The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1904-07-07
CHApTER XI.-(Continued.)

ramDle, IN 100 Iortuudte lot De'tet'
Which direction shall we go, for at once
constitute myself your devoted attend
ant"
"Mr. Glendenning, you will excuse me
n | decline your services. came out
for quiet walk by myself, and therefore
shall not certainly trespass upon your
time"
'Pardon me. my angel, my time is OF
no consequence at all. | must Insist upon
accompanying you, as could never al.
low so lovely lady to stroll around
without protector"
Sir" said Ethel, now really losing pa
tlenee, "there Is no danger certainly to
be met in the short walk intend to take
in your uncle's grounds. But since you
aver otherwise, shall instantly return"
You will do no such thing" was the
insolent reply, as Robert sprang 10 her
side, seized her hand, and drawing It
firmly under his arm, held 1t tight, and
thus drew her back to the walk. when
propose walking with charming girl, |
usually do it."
"Sir, release my hand. | have no de-
sdre to go further. shall merely add
that your presence is disagreeable, and
your words of tlattery almost insulting"
Notwithstanding that my dearest
girl"
81 am neither your dearest girl nor
your angel aud you have no right to
address me In that style. | am your
uncle's secretary and amanuensis, and
am here merely to carry out his wishes,
and work, not to be attended by you In
any way whatever" returned the indig-
nant Ethel, disengagng her hand, and re-
turning towards the house.
Miss NevergaIl, go, since you are
30 determined, but remember, although
you decline my friendship, nothing you
may do viii provoke my enmity, and be-
fore many days you will spend hours In
my company, voluntarily
Ethel made no answer, and the next
moment, re-entered the hall, leaving the
chsEfiiied youth TO his bitter reflections.
In one Of DIR. Elfenstein's visits he had
been presented with a quantity of exceed
ingly choice flowers by a grateful patient,
and suddenly remembering the dismal life
Ethel Nevergail was leading, he resoly-
ed to divide them with her.
Driving, then, first to his own home
before seeking the hall, he selected the
most beautiful. and forming them into a
graceful bouquet, drove into the ramble
with them In his hand.
Belle was In the drawing room and
saw him leap from the gig, with his
floral prize, 80 stepped quickly from the
window that reached to the floor, In or
der to attract his attention, supposing
in her extreme vanity, that he would
instantly present them to herself.
But to her deep chagrin, he merely
made a few passing observations, and
walked on, carrying the coveted flowers
with him. Biting her lips In keen vex-
alton, she muttered 40 she retreated to
the room she had left;
II win stay here and watch for his
return. Something seems to tell me that
those flowers are for that odious Ethel
Neyergail. II they are"
She did not finish her sentence audi
bly,, but the omInous look In her eyes told
Of bitter feelings that would seek some
petty revenge.
Bthel was passing through the upper
hall to her room when DIR. Elfensteln
ran lightly up, and as he pronounced her
name to detain her, she tarried until he
reached her side.
Miss Nevergail, do not know whebh-
er you are az fond Of flowers as | am,
but | have brought you few, hoping
they may cheer you in your lonely du'
ties"
20, thank you, doctorl They will, in
deed, as love them dearly. These are
perfect beauties and shall prize them
highly"
"That rose, think, will adorn your
hair to perfection. Allow me to fasten
II there. May Ir
With pleased blush the young girl
bent her head, and with skillful fingers
Darle placed Il just above her small,
white ear where 1t nestled lovingly, add
Ing new charm to her bright young
face.
Just az he, was finishing a step ap-
preached, and Belle, who could not re-
strain her curiosity another moment, az
she heard him pause on the floor above,
and then make some remark In a low
tone, came upon the scene.
Just In time to see his hand leave the
rose, and to see Ethel turn toward her
own room, and disappear with the bou.
Quet In her hand and a gratlfed smile
lowering around her lips.
Waiting until she had seen the doctor
leave the premises. and Ethel again re-
pair to Sir Reginald's side, the malicious
girl proceeded directly to that room,
where she found the flowers carefully be-
slowed In a fancy vase upon the dress.
Ing case
Seizing them without moments hesi-
tatlon, sha turned directly TO the baro.
nets room. Ethel sat by the bed, and a,
his request was striving TO cool his heat.
ed brow by gently moving a fan. Rails
ing her eyes, to her astonishment. she
recognized her flowers but before she
could claim them, Bellies angry voice ar
rested her attention.
"Sir Reginald" she exclaimed, 81 think
II my duty to inform you that Miss New.
ergail seems to have forgotten her posi-.
ton as your assistant nurse, and paid
dependent, aud selEes every opportunity
that offers to carry on sly fiirtatlons with
gentlemen. | just surprised DR. Efen
stein placing that rose In her hair outside
your door, while at the same time he
gave her these flowers. Do you approve
Of such behaviorT
"ApproveI No! OF course notP' he
returned, flying into a passion at once, as
she well knew he was sure to do, Miss
Nevergail. what business have you to
conduct in that styleH Did / bring you
here to form lntrigues with gentlemen p
you certainly did not" was the calm
reply. NOR have | done so. DIR, Elfen-
stein is an old friend, and as such he
presented me with the flowers Miss Glen
denning has taken from my room. Being
my own property now, will thank her
for their restoration" So saying. she
reached forth her hand for them.
But Belle drew back, and scornfully
replieds
you shall never have them again,
assure you, as | shall instantly see that
every stem, leaf and bud IL destroyed.
II you do not know your place better In
this house than to put yourself on an
equality with It's visitors, you must be
taught. Do you not think so, Sir Regi-
AAldT she added, apUsAlirs to him.