The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1891-07-10
'ew moments before had worn such ten.
ler curves. but she turned her head

few moments before had worn such ten
der curves. but she turned her head
away.
Listen, Jack" !" she said solemnly, ii
will never, never, never marry a man
whose father refuses to welcome me"
Lefty" he exclaimed. sis your pride
more to you than your love? Don't you
know that | can make you happy far
away from all this?
You will not be happy If you dis
obey your father. and If you are un-
happy shall he wretched."
Pleadings and protestations. although
her own heart echoed them all. failed ts
shake her resolve. Her only answer was
the repetition of her determination never
to enter family without welcome
The painful interview was ended At
last by Mrs. Ely's hurried entrance with
a message brought in hot haste from
Mrs. Melville. The squire had been
found unconscious on the floor Of his
library and the frightened wife had
sent for her son where past experience
taught her he could be found.
There were several days of grave anx-
tety for the family and much excitement
and sympathy among the neighbors
Then for time all danger was over, and
Mr.. Melville, pale. broken and aged,
was seen driving about again. But it
was well known that the family doctor,
summoned by telegraph at the time Of
his seizure. had said that his life de-
pended upon an equable, quiet routine
Any sudden event or shock might be
fatal to him
For dozen years the great social
event of the summer in Snowden had
been a lawn party and evening dance at
Melville Court. given always ON the
Fourth of July. Mr.. Melville enjoyed
overwhelming his country neighbors
with his magnificence, so no expense
was spared on music, refreshments, dec
orations and fireworks And even now.
while he was only pale shadow Of him
self, he insisted upon preparing for the
usual entertainment.
The only house of any pretension in
the whole pretty village where cards
were not left was Mrs. Ely's. Grace
Melville had run in at dusk one night to
make hurried protestation of her own
and her mothers innocence of the omis-
sion, and to tell her dear Lefty of Jacks
grief and rage. which had to be re-
strained because Of the fathers critical
condition.
1t was clear balmy Fourth Of July.
Screened by the luxuriant vines which
veiled the parlor window. Lefty sadly
watched the guests go by. their faces
bright with the promise Of pleasure in
which she could have no share.
Night fell darkly, with no light but
the soft CLEAN of stars. The fireworks
would have superb setting Of black
ness. Heavy foliaged. low growing
trees. forming what the neighbors had
always called the grove, covered that
part.of Melville Court which touched the
widows garden. Creeping after night
fall under the dense shadow. Lefty stood
with black waterproof thrown around
her to obscure her white dress, and
watched the preparations for grand
pyrotechnic display. The music Of the
band at first prevented her hearing any
other sounds. but when it ceased, and
the dancers poured out Of the hall door
to join the guests who were crowded on
the terraces to watch the fireworks, she
was conscious Of voices whispering very
near Without the aid OF her eyes she
knew that James. the new butler, was
one Of the speakers
Remember he was saying hurried
ly lyon are not to lot yourselves into
the little side door till you see that light
go out in that diamond shaped window
on the third floor Keep your eyes on
that, mind
IAN after we's got ourselves inter de
house how's we goin' to be sure we don't
run into nobody" said brutal voice.
Because the moment the first fire.
cracker pops there won't be a living sin
ner from cellar to garret that won't run
out to see the fun. that is. except Mr..
Melville He amt near as we'll as he
thought he'd be. Everybody thinks he's
in the crowd somewheres, but I've just
helped him into bed an must run back
to stay within call Here's the key Of
the missus' closet in the dressing room
an the key of Miss Gracies bureau.
But you're not to go near the squire, it'll
be killing if you do. for shock will be
his death"
Then James hurried of and Lefty list.
ened petritied, to conversation which
showed that the two men near by were
quite aware that the squire's room, from
which they were warned off. contained
much the most promising booty. and
were no, to be deferred from entering it
by any consideration for his life. On
the contrary, they planned to surprise
and threaten him with their pistols If he
did not surrender to them certain bonds
they believed to be in his private safe.
"Never. under any circumstances,
shall Lefty Ely enter this house again.
was the sentence the squire had pro-
nounced in reply to tiraces intercession
for her brothers. sake, and now the
words were vividly present to Lefty as
she stole away from the grove, and
skirting the fence to the right, hastened
with the speed Of a deer to the house.
She entered into the hall by the back
way. flew up the stairs. ran along the
halls and into Grace's room. 1t was
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