The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-08-06
CHAPTER xI.-(ContiuuedD

certainly nave DPIrlenneu ult VhiS t'i''
10 think that should have met thus
your beautiful self. just as you start on
ram bic is too fortunate for beilef.
Which direction shall We go. for | at once
constitute myself your devoted auend-
sut."
Mr.. Glendenning. you will excuse me
II | decline your services | came out
for a quiet walk by myself and therefore
snail 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
tieuce. there is no danger certainly to
be me; 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
insoent reply. as Robert sprang to her
side. seized her hand, aud drawing ii
firmly under his srul. held it tight, and
thus drew her back to che walk. When
propose walking with a charming girl, |
usually do IT,
Sir. release my hand. have no de
sdrc to go further shall merely add
4hat your presence is dsagreeable. and
your words Of hattery almost insulting.
notwithstanding that, my dearest
girl---"
II am neither your dearest girl nor
your angel aud you have no right to
address me in that style. | am your
uncie's secretary aud amanuensis, and
am here merely to carry ont his wishes,
aud work, not to b. attended by you in
any way whatever" returned the indig-
uant Ethel diSengaging her hand, and re-
turning towards the house.
Miss Nevergail, go. since you are
NJ determined but remember. although
you decline my friendship, nothing you
may do will provoke my enmity, and be
fore many days you will spend hours in
my company, voluntarily
Ethel made no answer. aud the next
oDmemt, re-entered the hall, leaving the
chagrined youth TO his bitter reflections.
In one of Dr. 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 hail. he selected the
most beautiful, and forming them into a
graceful bouquet, drove into the rsmble
with them in his hand.
Belle was in the drawing room and
saw him leap from the gig. with his
floral prize, so 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 few passing observations. and
walked on, carrying the coveted flowers
with him. Biting her lips in keen vex
alton. she muttered us she retreated 10
the room she had left:
Il will stay here aud watch for his
return. Something seems to tell me that
those flowers are for that odious Ethel
Nevergail. Ii they are--'
She did not finish her sentence audi
bly,, but the ominous look in her eyes xDld
of bitter feelings chat would seek some
petty revenge.
Ethel was passing through the upper
hall 10 her room when DIR. Elfenstein
ran lightly up, and rs he pronounced her
name to detain her. she tarried until he
reached her side.
Miss Neyergail. | do not know whelh-
or you are as foud Of flowers as am.
but have brought you a few. hoping
they may cheer you in your lonely du'
ties"
20. thank you, doctor, They will. in
|
perfect beauties and | shall prize them
highly"
That rose. think. will adorn your
hair to perfection. Allow me to fasteH
it there. May y
With a pleased blush the young girl
bent her head, aud with skillful hngers
Earle placed it just above her small,
white ear where it nestled lovingly. add
Ing a new charm to her bright young
face.
Just as he WAS finishing a step ap-
preached. and Belle, who could not re
strain her curiosity another momem. as
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 gratihed smile
lowering around her lips
Waiting until she had seen the doctor
leave che premises. aud Ethel again re
pair 70 Sir ReginSld's side, the malicious
giH proceeded directly TO that room
where she found the flowers carefully be
Stowed in a fancy vase upon the dress
Ing case.
Selling them without moments hest
tatlon. she turned directly TO the baro
nets room. Bthel SAT By the bed and a
his request was striving to cool his heat
Ell brow by gently moving a fan. Rails
h'S her eyes, TO her establishment, sh.
Recognized Der howers, but before sh,