Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-01-04
CHAPTER XVIIl.-(Continu
By CHARLOTTE NJ. BRAEME


Jacks feelings at that moment were
not enviable He had always looked
upon Lord Summers commission as a di
rect proof of his own ability. 1t wal
a decided damper to his good opinion o,
himself to discover that it was due tC
his patrons interest in Ethel Mallett.
"As you do not seem to have beer
very glad to hear of the engagement
perhaps you will be better pleased tc
hear that it is at an end"
Indeed
Yes; and l think you should know
that Miss Mallett took the initiative in
breaking it off,
Il am surprised! I thought she was
very fond of you. But there is no ac-
counting for women's actions"
And then Lord Summers turned to his
other neighbor and threw himself into
discussion upon the drainage Of land,
thus tacitly dismissing the other subject
but Jack was conscious that he was not
held blameless in the matter-nor in
deed did he feel so.
One point in the conversation had
reused his curiosity-Lord Summers re-
mark as to the name of "Mallett" be-
ing assumed. He would have liked to
pursue the subject, but as things were,
he had no right to feel curious.
Later in the evening Mis- Mailing and
her guardians were chatting confden-
tally, and the subject of the mysterious
advertisement was introduced.
Have you any notion what they could
mean?" he asked.
"Not the smallest" she answered. at
Ia ouri0uS Sir GnNfrau fbar, -
But he may have, without our know
Ing it,
True. But don't you think that the
motive, whatever it was, must have af-
fected the whole family, and that, if he
had been found. we should have been
mixed up in it?'
Possibly. but not necessarily. If l
had known where Godfrey was l should
certainly have insisted upon his sitting
the matter. Indeed, at one time l
thought of investigating it myself; but
your uncle was always so touchy about
any ones interfering in his affairs that
/ thought it better to let it alone"
For moment there was a fixed look
of fear on Pauline's face; but Lord Sum
mers was too much taken up with his
subject to notice it.
"Good-looking fellow, Dornton," he re-
marked, carelessly, with a glance to
where Jack was carrying on the usual
war of words with Bertha Collins.
Very Pauline answered, shortly.
Made quite long stay with you.
Been here since the beginning of July,
has he not?"
Il forget exactly when he came"
" oc ~,
Lord Summers felt satisfied that things
were in an unsatisfactory state and he
wished fervently that, in his anxiety to
benefit the future husband of his old
friends daughter, he had been prompted
to do anything rather than send him
down to this particular neighborhood.
Sunday evening was rather quiet
time at Mallingford, and the house was
wrapped in darkness earlier than usual.
But the lamps in Miss Malling's boudoir
burned on steadily, for Jack and his
fancee were having their last confiden
tial chat before their marriage. The next
Jack was to leave for London
tc obtain the special license and see
after suudry small matters, and he would |
not return until late on Tuesday after
noon.
II suppose we must say goodby to-
night, as l shall most likely start before |
you are down." Jack said
"Yes-but not just yet! Don't be in
a hurry to leave me, Jack" Pauline an
swered, with a touch of pleading in her
voice. She knelt on the thick white rug
at his feet, and added, II would get up
to give you a parting salute if l were
Al I
hear Of it."
my dear, there is no need" Jack |
said, calmly. "At the same time, don't |
your dread of Summers. |
Surely you may do as you choose in so
small a matter|
Il don't think l understand it myself,
Jack; yet l feel it Ny life is full of
dread just now."