The Warner weekly sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1885, 1884-10-17
the appointed time. each tng him
self the favored sutton.

evening" sJ9auOWS were ACROSS
the 1o~. and the rays of the setting SUN
were struggling through the network
of vines to kiss her blushing cheek.
She could think of no better way of
finding out whether Leroy Beaumont
was a true gentleman or not.
1t was to see how he would act on
finding his rival at the place of meeting
that she had concluded to make this
appointment with both.
If her plan failed, she would contriye
another, for she had resolved that no
man should become her husband unless
he was in every respect worthy of her.
Mark Spencer stood beneath the
wide spreading branches of the old elm
tree, leaning against its huge trunk
with his arm folded on his breast.
1t was just the night for o meeting of
lovers. The noon looked down with
modified splendor from her starry
throne. Her image was reflected In
the limpid stream. Her tempered
light flooded the little gable, and
stealing through the rustling branches,
fell upon the face of Mark Spencer.
Though the features we're not reg
ular, there was something attractive
about the face. 1t was SO open and
candid, and there was such q good ma
tured smile on the manly brow. The
verdict of one capable of reading the
heart in the face would undoubtedly be
good, and ever a casual observer would
be struck with the gentlemanly appear
ance of the young man.
just now the c~ountenance was bright
with hope. Wonld not Minerva Lam
bert soon be in his arms telling him
how much she loved him?
This, he thought, was the reason
why he had been requested to meet her
there, preferring that romantic spo5 In
which to tell him of her love.
He heard a footstep benin him.
turning hastily, he beheld the hand
some Apollo, Leroy Beaumont, walk
ing briskly along toward him.
He was much surprised to see him APP
preaching, and so was Leroy to find
Mark there, for he stopped short and
held up both hands, exclaiming:
Mark Spencerl"
aMr. Beaumont returned the other,
with a slight nod.
"Why are you here?1 cried Beau
mont.
What right have you to ask ?" calmly
retoTted the young q
His rival colored.
SSH, you are impudent," said he, an
srily.
Il deny the charge, Mr.. Beaumont,
and you have no cause to speak thus"
Again | ask you why you are here p
Again / tell you that it does not
concern you, and you have no right to
ask"
"Then, sir, will you please isasTHe .his
place, as it is here / am to meet q GER
tain person."
And with a naughty look the osten-
tatious fellow consulted his heavy gold
watch.
Minerva should have been here ere
this he muttered, as if to him self, but
with a furtive glance at Mark Spencer
to see what effect his words produced
on him.
Mark was surprised; but, pretending
that he did not hear the words, he said:
mo. sir; / will not leave this place,
for !, too, am waiting for a friend"
aDo you mean Miss Lambert"
IL do"
"Then, sir, you speak falselyW cried
Leroy, ~fiercely. "She did not ask you
to meet her here"
II beg your pardon, but"
Cease! Hold your tongue!" tkun-
dered the handsome man. "Audacious
scoundrell know Won not that Minerva
Lambert is soon to become my wife?
She cares naught for you. Your jeal-
ousy prompted you to come here and
witness III meeting, eh?"
aeTis ~falsel" replied Mark, quietly.
II knew not that such a meeting was
in contemplation. But, sir, I have 10
desire to handy words with you; there
fore / wish y0u good evening.
He bowed and was about to withdraw
from the spot when Leroy produced a
pistol and pointed it at him.
Mark was no coward. He folded his
arms and looked calmly into the dark
muzzle Of the weapon.
aSkeot, said he; "shoot, Leroy
Beaumont. / am unarmed."
peace. gentlemen cried q silvery
voice.
They looked simultaneously and be-
held Minerva Lambert standing there
in the moonlight, her tall, .queenly
form clad in spotless white.
Mark lifted his hat politely, while
his rival stood stock-still, staring at
her.
Mirerye stepped proudly forward.
"Mr. Beaumont said she, confront
ing that gentleman, 81 have witnessed
Your proceedings since you came here,
and have overheard the conversation
carried on between you and Mr.. Spen-
Ger. Sir, you have proved yourself a