Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-12-03
CHAPTER xxi

II was the morning after the events re.
hted in the last chapter had taken place
NAT Ethel sat alone in Lady Clair Lin
woods private boudoir, apparently en-
faged with some pretty fancy work, but
b reality more occupied with her own
had thoughts then the needlewOrk.
During the weeks she had been ia this
place everything had been done to pro-
mote her happiness. She was ever treat
ID with the greatest Kindness, and by
lady Claire with true affection. She
lad entered into all her pupils pleasures
Nth seeming sympathy when her soul
Eas even most cast down. How beauti-
hi everything looked to her weary eyes
- she cast them from the window! How
full the air was of fragrance, from flow
hrs and bush, and how merrily Il starting
was singing from the branches Of an old
blm tree near by! But this innocent glee
awoke no answering echo in her own
heart; there all was desolation and sor-
how.
She felt 80 lonely in this her youth
40 mother, aunt, relative near in whom
30 find sympathy and love. Yes, she was
utterly alone, and would be until claimed
BY an unknown father; and when she
might be cheered by the love Of one true
heart, her misfortunes had alicnated its
respect, and all she could do was to
constantly battle with her own self, and
strive to overcome the unfortunate at
lachmcnt that was wearing upon her
health and spirits.
To day, the more she resolved to for
get this man. the more she studied over
bis coldness, the more fondy she remem-
eered him, and told herself it was her
swn want of frankncss and the suspi-
nous circumstances in which he had
found her placed. that had shaken his
confidence in her integrity, and merited
pnly his scorn. But. bound as she had
been to solemn secrecy, she could not
conceive how she could have acted diff
ferently, and she felt convinced that, in
order to be true to the trust imposed up
I'm her, she had done no wrong.
So deep had been her reverie that she
beard no bell, no opening door, no sound,
and not until the words. Miss Nevergail
hope | do not interrupt YOU" fell upon
Ter ear did she dream that she was not
lone.
Starting to her feet, she turned to face
r. Elfenstein. She would have extend
her hand and welcomed him joyiully
ut his grave, almost stern looks deferred
per, and as he offered no further greet
Ing, she merely assured him she was
perfectly at leisure, and then wheeled III
large easy chair for his use.
Not noticing the latter, however, tn,
Doctor took lighter one, and placing 4
opposite the one she had resumed, said
90 he sat down:
81 am glad to find you alone, as m,
business is important, and concerns n,
one but ourselves. The footman tol,
me at the door that the family were alb
sent, and would find you here"
"They are absent for the day, and
therefore, | am at your service"
1.-The nature of my business, / feaI
may startle you, but | feel that | ougll
not to forego it on that account. | sha
be Obliged to ask you several question
hat you may dislike to answer, but, Mis-
kevergail, allow me to say, as a prefac,
that perfect frankness ON your part wi
be the best in the end. Certain thing
lately transpiring, have led me- to regr,
exceedingly that | did not use my ow
Judgment that evening when we were I,
gether in the corridor at Glendennir
Hall, and search for the cause Of OF
fright. l came TO talk with you a lit
upon your career while in that hous
Had you, as | suppose, any especial re
son for not wishing that candle lighte
and a search made2'
Poor Ethel She knew not what cour
10 take now to regain his esteem. Ce
tainly she could only falter, while
burning hlush mantled cheek and bro,
II had, but cannot explain It,"
"Are you ashamed to tell the reason
mot ashamed, doctor. Save for VIII
did under compulsion In the tower,
have no cause for shame"
"Thea yea certRlAlx are q very d