The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1890-03-07

nail apoIogetic6ny 60 fcofifl0u1ollsM
And wild race to own IT," sold Orvills
in reply.
"Yet We miss them. The country has been
too still almost for the want Of their running
hounds, and racing horses md their joyous
"Ahl well, here We ore at the bridge. Let
me go first, dear to try the soundness OF
these planks," said Orviile.
mo: mine is the lightest weight, and conse-
quently the least danger, said Adelaide, as she
spurred her horse and fairly flew past him,
her long skirt and plume gracefully waving
in the air bshing her.
who would have thought tho little fairy
had no much courage. promtitude. and self
Wilt" thought Orville, as lie folio we'd her
over the creaking bridge.
They passed through the old gate into the
yard. There was the old grey stone house.
and tho gigantic old oaks; elms and poplars,
and al! over the dreary look of desertion md
Yes; there was old Luce. the aged crone,
etooping and gathering sticks in her apron,
doubtless to cook supper,
How do you do?" snid Adelaide kindly.
"Has Miss Kate or any ofthc young men been
heard from?
mo. honey. ! haven't heard a single halIoo
from any on 'em to day. don't 'spect
they'll be home till the brush 10 taken"
Adelaide looked in surprise and pain from
the old wOman's lack-lustre eyes to her
Cousins face, and then to test her, she
asked
when did they leave horne, Luce?"
"Child, 'pcars to me this mornin' or some
time; don't msmorize exactly, but l must
get supper for EN-"
Poor old creature, she knows nothing OF
their fate, Thought Adelaide, az she took
kind leave of old Luce, and turned. attended
set The autumn wind was rising and wall.
ing through the leafess forest as they crossed
the rude bridge, aud turned down the path
leading along the Bush Creek.
The rising wind. driving black clouds up
over the evening sky, SO obscured their pnth
ing home ere it should become too dark for
riding 1t was In fact quite dark when they
reached the horse block in front of the hall
door.
Orville sprang from his horse, and lifted
Adelaide from her saddle.
She gathered up her riding skirt and ran
into tho house.
Tea was served in Lady Elizabeths apart
ment, whore cheerful evening was spent.
At ten O'Clock Lady Elizabeth, retaining
Adelaide near her littls longer, dismissed
Orvllle from her room.
The young man almost Immediately retired
to his chamber, where ne found a fine fire burn
| ing, and oil things made comfortable for his
| accommodation.
Orville remained apparently luxuriating in
his bachelor paradise. In smokingcap, Dress
ing gown, and slippers, he leaned buck, half
reposed upon the softsst OF leopard skin rugs;
before him burned the brightest Of wood fires;
ut his right hand stood convenient little
stand with culver Of the most fragrant
cigars. and bottle Of the Oldest Madeira.
He first quahed O glass or two Of the choice
tending his feet towards the fire, lapsed into
dreaming and smoking. In the wall on his
right hand was white door lending into the
adjoining room, the bower Of youthful beau
| ty, the sanctuary of maiden innocence, in q
word, the chamber OF his unclaimed bride
As the evil spirit gazed on the gates OF
paradise, so glanced he ut that white door.
"Tantalizingl" thus run In his thoughts,
every! That is my wife's room; know it,
and my mother soys 1t, and with her blessing
bids me free,y enter. yet knowing what I
smoking, me dreaming, and the covert glanc.
ing at tilt white door went on. until it WAS
all interrupted by approaching footsteps, as
IL of two persons coming softly along tho
passast. They entered the adjoining cham
Ter, and then, in the deep stiffness of the night,
saying to the attendant
"Hush! shut the door softly after
very much fatigued, no doubt. He
il probably asleep. Do not risk disturbing
him by the least noise.'
Next The heard mumbled, inarticulats
reply, and then the departure and the retir-
ing footsteps Of the waiting woman.
Orville remained sitting in his easy chair,
until ut length, overcome with WEAKNESS, he
slept, and sleeping, dreamed. He thought
that, unable longer to deny himself the com
partnership of his lovely bride, he hnd risen
and approached the white door, that he had
his hand upon the knob; that he had turned.
the latch and opened, and was about to ad.
vance his foot over the threshold when he
Gathering himself up. and looking around,
he saw before him the naughty figure, flowing