The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-14
CHAPTER VT. The First Meeting.

When most or the inmates or the Bellevue had focked down to the Ca- sino, or were comfortably established at Bridge, Hester decided to brave the elemests once more. The wind had abated, and she battled her way to her favorite coign of vastage, wood en seat on the Falaise; a post which commanded capital view of both the Plage, lined with palatial hotels. and terminating in the Phare. Directly below, her was the Cote des Basques, along, which mountainous waves hur- ried to dash themselves against the Jagged rocks. Beyond this bay rose the blue Pyrenees and the outline of the Spanish coast. This was Hester's favorite view; here she would sit mus ing for an, hour at a time. inhaling the keen salt breeze, and dreaming of Spain. proud Spain. chivalrous Spain; its name. and its history had always held a fascination for her. Now she was gazing at its frontier and noun tains with her very own eyes.
 Captain Tudor had not been alto- gether correct in his rapid sketch of the history of Miss Forde. She had as we know, one woman friend. with whom she had always corresponded. Miss Byng. in spite of Jane Jubbers op- position. had paid Hester a flying visit before she went abroad. and as they paced the jreary leaf-strewn garden, she said to her friend
 "Oh, Nancy. do wish I were not going away-I know I shall hate Biarritz! I lie wake at nights and dread 1t and cry"
 'Nonsense; 1t will do you all the good in the world" responded Miss Byng; "and hear Mrs Britten is rath- CT an agreeable little person" .
 T am not sure that I shall like her" said Hester dubiously.
 My dear Hessie. you are never sure of anything; yourself, your plans. your friends. You require not merely change of disposition You want an object in life: hitherto your father supplied the object. he also made up your mind for you. Now you must really -endeavor to walk alone."- =4
 Yes. that would be easy if I were ike you, Nancy-so clever, and en- ergetic, and practical" Then, after reflective pause. T think I should like to be nuFse!
 Whoever heard of nurse with ten thousand year." exclaimed her friend with laugh. Besides, you have had enough of nursing, and must take a holiday. Mrs Britten will teach you-she has been holiday mak- ing all her life. Once in the sun. you'll expand"
 "Well"-looking at her thin hand and wrist-"T suppose ought to be little stouter. but besides growing fat. please tell me what am I to do?'
 Write to me often, for one thing: visit strange places. pick up pretty things-you have no ornaments. no Jewelry."
 "No-my mother had none-only her rings and watch and cameo. brooch'
 Pooh! those are scarcely jewels: and you can make friends"
 That is so difficult to me-aImost impossible" .. ?.
 "wen. then. make enemies-it will afford you plenty of excitement'
 "Oh, dear. Nance. 1t Is wrong to talk like thatw
 Not bit. you prim. prudish Het- ty! You will certainly find acquain- tances. maybe friends-and possibly your affinity"
 Hester coloured vividly; in all her life she had never had the ghost. the glimpse of a love affair
 No. no. Nance-I am not in my teens: you must not make fun of me; I am too old for romance
 Not at all; you are younger than I am; and. pray, have you ever known a red-haired woman who was. an old maid?"
 Well, feel as if were sixty years of age. and I've scarcely ever met they were all old maids-I hate my hair"
 There you are foolish--it is beau tiful. Someone will tell you so yet; but. dear. simple, twelve-year- Het- ty, please don't let a gay good-look- ing deceiver marry you for your mon ey."
 Oh. no-I shall never marry-gay deceiver or otherwise"
 T should like to see you the wife of good man. I am sure you'd make him happy. You have an enormous