Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1903-08-18
CHAPTER XVIII.

were on the eve of departure, much to her
husbands delight. In two days time
Mrs. Clayton would be the only visitor
remaining. Mr.. Hastings scarcely spoke
to Miss Eyre. When he did, he noticed
with some secret pleasure that her color
came and went, and that she seemed
restless and uneasy. Lady Grace was in
the garden, giving directions to the head
gardener, when Mr.. Hastings joined her.
81 have come to ask a favor of you,
Lady Grace" he said.
Il am sure / shall be disposed to grant
it," she answered, pleasantly.
'When your guests are gone, l want
you all to come and spend two or three
days at the Court"
Z Lay Grace hesitated.
II should like it very much," she said,
presently; ''but Sir Clayton has the great
est dislike to leaving home when he is
once settled"
IF I can succeed in persuading him.
will you come? 1 have a particular OBJ
ject in my request"
'Oh, yes, with pleasure; l am sure Ma
rion and Winifred will be delighted. But
l am afraid you will have some difficulty
with my husband"
Mr.. Hastings was, however, more sue
cessful than Lady Grace anticipated, and
won the baronet's consent without much
trouble. The truth was, there was a
very fine library at the Court, and Sir
Clayton had for some time past been anx-
ious to consult some old and. valuable
works he knew to be there.
When everything was settled, Winifred.
heard of the arrangements with conflict
ha oil hot
she had been included in the invitation,
her presence could but awaken unpleas-
ant memories in Mr.. Hastings mind.
Tuesday came, the morning was lovely,
and it was arranged that Mrs. Clayton
Clayton should drive Lady Grace over
in his phaeton. When they arrived at
the Court Mr.. Hastings and his friends
were standing on the steps to receive
them. This time he did not lift WiMifred
from her horse and whisper welcome, but
went at once to Mrs. Clayton Winifred
felt the difference, a little bitterly, per-
haps, and yet with a quick consciousness
that she had no right to feel it. But
when she was shown to her room, glad
thought blotted out the bitterness. Was
it by accident that the walls were hung
Will ldNOTlle duu ludL vases
filled with scarlet geraniums and ferns
her favorite combination-were disposed
all about the room? Scarcely. 1t must
have been wish to please her, and if he
still cared about giving her pleasure,
surely all the love had not died out.
There was dinner party in the even
ing-a very gay, pleasant party, that ev-
eryene enjoyed. Afterward Winifred
she had been for many weeks. Mr..
Hastings had scarcely spoken to her, but
yet she was conscious that he was not
Indifferent to her.
The next day he asked her suddenly if
she would like to see her old home once
more.
YES" she said, quietly; will you take
me?"
''If you go alone with me I wiIl,'' he
answered.
VI will go, if Lady Grace does not OBJ
ject''
''Shan 1 ask her?'
''Do."
And they went toward Lady Grace,
who was sitting reading by the open win
dow.
Il see no objection said Lady Grace.
smiling, except that you always used to
be so terribly quarrelsome. l think
must exact a promise first that there
shall be no disagreement on the way"
81 PROMISE" laughed Errol
"And l." added Winifred, a shade more
seriously.
''Then 1 consent" smiled Lady Grace.
They went away silently together,
neither speaking until they reached the
end of the broad gravel drive. Then Mr..
Hastings broke the silence.
Shall we go through the woods?''
81 should like to very much," she an
swered. 81 have not been there since"
And then she stopped suddenly remem-
bering on what occasion she had been
there last.
''Since when?" and he looked keenly at
her.
''Oh, a long time ago-more than two
years"
do you remember that bank 2" Enrol
asked, suddenly. 'It was there I first
saw you."
Presently they came to gate; the
same gate they had stood at more than
two years ago-the same at which they
had parted, she suffering, he stung by
remorse. He had brought her here on
purpose to test the strength of her love
and forgiveness. He did not open it for
her to pass through, but stopped and
leaned against it. She stood in front of
him, waiting patiently, and he looked in
tently at her.
1T is two years and two months since
we were here together last, Miss Eyre.
You are greatly changed since them
For the worse?" she asked, quickly.
"Not as the world would Think
but as you think?''
Il scarcely know. They say we are all
the happier when we lose our impulsive-
ness and warmth Of heart, and become
cold and Indifferent You have found it
so, no doubt?"
His tone was almost harsh, and she
looked up in his face sadly, and yet with
infinite patience.
Il cannot be angry at your saying SO,
Mr.. Hastings. You have the right to
think it."
And yet would rather hear yeu deny
it Indignantly, Miss Eyre."
IF / denied it, would you believe me"
He was silent for a moment, while
there was a struggle going on in his
heart. He had too much chivalry of feel
ing to wish her to confess herself wrong
and plead to him and vet there was a