The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-09-17
CHAPTER \\II.

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 boud0ir, apparently en-
gagged with some pretty fancy work, but
in reality more occupied with her own
sad thoughts then the ncedlewOrk.
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
hgd entered into all her pupils pleasures
with seeming sympathy when her soul
was even most east down, How beauti-
ful everything looked To her weary eyes
as she cast then from the window, How
full the air was of fragrance, from flow
ers and bush. and how merrily starting
was singing from the branches of IN old
elm tree near by. But this innocent glee
awOke no answering echo III her own
heart; there all was desolati0n and sor-
TOW.
She felt ~ lonely in this her youth
no mother, aunt, relative near i'll whom
10 fud sympathy and love. Yes, she was
utterly alone. aud 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 it's
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 GOODNESS, the more fondly she remem-
bered him, and told herself il was her
own want of frankneSs and the suspi-
ci0us circumstances in which he had
found her placed. that had shaken his
confidence in her integrity. and merited
ouly his Scnrn. But. bound as she had
been 20 sOlemn secrecy. she could not
conceive how she could have acted diff
fereuty. and she feb, convinced that. in
order to be true 10 the trust imposed up
on hcr, she had done mo wrong.
So deep had been her reverie that she
heard no bell. no opening door. no sound.
nnd not until the words, Miss Nevergail,
hope | do not interrupt you fell upon
her ear did she dream that she was nOt
alone.
Starting to her feet. she turned TO face
nr. 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
Ing, she merely assured him she was
perfectly at leisure, and then wheeled VI
large easy chair for his use.
Not Noticing the latter. however. the
doctor took "A lighter one, ana placing il
opposite the one she had resumed. said
he sat down:
Il am glad TO find you alone. "a my
business is important. and concerns NJ
one but Ourselves The footman TOLD
me at the door that the family were alb
sent. and | would find you here"
They are absent for the day. and
therefore, | am ut your service
The nature of my business, | fear
may startle you, but | feel that | ough
not to toregO it on that account. | shall
be Obliged to ask you several question,
that you may dislike to answer but, Mis-
Eeyergail, allow me TO say. as a preface
that perfect frankness on your part will
oe the best In the end. Certain things
lately transpiring, have led me to regr.
exceedingly that did not use nv owl
Judgment thai evening when we were 10
geher In the corridor at Glendennip,