Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1909-12-24
CHAPTER VIII.

1t was a small party, and not yery
lively. Richard Saville was not an
animated host. Mrs. Saville was not
talkative. The vicar was a pleasant,
well-bred man, and with the help OF
Lumley, who was always ready to
talk, kept the party from siagnating.
Lumley' har brought with him, by his
aunt's invitation, a young subaltern,
the son Of an acquaintance, who made
the eighth and balanced the sexes
This youth fell to Hope Desmond's lot
much to his satisfaction, for she man
aged to make him talk, and talked to
him easily and naturally, confessing
her ignorance of hunting, shooting,
fishing, and sport Of every kind, rather
to his emaZement However, she
atoned for her deficiencies by listening
with much interest to his descriptions
and explanations. At last he suggest.
ed giving her riding-lessons, at which
she held up her hands in dismay. Miss
Dacre interested her more than any
one else She had never been in the
|
tive peeress in her own right. What
tremendous position for a young
girl" thought Hope, with a curious
sort Of pity. The young girl was, not.
withstanding, quite girlish, not pretty,
but far from plain. She was very dark,
with small, sparkling black eyes, curly
black hair, and a high color. She had
a neat figure, and carried herself well,
yet she lacked distinction
"She might be very pleasant com.
panion," unused Hope, as she gazed at
her while her cavalier was explaining
the difference between a snaffle and a
curb "and, considering her gifts, am
not surprised that Mrs. Saville would
have liked her for a daughter-in-law.
How much, according to her estimate
her son appears to have thrown
away"
Miss Dacre naturally fell into Hope
Desmonds care
How charming the conservatory
looks" she said. Shall we walk
round it?" Hope assented, not aware
of the curiosity she excited in the fu.
ture Baroness Castleton. That Mrs. Sa.
Vile should institute companion was
one source of astonishment; that any
one so chosen should suYive nearly
two months and present cheerful,
self-possessed, composed aspect was
another And how nice she looks in
that pretty soft black grenadine and
lace! How snowy white her throat and
hands are! / suppose she is in mourn.
Ing. Girls never want to be compan.
ions unless all their people die Poor
thing! l think l would rather be
housemaid; at least one might firt
with the footman; but companion
-" II don't think l ever met you
here before" she said, aloud.
mo; l am not quite two months
with Mrs. Saville."
Poor Mrs. Saville, she Is looking
so Ill. They say she is rather a ter.
rifle woman. l always found her very
nice"
She is strong woman, but there Is
a certain grandeur in her character"
yes and fancy one must be pretty
strong to get on with her." said Miss
Dacre, and she gave knowing little
nod to her companion. Then she is
so awfully put out about Hugh. You
came after he had gone"
Hope bent her head as an affrma.
tive.
He was charming quite charming
so different from Richard-though |
like Richard, too; but Hugh had a sort
Of rough good breeding, If you can un.
derstand such a thing; he was so gen.
erous and bright and natural. | knew
both the brothers since | was quite a
child, so | can sympathize with Mrs
Saville. To think of his having mar.
ried some designing woman abroad,
twice his age, believed isn't 1t horrt
ble?" ran on the talkative young lady.
Horrible" echoed Hope. "I trust
she is conscious of all he has sacrificed
for her.
mot she," returned Miss Dacre with
decision. "These sort of people haven't
an Idea what family and position, and
all that, mean. Do you think Mrs Sa-
Vile would mind II | pucked some Of
these lovely waxen blossoms?"
Il am sure she would not; but yod
know her much better than do. Wait
a moment; l will get You the scissors"
| (To be continued.)
|
| A Day of Rest.
L Ga rrIA Il