The Washington times., 1907-09-15


room. ma'am."
Nina threw Up her head haughtily
~ the Information. She walked slowly
downstairs and into the drawing room
with I'll the stateliness she could sum
mon. a man was standing by the
window with his back turned She
gave a little cough 20 attract his at
tention. stiil he never moved.
He must be deaf" she con5ectured,
irritably. Why did dad never tell
me the man was deaf?" Aloud she
said. distinctly and icily: How DO
you DO. Sir Neil?"
The man at the window turned
round. and Nina started back with an
exclamation OF establishment.
your she cried. "Oh. what de-
Hshtful surprise. They told ne Sir
Neil was here"
For il was Capt Darrell who stood
waiting with his arms held out toward
her
IT am glad that very cold greeting
was not Intended for me" he said.
holding her closely.
but he is coming today" mourn
fully. Have you heard? I don't
know what to DO. Dad VIII be so
terribly angry.
The door opened and the squire en-
tered.
How are you. EltonT' he said
heartily. coming forward With out
stretched hand Delighted to see
you. Hope you mean to make a
onger stay this time. Hullo, Nina!''
catching sight of her. You here?
SO you have already made Sir NeiIs
acquaintance"
Nina vas looking bewfldered. and an
expression OF dismay overspread her
countenance.
Sir Nef?'' she faltered.
why, yes" answered her father
impet1ently. What had come TO the
girl?
Il am afraid I have 2 confession TO
make" said Captain Darrell. coming
forward. Hearing from you that
your daughter was By no means ami
cably disposed toward me. my curl
Osity was aroused, and I went down
10 Westdale and met her under an
other name, SO that there should be
no prejudice. Nina hated the very
sound Of Nell Elton's name. but she
had no crime to bring up against
Captain Darrell" He held out his
hand toward her, but she shrank
away I'VE have grown to love each
other he went on quietly, ard taking
no notice. we only await your con-
sent to our marriage"
Nina started forward with an in
dignant disclaimer; but. catching sight
of her fathers attitude as ne rub
his hands together in thorough en1os
ment Of Elton's maneuver, she stopped
short and walked over to the window
with her back turned 70 the two men.
The squire did not stay long after he
had given his sanction to the match,
and hearty congratulations to Six
Neil.
Il was young myself once" he sale
with a laugh, as he went OF. and I
know you are longing 10 get rid o.
me-"
You see there was nothing to fear
Nina" said Elton, slipping his arm
round the girls slender waist ana
sSpiling down into her eyes. You dom
Ike being beaten. know: but surels
it IS different when the conqueror is
Love"
But she tore herself away with a.
angry gesture.
you have tricked me-" she criel
holly, land I hate you for it. I haa
a bad opinion OF Sir Neil before. bu,
I have g worse now. I said 1 would
never marry him. and I never win
In thai case" calmly. with a shrus
OF his shoulders. lit is not much Us
my staying. GOod-by."
'Good-by." she echoed de6antly, az
she watched him walk down the room
He had reached the doOr-he was turn
ing the handle.
Captain DarreIl!' she cried sudden
ly.
But he took no notice, he did not
even turn his head The door was shut
and he was gone.
With a little cry Of despair she for
got her dignity and few across the
room and pulled open the door. He wa
In the hail and was taking up his hat
One more minute and she would los
him.
Nell she whispered in a haIf-chok-
ed voice. and he turned round ar once
"rid you call me?" he asked.
Yes. she said, desperately. with
pretty confusion. "D-don't go"
Eanfomha~ IE fO07