miss Champion n
only expressed herself, but was in rel
fly. delighted with everything she saw.
Flora was rather silent as she ro
home She was thinking how pleasa
II would be to be the wife Of a man Ii
Enrol Hastings, aad the mistress Of
place like HAZEL Court. He was spea
ing to her in low, earnest tones: Al
as he passed the Farm did not turn
look for Winifred. And Winifred, sitti
under her favorite elump Of beechl
book IN hand, looked with wistful ey
after them: and when he had passed g
OF sight, without once turning to 10
II Ma hsr faaa In hnr han