The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1904-07-14
CHApTER XII,-(Contlnued.)

4ufubtiHB lho plftOl uulShly III III
pocket, the young man sprang towards
her so suddenly that she could not de
fend herself, and clasping her slight form
tightly In his strong arms, he lifted heI
at once to the waiting conveyance, placed
her In 1t, then eaplng to her side, seized
the reins, and drove rapidly of, while the
poor girl was In almost faintjng condi
tion, from dspleasure and fright.
After a few moments Of intense still
ness, broken only by the clatter Of the
horses hoofs, as he bounded on, Robert
turned TO her with laughing triumph
In his eyes and exultingly exclaimed:
"You see, my charming young friend,
that when l say | will do a thing,
intend to do Il. Now | decided this af'
ternoon to have you for companion on
little drive, and you see have car
ried the day, and here you are, seated
cozily by my side, while we are dashing
away In grand style. Confess now, is
not this just splendidT
1T Is not. Sir, | thing your conduct
ungentlemanly and cruel In the extreme" +"
mot at ALL | assure you, | regard
you as the cruel one, when you declined
to favor me with your company. Why
you treat me 30 strangely Is an enigma!
You ought to feel honored to be allowed
70 ride with 80 well-known, wealthy and
kind-hearted a man."
1T is no honor, sir, but deep insult,
to be thus forced to do what IL dis
agreeable"
II suppose It would be very disagree
able also to have me kiss your
"Sirl" was the indignant exclamation
that fell upon his ear.
"Well, disagreeable or not to you, It
would be extremely agreeable to me.
cell you candidly, would like to do
It, you are so sweet and beautiful, but
l win refrain, and deny myself that
pleasure, II you keep perfectly quiet, and
just try to enjoy this ride while you have
the chance If you do Motif you make
the least fuss, ! vow will do Ill"
Ethel made no reply. She realized
fully that the eccentric individual beside
her had her In his power, therefore ac-
knowledginR 70 herself that II was best
under the circumstances to make no fur
ther resistance, she sank back In her seat
and remained silent and motlonless.
Away they few over the long and lone
IL road, passing brooks, ponds, trees,
rocks. indeed everything but houses and
inhabitants. During the whole drive not
one word more was spoken by either vic
tor or vanquished.
Ethel's face was deadly pale, however,
during the hour that ensued before the
head Of the horse was turned homeward,
while Roberts was Illuminated by a glow
Of intense satisfaction and triumph.
When at length the shades of evening
began to gather, they once more neared
Glendenning Hall. Stopping the horse
before they reached the place, In a shell
tered and obscure spot, Robert jumped
out, then turned to assist Ethel from the
vehicle.
Sprlnglng past him to the ground,
Ethel darted away. Breathing prayer
Of feryent thanksgiving for her safe re.
turn, when she had once more reached
her room, the poor girl brushed away the
tears that had relieved her excited feel
ings as soon as she had entered, and then
with a sinking dread at her heart at once
repaired to the sick mans room.
A yoley OF spiteful, hard words salut-
ed her entrance from the irritable in.
valid, and II was some time before she
could utter one word In her own defense.
When at last he gave her an opportunity
70 speak she informed him truthfully OF
the outrageous conduct Of his wifo's
nephew.
"Robertl Did you say Robert did so
insolent a thing2 Was he guilty Of so
objectionable an act" exclaimed the as
tonished baronet.
"Do not believe her uncle" Immediate
iy interposed Belle, who had made It her
business to be present. "What she says
Is utterly false. | do not doubt but that
she spent the time riding with some
beau; but, assure you, II was not with
my brother, for he was with me the en-.
tire afternoon. She Ia wicked girl to
impose such falsehood upon so sick
man."
As Belle uttered this cruel fabrication
she glanced spitefully, yet with ill-con.
cealed triumph, towards the amazed
Ethel, who was not at all prepared for
such an artful and malicious attack.
"Sir Reginald, assure you | speak
only the truth. II was Robert Glenden
ming who forced me Into his carriage,
and thus detained me against my will"
"You know BETTER" roared Sir Regi-
maid, II will never believe it. Leave
the room instantly. do not wish to see
your face again until morning"
With cold, dIgniAed bow Ethel left
at his bldding--left, too, without another
word, knowing well that contradictions
would only enrage and excite the pas
slonate and unjust person before her.
After she had disappeared Belle also
at once took her departure, chagrined
that her uncle had not instantly dismiss
ed her rival from his service and house.
She did not know that this his lord
,hip would on no account do, as he had
ntrusted to her keeping a secret which
made her services far too valuable to be |
easily dispensed with, He might be en-
ragged, and SO dismiss her for a night;
but no fault she might be guilty of would
induce him to part with her while all
went well In the concealed room.