The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-07-04
CHAPTER 5TI-(Continued.l
MRS. FORESTER.

VITA Hastings, as you know, and aftel
kugch we had game of billiards, ant
then went into the stables to look at thu
horses. And such horses, too! Well, af
ter we had left the stable and chatted {
bit he ordered the chestnuts round, ant
we started to come over here. How those
horses did fret, and prance, and rear
but he took it as coolly as possible, anG
soothed and quieted them, until they Went
on like lambs. They continued very quiet
for about mile, when we came to gate
where girl was standing, and then they
ehied and reared again, until l thought
they would have upset us In the ditch
But Hastings was not bit disconnected
he held the reins with one hand, and with
the other took off his hat to the girl as
IL 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, who it was
How should | know?" answered his
sister, pettishly. Glow provoking you
arew
Well, then, it was our cousin, Miss
Eyre; and can tell you she Is nothing
TO be ashamed of, either. | could see
now much he admired her, and was just
going to tell him of our connection with
her when the chestnuts bolted, and, by
tine time he got them In hand again, it
mad gone out of my mind. However, the
information will keep till another time"
Reginald" cried his sister, white to
the lips with rage, you will not dare to
tell him that iow-born girl is related to
us2-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 a 1.-THE Of that
tfiye hundred pounds promised you for
your last seasons debts shall pass into
your hands"
"Oh! very well, that's enough" re-
sponded Reginald, sulkily. But I can
ttelI you one thing, Flo-I believe he's ire
'mendously cut with that girl, and that
Nhe'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.
/ II think Reginald gets more unbeara-
Sle every day." exclaimed Flora, an
asgrily.
;"Twenty-one is not generally a very
agreeable age in young man." remarked
sher mother.
And so the fates conspired to keep
asecret from Enrol Hastings, which, as it
eturned out, was very important he should
fknow.
He called at Hurst Manor the day af-
sEer 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, II am 60
ang to beg a favor Of you and Miss Cham
pion."
II am sure we shall be but too happy
to grant it, if it is in our power" she re.
turned, smiling.
Il think of giving a ball at the Court"
Mr. Hastings continued, land before l
issue my invitations I want to secure the
promise Of your presence and co-opera-
ton"
"A ball at the Court; that will be
charming!" exclaimed Miss Champion.
with unusual animation. Bachelors al
z ways give such charming parties; besides,
which, it will crafty my long-felt desire
to go over your house."
IF you really have any curiosity to see
my domain, l trust you will not wait for
the ball. Why not ride over this after
moon before dinner? Your brother, have
no doubt, will accompany u.s."
Miss Champion looked at her mother in
a dutifulsinterrogativ manner, and Mrs.
champion replied Immediately:
Certainly, my love, if you persuade
Reginald You look little pale-a ride
will do all the good in the world"
Reginald being agreeable, the horses
were ordered round, and Miss Champion
ieft the room to equip.
"Apropos of the ball." said Enrol IT
am expecting an influx of visitors to the
Court, and shall beg of your charity
to come and help me to entertain them.
Sir Clayton and Lady Grace Farquhar
are coming for a fortnight, until their
place at Endon Vale is ready, and she
has promised to play hostess for the &C.
casion. Lady st. Ego and her daughters
will come up from Hertfordshire. Mr..
and Mrs. Rivers, Lady Marion Alton and
her niece, and several bachelor friends,
so / shall need some assistance in nv
novel part of host"
when is the ball to take placeT' in
quired Mrs. Champion.
II hardly think l am justified in digni-
flying my gathering by the name of a
ball; but mean to invite every one round
for twelve miles; and as this is such
very quiet time of the year, do not ap-
prehend many disappoiutments. Indeed,
only intend giving ten days notice."
''That will be quite enough" Mrs
Champion agreed; mo one thinks Of Civ
ing parties in the country at this time
of year, and ball will be quite a boon
TO the young people. 1 prophesy your
entertainment will be a great success"
81 hope So" said Mr.. Hastings. 81 as
sure you shall spare no pains to make
everything so off we'll"
Flora cane in 1T this juncture looking
very handsome in her perfectly fitting
habit, and they all walked out of the
window to the horses, which We're waft-
ing at the door. He placed her in the
saddle, mounted himself, and bidding au
revoir to Mrs. Champion, they started
for their ride.
Reginald usurped the greater part of
the conversation on the way, much to
his sisters annoyance, but she had no
intention of betraying any ill-humor be-
fore Mr. Hastings. When they arrived