The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-03-25
PAGE NINE

sgain bearing Of pride when II SEEM
ID she would be denied, and through
tut all a rigid suppression of herself,
4 standing Of her ground, determine
non not to give way to any rising SEN
dment which might make the after re-
pulse humiliation. If retreat must
come 1t should be carried out with
dignity
The Earl of STAFFORD saw nothing of
this, for his eyes were mostly on the
ground at his feet. That his mind was
perturbed by the new situation so I'm
expectedly presented to him was evil
dent; that he was deeply suspicious
Of trap was no less clear. When he
looked up at her he found his iron
resolution melting in spite of himself.
and, as he wished to bring an uncloud-
ed Judgment to bear upon the prob
lem, he scrutinized the brown sward
at his feet. Nevertheless he was quick
TO respond to any show of sympathy
with himself, even though he was I'M
likely to exhibit appreciation, and he
was equally quick to resent the slight
est lack Of Difference on the part of
those who addressed him.
If the girl had made thorough
study OF his character she could not
nave better attuned her manner to his
pre1udices. Her attitude throughout
was imbued with the deepest respect,
and If the eye refused to be advocate
for her the ear could not close itself
to the little thrill Of affection that
softened her tone as she spoke to him.
He raised his head abruptly as one
who has come to decision.
November is the stepmother Of the
months, and the air grows cold. Come
with me to the palace In a world of
lies l find myself believing you, thus
l am not grown so old as l had feared.
Come"
The girl tripped lightly over the rus
thing leaves and was at his side in an
instant, then slowed her pace In unison
with his labOred mode of progression.
"Sir, will you lean upon my shout
der"
mo. l am ailing, but not decrepit."
They walked together in silence, and
II any viewed them the onlookers were
we'll concealed, for the park seemed de-
serted. Entering the palace and arriv-
Ing at the foot of stairway, solicitous
menials proffered assistance, but STRAIT
ford waved them peremptorily aside
and, accepting now the support he had
shortly before declined, leaned on his
daughters shoulder and YEARLY mount
ed the stair.
The room on the first floor into which
he led her overlooked court. A cheer
full fire burned on the hearth and cast q
radiance upon the somber wainscoting
Of the walls. A heavy Oaken table was
covered with litter Of papers, and
some books lay about. Into deep arm
chair beside the fire STAFFORD sank,
with a sigh Of fatigue. motiOning his
daughter to seat herself opposite him,
which she did. He regarded her for
some moments with no pleased express
sion on his face, then said, with a trace
of petulancy in the question:
did your grandfather bring you up
lady, or are you an ignorant country
wenchw
She drew in quickly the small feet
outthrust to take advantage Of the
comforting fire, and the blaze showed
fore.
"Sir," she said, "the children Of the
great, neglected by the great, must per-
force look to themselves. l was brought
up, as you know, without mothers
care, in the ancient hall of crusty
grandfather. a brother my only COM
panion. We played together and fought
together, as temper willed, and he was
not always the victor, although he Is
the stronger. l can sometimes out
fence him and, failing that. can always
outrun him. Any horse he can ride
can ride, and we two have before now
put to flight three times our number
among the yOkels of the neighborhOOd.
AS to education, l have smattering
and can read and write. l have studied
music to some advantage and foreign
tongues with very little. 1 dare say
there are many things known to your
London ladies that l am ignorant Of.
1--WE may thank God for that" NUT
tered her father.
"If there are those in London, saving
your lordship, who say l am not
a lady, l will box their ears for them
an they make sighting remarks in my
presence"
"a most unladylike argument! The
tongue and not the hand is the court
lady's defense"
Il can use my tongue, too. If need be,
my lord"
Indeed, 1 have had evidence of 1t.
my girl"
Queen Elizabeth used her fists, and
surely she was lady"
Il have often had my doubts or It.
However, hereafter you must be edu-
Gated as doth become a daughter or
mine"
II shall be pleased to obey any COM
mands my father places on me-
The conversation was interrupted by
q servant throwing open the door, cry
Ing:
His majesty the king!'
The girl sprang instantly to her feet,
while her father rose more slowly. as