Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1894-03-29

III tAu2AZe -AllLc IL IL. Gts EkNl4s
TMinna is going to marry me"
II was with great relief that all the
younger members OF the party present
~ heard the carriagAwhesls outside.
AS for Mr.. Bennington who rad been
restless with excitement and exDecta-
ton for the last half hou-. he could
contain his Impotence no Ion ger. He
rushed out into the hall 10 meet his
nephew.
Duke, who looked I'll and weak, was
getting our Ct the carriage. assisted on
one side by q servant and on the other
By his wife, who looked far paler and
more than he. AT the sight Of old
Mr.. Bennington. indeed, Cicely's courage
and strength seemed TO give way to-
gether. She just managed q totter into
the dr~awing-room by her husbands
side: and then, with the help OF Minna,
who saw that she was at the end of
her powers Of endurance, she left the
room in time 10 avoid distressing Duke
and m~inistered 10 her quietly and kind
II, bathing her temples and letting In
the soft summer air upon her without
one word
But Cicely recovered herself after q
few minutes with a great shock
Go down." she whispered hoarsely.
and see what that man has come for.
Don't let him tease Duke. Tell him 10
keep his questions-he is sure TO ask
questions-ull-I-come."
Her voice died away family; she was
worn out. Minna assured her that she
would carry out her wishes faithfully,
and ran down stairs, full of un peaEa-
bic terror. Something horrible, for
Duke. for ali OF them. was, going 10
/ happen, something 10 be brought On
by Mr.. William BrrTington's visit The
lock exchanged by uncle and neT hew
DID their meeting would ha re told her
this, eTen without Cicaly's anxious
words She reached the dra ving-room
Just too Late; Mr. Berringtoa had not
failed 10 take advantage OF Cicely's
absence; and sitter wasting very little
time in preliminary speeches, he had
come 10 the point just as the girl en-
tered the room
"By-the-by, Marma6hke," he was
saying, trying to peak ca~relessly. but
b~etraying his excitement both In look
and tone; -Algernon tells me of a won
derful discovery you made in your
wine-cellar a little while ago. OF n hid
den bin OF choice wine. / propose that
in honor Of yes.- res.:. &c. should take
us down there and let me choose a
bottle TO drink your health OF your re-
turn home"
Duke started, flushed deeply and hesi-
tated. Nr. Bennington insisted, with
rising excitement The three onlook-
ers watched and listened with painful
interest; Minnas with a chill OF terror.
Dukes manifest reluctance was so
great as q ill her with alarm, which
grew suddenly more definite upon her
uncle's next words.
Come" said he. trying in vain 10
assume a tocular tone, If you wont
let us see into this wonderful cellar, we
shall think you have something there
which you want TO hide"
Duke vas standing in the middle of
the room with a daZad expression on
his face, which he had worn from the
first moment that this expedition was
proposed Now, he stood without an
swering. and when his uncle thrust his
arm through his to lead him toward the
door, he seemed too stupefied 10 offer
any resistance. Minna, however, white
faced. trembling, sprlng before the
door and barred the way.
- Il ia DOL III psLslalIS nllfAP.
He would catch a chill Remember, he
Is not yet strong"
But Mr.. Bennington brushed her out
OF the way, Us if she had been a fly.
Opposition to his stubborn. patient Will
was altogether useless. Still holding
Dukes arm, he merely said TO the girl:
go and fetcn the cellar key"
Il can't. Cicely has il. i cannot dis
turb her" painted Aliana, while the two
young men stood In the background.
watching and listening with ever-in-
creasing awkwardness, bewilderment
and fear.
TEL her to fetch it." said Mr.. Ber-
rington to his nephew. in the tone Of
a dictator.
Duke nodded to the girl, stIll in a be-
wildered, half-stupid lanner.
Minna few u OF the room and up
stairs. and presented hersalf, painting.
before Cicely. The young wife. who
was on her knees, sprang up at the
girl entrance, and put something into
her hands without waiting 10 be asked.
IL was the key Of the cellar.
Her eyes burned brightly, fercely:
her lips were dry and parched.
Take H." she whispered in cultural
tones And mind you don't bctray by
a single glance where the secret door
was And tell the boys
She pushed the girl from her hastily,
and fell once more on her kuees. Min
IA went down stairs with trembling
feet.
Uncle and nephew were already at
the cellar door; the two younger men
Were at the head Of the stone staircase
waiting for her. Leonard was trying to
dissuade Algy from going down n, but
the curiosity OF the other was too
strGiig.
Please don't remember anything you
saw-when you were down there last
time" painted Minna, as she passed
them on her way down.
The young men gave a mumbling as
sent, and followed her slowly TO the
bottom Of the staircase. as Mr.. William
Berrington's hard voice was heard call
ing TO then TO come.
Duke himself, still supported by his
uncle's arm, still looking as II he only
half understood the import OF his ac-
tioDs, took the key from her, and with