Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1908-04-30
CHAPTER XIII.

and hustle of the London streets.
CHAPTER XIII.
Rebecca, the fresh-complexioned wait
ing maid, was still standing behind tn
ponderous hall door, listening. with ;
smile upon her face, to young Dimsdale'
| retreating footsteps, when another and
brisker tread caught her ear coming from
the opposite direction. The smile dice
away as she heard it, and her feature:
assumed a peculiar expression, in whiel
it would be hard to say whether fear oil
pleasure predominated. She passed hel
hands up over her face and smoothed hel
hair with quick, nervous gesture, glanc
ing down at the same time at her snowy
apron and the bright ribbons which SET
1t off. Whatever her intentions may have
been, she had no time to improve upon
her toilet before key turned in the door
and Ezra Girdlestone stepped into the
hall. AS he saw her shadowy figure, for
the gas was low, he uttered a hoarse cry
of surprise and fear, and staggered back
wards against the door post
Don't be afeared, Mister Ezra" she
said in whisper; Its only me-
What makes you stand about like
that? You gave me quite a turn"
Il didn't mean for to do it. I've only
surely you've come in before now and
found me in the hall without making
much account of it,
'Ah, lass" answered Ezra, my nerves
have had shake of late. I've felt queer
all day. Look how my hand shakes"
well, I'm blessed ~ said the girl with
litter, turning up the gas. Il never
thought to see you afeard of anything.
Why, you looks as white as a sheet ~
There, that's enough" he answered
roughly. We'll, are they gomez"
Yes, they are gone" she answered
standing by the side of the couch on
which he had thrown himself Your
father came about three with cab, and
took her away"
'She didn't make fuss?'
Make a fuss? No, why should she?
There's fuss enough made about her, in
all conscience. OH, Ezra, before she got
between us you was kind to me at times.
could stand harsh words from you six
kind one on the seventh. But now
now what notice do you take of me?" She
began to whimper and to wipe her eyes
with little discoored pocket handker-
chief.
Drop it, woman, drop it.' cried her
testify. Il want information,
lot sniveling. She seemed reconciled to
,of"
"Yes, she went quiet enough" the girl
said with a furtive sob.
Did you hear my father say anything
Is to where they were going?"
Il heard him tell the cabman to drive
% Waterloo station"
Nothing more?
mo"
"Well, if he won't tell you, will.
They have gone down to Hampshire, my
ass Bedsworth is the name of the place,
md it is a pleasant little corner near the
o. morrow"
Want me to go:"
Yes, they need some one who is smart |
md handy to keep house for them. There |
S some old woman already, I believe, but |
he is old and useless. | warrant you
wouldn't take long getting things ship |
hape. My father intends to stay down |
here some little time with Miss Harston."
And how about you?" the girl asked, |
With a quick flash of suspicion in her |
lark eyes.
Don't trouble about me. | shall stay |
,ehind and mind the business. Some one
H. ba I tbiplr II
lane and William ought to be able to look |
.fter me among them"
And | won't see you at all?' the girl |
ried, with a culver in her voice
"Oh, yes, you shall. I'll be down from
saturday to Monday every week, and per
aps oftener. If business goes we'll may
Cme down and stay for some time
Whether | do or not may depend upon
ou.'
Rebecca Taylforth started and uttered
n exclamation of surprise. How can
depend upon me?" she asked eagerly.
We'll said Ezra, in a hesitating way.
it may depend upon whether you are a
ood girl, and do what you are told or
ot. | am sure that you would do any
hing at all to serve me, would you not?"
You know very well that | would, Mis-
er Ezra. When you want anything done
on remember il, but if you have no use
or me then there is never kind look
n your face or a kind word from your
ps. | could stand your harshness.
ould stand the blow you gave me- and
or.ive you for it. from my heart, but oh
{ cut me to the very soul to be standing
y and waiting while you were making
- to another woman. 1t was more than
can bear"
Never mind, nv girl" said Ezra in a
Oothing voice. That's all over and done
With. See what I've brought you" He
in his pocket and produced a
title parcel Of tissue paper, which he
landed to her.
II was only a small silver anchor, with
scotch pebbles inlaid in it, The woman's
yes, however, flashed as she looked at it.
md she raised it to her lips and kissed it
,a ,assionately.