Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-08-19
CHAPTER xxi

1t was the morning after the events re-
lated in the last chapter had taken place,
that Ethel sat alone in Lady Clair Lin
woods private boudoir, apparently en-
gagged with some pretty fancy work, but
In reality more occupied with her own
sad thoughts then the needlework.
During the weeks she had been in this
place everything had been done to pro-
mote her happiness. She was ever treat
ed with the greatest kindness, and by
Lady Claire with true affection. She
had entered into all her pupils pleasures
with seeming sympathy when her soul
was even most cast down. How beauti-
full everything looked to her weary eyes
as she cast them from the window! How
full the air was of fragrance, from flow
ers and bush and how merrily a starting
was singing from the branches of an old
elm tree near by! But this innocent glee
Hwoke no answering echo in her own
heart; there all was desolation and sor-
row.
She felt so lonely in this her youth
no mother, aunt, relative near in whom
to 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 alienated its
respect, and all she could do was to
constantly battle with her own self, and
strive to overcome the unfortunate at
tachment that was wearing upon her
health and spirits.
To-day, the more she resolved to for
get this man. the more she studied over
his cOidness, the more fondly she remem-
bered him, and told herself it was her
own want of frankness and the suspi-
cious circumstances in which he had
found her placed. that had shaken his
confidence in her integrity, and merited
only his seorn. 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
on her. she had done no wrong.
So deep had been her reverie that she
heard no bell no opening door, no sound,
and not until the words, Miss Nevergail.
j hope l do not interrupt you" fell upon
her ear did she dream that she was not
alone.
Starting to her feet. she turned to face
Dr. Elfenstein. She would have extend
ed her hand and welcomed him joyfully
but his grave. almost stern looks deferred
her. and as he offered no further greet
perfectly at leisure. and then wheeled up
large easy chair for his use.
Not noticing the latter. however the
doctor took Il lighter one, and placing it
opposite the one she had resumed, said,
as he sat down:
81 am glad to find you alone, as my
business is important, and concerns no
one but ourselves. The footman told
me at the door that the family were abb
sent. and l would find you here"
They are absent for the day, and,
therefore. l am at your service"
''rhe nature of my business, 1 fear.
may startle you, but l feel that l ought
not to forego it on that account. l shall
be obliged to ask you several questions
that you may dislike to answer, but, Miss
Nevergail. allow me to say, as a preface.
that perfect frankness on your part will
he the best in the end. Certain things,
lately transpiring. have led me to regret
exceedingly that l did not use my own
Judgment that evening when We were to-
gether in the corridor at Gleudenning
Hall, and search for the cause of our
fright. l came to talk with you a little
upon your career while in that house.
Had you, as l suppose. any especial rea-
son for not wishing that candle lighted,
and a search made"
Poor Ethel! She knew not what course
TO take now to regain his esteem. Ger
tainly she could only falter, while a
burning blush mantled cheek and brow:
81 had, but I cannot explain It
care you ashamed to tell the reasonr r
'Not ashamed, doctor. Save for Whist
] did under compulsion fp the tower. I
have no cause for shamAs
ssIAen Won cert ainly ana a veeY dH-