Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-08-05

and entered the drawing room Of the
castle. There a surprise, indeed, await
ed her, in the presence of Robert Glen
denning.
Certainly she had never anticipated
a visit from her former tormentor, and
the sight of him now brought back many
unpleasant recollections. The young man
started forward and placed himself be-:
tween the door and her slight figure, thus
completely preventing her fight.
pardon me, Miss Nevergail," he re-
marked in perfectly respectful manner,
very different from his former unpleas-
antly familiar one. 81 am very anxious
before leaving this place, forever, and
therefore beseech you to remain few
minutes. I promise not to detain you
long"
Every WELL" returned the young girl,
gravely, taking the seat he offered her.
"Why do you leave?"
1.-The death of my uncle has, of course,
deprived my sister and myself of his
care and. guardianship. AS the title and
estate now fall to his younger brother,
Fitzroy, the present incumbent must re-
move and leave the hall, to be occupied
or not, by the new baronet, as he sees
fit. Lady Constance will seek a resi-
dence with some relatives in London, and
we shall make home somewhere togeth-
er, unless-unless-"
Here the young man paused, greatly
embarrassed for a proper conclusion to
the sentence he had commenced. Break
ing the silence again, for it was becom-
ing oppressive, he resumed:
Miss Ethel, l come this morning to
lay before you a proposition that hope
will meet with your sanction. 1 must
first, however, express to you my deep
regrets for the offensive manner in which
l used to treat you. l know not why 1
was led to make myself so disagreeable.
I was probably prompted by a spirit of
mischief, but as soon as you left the hall
so suddenly became aware of my great
mistake. 1 loved you, but felt it was
without hope. In my egotistical haste I
knew that 1 had won, perhaps, what 1
merited, your contempt. To-day I felt
that I could endure this misery no long
er. 1 resolved to see you, to ask for
giveness for my course in the past, and
to crave the privilege of retrieving my
former mistake by being allowed to visit
you as friend until I can win your
love, and ask you to become my wife,
"Mr. Glendenning," interposed Ethel,
"what you propose is an utter impossi-
bility. 1 can and do forgive the annoy
ance I confess your conduct occasioned
me in other days, but the proposed visits
1 must positively decline. 1t could never
result as you seem to imagine, for L as
sure you my affections could never be
won.''
"You are hasty in thus answering"
interrupted the lover. "You surely cam
not thus foretell what your feelings
would be under such different auspices"
Indeed, indeed, Mr.. Glendenning, I
must interrupt you by distinctly saying
that, as l am situated, cannot receive
ceive this, my final answer. 1t would be
the same after years of friendly inter
course. I do not love you, and never
can love you. I forgive you, and will
ever think of you kindly; beyond that we
can never 60"
"Then there is no necessity for my re-
maining," he said, sadly, as he arose to
leave.
"None whatever" was the firm reply.
Miss Nevergail, believe me, as long
as 1 live shall regret having made your
residence at the hall so disagreeable.
You certainly had enough to endure in
being under obligations to amuse an irri-
table invalid. The rude manner in which
you were dismissed excited my deepest
sympathy"
"For which l am very grateful" kind
ly returned the young girl.
''If ever, as a friend, I can serve you
in any manner, will you allow me to do
soY'
II will. if 1 know your address,"
'That is not quite decided, but I will
leave it with the postmaster of this place.
And now, thanking you for your kind for
giveness, although feeling deeply my un-
requited love, 1 will bid you farewell"
Robert Glendenning held out his hand
as he spoke, and seeing that genuine
tears were floating in his eyes, Ethel
laid hers in it without hesitation. Stoop-
ing over the little white hand, he pressed
his lips upon it. then hurriedly left the
room, and she saw his face no more.
That night the whole family left the
hall, and the grand old mansion was
closed, waiting for the arrival, or orders,
of Sir Fitzroy Glendenning.
The residence of this gentleman was
but it was believed that he
went to America, therefore every effort
was 10 be made by the proper ones to
discover his retreat, in order to make
known to him the honors that awaited his
acceptance.
Yet, while this resolve and duty was
to be Immediately put in force, many
hearts rebelled against his return.
All united in feeling that, although ac-
Quilted by law of. any knowledge of his
unhappy brothers fate, circumstances
still looked very dark where he was con-
cerned. 4
(To be continued)