Hand County press. (Miller, Dakota [S.D.]) 1882-1893, 1882-06-14
UNDER n MASK.

There had been long silence in Mrs.
Holbrooke's pretty sitting-room, yet the
room was not empty.
On the contrary, there were two occu-
pants such as are popularity supposed to
be at no loss for conversation, a gentle.
man and lady, both young.
The gentleman, Sydney Hall, stands
leaning upon the mantelpiece, pulling
fercely at huge mustache.
He is tall, powerfully-built man, of
an English type, with curling auburn
hair, large blue eyes, a heavy beard, and
strong, good features.
He looks down upon little, fairy
like girl Of about Is, who has big brown
eyes and the most luxuriant fair hair.
She is pretty, she is bright, she is ex-
quisitely attired, and her name is Estelle
/ Holbrooke.
Suddenly, upon a silence that has be.
come oppressive, Estelle breaks into .
clear, ringing laugh. 1t has no mockery
in II, but is as merry as child's, as sweet
as chime of silver bells.
After moment of amazement. Sydney
joins her and laughs heartily.
"Was / rude?" Estelle asks, pres
entity, not looking very penitent, how.
ever. II could not help it. 1t is awfuliy
funny, you know"
"What is awfully frlnny?"
"Now don't be stupidp she said, her
eyes beaming with girlish merriment.
" How would you like to come all the
way from Paris, and from q pleasant
home there, toe, to meet such recep-
ton?"
Sydney tugged again at that reddish
brown mustache, with force that was
3 positively vicious.
II couldn't help it, Estelle," he said.
VI do not think any man has right to
make such a will as our grandfather did.
Here we are, after ten years of entire
separation, supposed to be ready to
swear eternal fidelity to each other, and
be married at once. II not about fl00,-
Wo goes to public charity"
Unless" said Estelle, gravely, ''your
iather refuses his consent to the mar
mage. Then the property is divided be-
tween us. Your father may dislike me. /"
Hes not an IDIOT" said Sydney
brusquely.
"Syd, tell me exactly what you
vant?"
Il want you to have our grandfather's
money. and to be free. i am rich man,
Is.eiie, independent Of my father, and
love Norah Creighton with all my
neaft But, if I marry hsr, you will
,ose the money that is yours by right of
inheritance; unless, as you say, my fa-
'ner and Your guardian refuses his con-
sent to the marriage"
What is your fathers idea2"
rrunes, prisms; proprietyl The
S'ri OF the period his aversion"
heigho d" said Miss Holbrooke,
.sine and giving herself little shake
can you keep secret, Syd?"
"Yes."
Well, then, since you are so frank,
~il tell you one. / left my heart in
.ars Mother insisted upon my pay
%S this visit to Uncle Clement. but
Iu given up all thought of grandfath-
ss money. We leave here tomorrow
@ Daisybanks, and your father will re-
.se his consent to the marriage. You
WI marry Norah, and will seek my
neart again in Paris"
sydney held out strong hand. in
.mcn Estelle put tiny white one, over
.uicn his fingers claspcd in firm but
gentle pressure.
lou do not quite hate me for
''a'eS' ., he said, pleadingly.
lou are my very dear cousin now
~ .as ever" she said, frankly and cordially.
y. ,a not shrink when he stopped and
~ ~ Daisybanks, Mr. Clement Halls
fy'seat. the proprietor had made