Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1903-06-02
CHAPTER u.-(Continued.)

with Hastings, as you know, and after
lunch we had a game Of billiards, and
then went into the stables to look at the
horses. And such horses, too! Well, af-
ter we had left the stable and chatted a
bit, he ordered the chestnuts round, and
we started to come over here. How those
horses did fret, and prance, and rear!
But he took it as coolly as possible, and
soothed and quieted them, until they went
off like lambs They continued very quiet
for about a mile, when we came to a gate
where girl was standing, and then they
SHE'D and reared again, until | thought
they would have upset us in the ditch.
But Hastings was not a bit disconnected;
he held the reins with one hand, and with
the other took off his hat to the girl as
if she had been an empress. She was so
graceful, and had such lovely eyes! l
was anxious to know who she could be,
and asked him. Guess, Flo, who it was" "
''How should l know?" answered his
sister, pettishly. "How provoking you
arew
''Well, then, it 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 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 low-born girl is related to
usEyou 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 tithe of that
five hundred pounds promised you for
your last seasons debts shall pass into
your hands"
"Oh! very we'll, that's enough re-
sponded Reginald, sulkily. But l 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 very
agreeable age in young man." remarked
her mother
And so the fates conspired to keep
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. Champion's invitation to stay
and dine.
Mrs. Champion" he said, as they sat
togethersin the drawing room, 81 am go
ing to beg a favor of you and Miss Cham
pion."
Il 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, "and before 1
issue my invitations want to secure the
promise of your presence and co-opera-
tion,"
a ball at the Court; that will beA
charming!' exclaimed Miss Champion,
with unusual animation. Bachelors al
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 trust you will not wait for
the ball. Why not ride over this after
noon before dinner? Your brother, 1 have
no doubt, will accompany US.
Miss Champion looked at her mother in
a dutiful interrogative manner, and Mrs.
Champion replied Immediately:
"Certainly, my love, if you persuade
Reginald You look a little pale-a ride
will do all the good in the world
% Reginald being agreeable, the horses
were ordered round, and Miss Champion
left the room to equip.
''Apropos of the ball." said Enrol. 81
am expecting an influx of visitors to the
Court, and l 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 oc-
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 I shall need some assistance in my
novel part of host"
"When is the>b ball to take place?' in |
quired Mrs. Champion
81 hardly think | am justified in digni- |
flying my gathering by the name of a |
ball; but l mean to invite every one round |
for twelve miles, and as this is such a |
very quiet time Of the year, do not ap-
prehend many disappointments. Indeed. |
I 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. L. prophesy your
will be a great success"
II hope so,' said Mr.. Hastings. 81 as
sure you I shall spare no pains to make |
everything go off well.'
Flora came in at this, juncture, looking |
very handsome in her perfectly fitting |
habit, and they all walked out of the
window to the horses, which were wait
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
MS sisters annoyance, but she had no
Intention of betraying any ill-humor be-
fore Mr.. Hastings. When they arrived
1T HAZEL Court they dismounted, sent
he horses to the stables, and proceeded
o explore the house. Miss Champion not
aynvaocad howcalf b,,% rvoc -.