Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-06-13
"The Insider "
By Virginia Tcrhunc Van dc
Water
CHAPTER LVIII

CHAPTER LNI1I
Looking back over that summer
at Hillcrest it seems as If the weeks
went by, one very much like another.
until early September. The changes
in my own life were occurring so
gradually that l scarcely appreciated
them.
1 know now that with each pass
ing day my employer became more
fixed in his determination to win my
promise to marry him, although he
referred to the matter seldom. But
by a thousand and one little ways he
gave proof of his devotion. He was
less critical of Tom, more gentle with
Mrs. Gore, ever ready to avoid dis
cussions that might lead to sharp
speeches, constantly suggesting some
jaunt or excursion to add to the
pleasure of the young people under
his roof.
Toward the end of AT gust I fam
cied once or twice that he appeared
more depressed or thoughtful than
heretofore-as if something were
worrying him. At the time I gave
only fieeting thought to the matter.
Mrs. Gore was polite and agree
able. Tom was happier than l had
ever seen him. Grace was healthier
, and merrier than ever. Hugh Parker
was-Hugh Parker.
IiIlu myself ODllSeu 10 emu In6
above sentence in that way. For
now, in the light of after events, l
cannot say just how he affected me
in those days. I only know that l
grew to depend more and more upon
his friendship, and 1 began to look
for a certain expression that came
into his eyes when we met. 1 almost
feared that my employer might see
it, too.
With that thought I had a sense
of guilt. But 1 argued, l could not
help the state of affairs. I must be
myself. l was not cheating my en-
ployer, and surely I was nothing
especial to Hugh Parker. Why should
I be? Why should I fatter myself
that I was anything more to him
than an agreeable acquaintance? I
avoided speculation on the subject
when I could. Sufficient unto the
day was the decision I must make,
pleaded with my conscience. Any
way. Hugh did not care for me.
My complacency was shaken one
warm Sunday afternoon when, as 1
sat on the veranda, reading, my en-
ployer came out of the house.
Where's Grace?" he asked.
Grace Is Asleep
Asleep in the library" I replied,
nodding toward the darkened room
behind me. THE heat has made her
drowsy. 1t was so warm upstairs
that she and 1 came down here, and
when I began to read aloud to her,
she actually nodded. So sug-
gested her lying down In there where
it's cool and dark-and she went
right off to Sleep"
Brewster Norton took chair next
to mine. I looked at him keenly as
he sat down. noticed. AS l had be-
fore, that his hair was craving fast
and that the lines running from
the nose to the corners of the mouth
were deeper than they used to be.
Something was weighing upon him.
Could 1t be the uncertainty as to
my answer to his plea?
you ought to feel very proud
when you see how the little girl de-
pends upon you" he said softly
that he might not arouse the child
you, Elizabeth"
"oh. yes" said quickly, "she
Indeed she could not" he con-
tradicted. "any more than her IA
ther could. ] sometimes think that
II were to lose you, dear, I would
die"
oh" I protested, please do not
feel like that"
It was a foolish request; but he
dld not NSmlle..
"I cannot help it." he declared.
Moreover" setting his jaw grimly.
II do not mean to help it. I am go
ing to win out in this thing. no mat
ter what happens, "I must have your
promise, Elizabeth. I can't stand
this uncertainty any longer. Say YOU
will marry mel"
"I-I-can't promise" I faltered.
You see, I don't think that I love
you enough"-
II am satisfied with anything YOU
will give mel" he interrupted tenn
pestuously II must be sure of Won
Elizabeth I won't wait for the love
that may come. I'll make 1t come
that's all. And I mean to claim YOU
as mine. You may not consider YOUR |
self bound to me. but I am bound TO |
you-and you can't help it."
I felt suffocated. The air was be- |
coming more sultry,, and I stood up |
with a gasp.
MFR. Norton Is Affectionate
"Oh!" I calculated. "I can't |
breathe! Please don't talk like thatv'
There's no need to talk about It, |
darling" he murmured, because |
you know the truth. You are mine. |
and nobody shall ever come between |
u.s."
He had risen and now took a. stem
toward me. but evaded him and |
walked to the edge of the veranda.
saw with relief that Tom and |
Hugh were strolling up the path. /
They had not seen US yet.
Here come the boys" I began
lamely.
But my companion seized my
hand. 'I won't be put off like this |