Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1896-02-15
AN ENGLISH VENDETTA.
(ContInued From Last wsek.)

inquiry been delayed. The great firm was
not insolvent, but n very large sacrifice
would be uecessary-how much was not
a~scertained when Sir Philip died of shame
and self-reproach. Fred left tie service
and bent his unframed intelligence to his
affairs. In process of time it was discover
ed thet the whole sum left by Sir Philip in
personal property would not suffice TO meet
the liabilities of the firm and his sons
private debts.
Anthony Staymer advanced what was
needful on mortgage Of the estate, but IL
was clear that Fred could not keep up the
house on what remained. He wished to
sell, to reJoin the army, and make "A posi-
ton for himself.
But his uncle had other views: what
they were needs no telling. Fred came to
Thetford House for a visit presently.
Louisa was now a beautiful girl, but a
look Of trouble and anxiety in presence OF
strangers marTed the expression of her
perfect face. Though contact with Amy's
high spirit had done much to give her an
appearance Of ease in society, the instinct
OF self-distrust and obedience remained at
least as strong a. ever.
Upon these characteristics Anthony re-
lied, z, as was very improbable, she
should not fall in love with her brilliant
cousin.
Amy also was beautiful, though in quite
another style, clear-eyed and resolute,
eager, impulsiye. | fear that she heard Of
the Staymer misfortunes in still delight,
regarding them as vengeance for the con
duct of Sir Philip toward her father. If
she forgayc the old man now that ne was
dead her resentment did not perish with
him, for was not Frederick still rich, as
she understood. while james Kelley, who
made that fortune, had almost starvedl
Staymer Hall was advertised ITO Let"
and the young man made his home for a
while AT Thetford. These shocks had
sobered him "A little. Amy found herself
obliged 10 confess hat he was not the loud,
empty-headed rake she had been pleased
10 fancy, hut doubtless he would prove TO
be just as Objectionable in some other
way. A few days after his arrival. how
ever, n very sulaii incident Disconnected
her.
The three were riding through a lane, In
which low posts and rails had been set at
intervals beside tine path. for some object
long forgotten. The How OF talk was dull
and lahored. To make a small diversion
Amy leaped each barrier and challenged
her companions To follow. Louisa ode
gracefully, but with no courage, and when
she prepared Ia obey, a usual. her distress
was evident. Fred diSsuaded her So grave
ly, with such an anxious demonstration
Of the peril. tina Amy conceived very
s~cornfll ideas Of his nerve and h%orseinan-
ship
A mile or two beyond they met Mrs.
Anthony driving home. Louisa com
plained If fatigue. "dismounted, aud tOok a
seat beside her aunt.
Now, Miss Dermot,' Fred exclaimed.
cheerily, as the others drove on, are you
game for an old-fashioned steeplechasei
But let W. wait till poor little Loo can't
see
They returned across country, flying.
and Amy found herself quite out-not in
the matter Of his riding ALONE.
She fought hard against a growing con.
viction that Fred was "A chivalrous and
gallant fellow. Toward her he showed
just the mingling Of respect and interest
and familiarity which became their re.
spectiye positions. but with Louisa he
made no progress, and Amy was glad to
see ii. She suspected the projects in view.
Fred perceived in no long time that the
more agreeable he made himself the more
confused and troubled his cousin grew;
though gentle aud attentive TO her he fell
into a habit OF talking with the compan-
ion.
II was not easy TO keep alive a feeling OF
distrust and hostility as she came 10 know
him better, hut Amy Struggled, recalling
her grievances hour by hour. He relieved
hsr on q s1atsS, SONS with some friends
VII q NdthNthH NON1EE+
In HIS absence a cousin of the other
branch took lodgings in the neighborhood,
which was convenient for his business in
town. The Staymers hardly recognized
him, for Mark Thomas was a very unob-
trusiye young fellow socially and person
ally, cool, silent and thoughtful. They al
lowed him to go To and fro as much as he
pleased, 10 escort the girls from church on
Sunday, and To call OF an evening. Amy
had often met him, but his timeo greatest
intimacy at Clapham had reached an end
Just at the moment when her OWL began.
Mark went to study the language and
commercial affairs at Leipsic before es-
tablishing himself in "a modest way at
home. This cousin was the only male be-
ing with whom Louisa could be comfort
able. His ways did not daunt her, and
his cool self possession gave a sense OF
trust.
But Amy had no suspicion how far this
soft and timid liking went until Fred's re-
turn was announced.
After breakfast on the day which fixed
that event, Mrs. Anthony took Louisa 10
her room, whence the child emerged trem-
bling and pale and fearful.
"Oh, Amy" she cried, taking refuge in
her friends arms, Il am 10 marry Fred.
Oh, isn't il dreadful, Oh, / don't know
whatever | shall dol" And so on, helpless
in her misery.
IF it's dreadful, darling, you sha'n't be
allowed TO do it, that's all. What did your
aunt sayS"
"Ohi she said my mourning was over,
and Fred's would be in a short time. And
he was coming back on purpose To marry
me, and he loves me very m~uch-and-she
talked like that Oh! I'm so wretchsd!'
poor little Louiel Well, did you tell
her you w~ouldn'tf'
"Amy,-Then aunt said It was my duty,
because Fred is ruined, and l can set the
family up again with my money. And she
doesn't mean TO stand any nonsense, be
cause it's for my good, and l musti Oh,
oh!'
Your manner betrayed you, darling;
but 1t doesn't signify. It's not your duty,
and II you don't wish you shall not marry
Fred. So that's all about it. Let me think"
The girl waited patiently, sobbing In her
arms.
'Can we TRUST Mr.. Thomas"
"Oh. yes; but"
"But whati"
II would rather not speak to him, II you
don't mind"
"Of course not. will speak, If neces-
sary."
"But, dear Amy, please, il 1t doesn't
matter, ! would rather"
"Show me your face. You won'ti Oh,
very well. Then draw my own conclu-
sions."
"Oh, there aren't any conclusions to
draw!'' But Louisa would not emerge
from the shelter she had found, crying,
with another burst of tears. It's no
usel i must marry Fred If sunt tells me!'
"Therel Take comfort little one. III
see about 1t.
She requested an interview with Mrs.
Anthony, and told her that the match wac
distasteful. That naughty dame resented
the companions status-immovable until
Louisa's marriage-and herself personally.
She replied:
"We looked for this. Miss Dermot, and
nay husband thinks you have every call
A. $500 nl.t - sL. H 49, g..