The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1896-02-15
AN ENGLISH VENDETTA,
Continued From Last woek.)

Continued From Last Week.) ,
IhlugS did not prove quite 50 bud AZ
they have been, doubtless had the
inquiry been delayed. The great Arm was
not 1nsolvent, but a very large sacrifice
would be necessary--how much was not
ascerta1ned when Sir Philip died Of shame
and s~elf-reproach. Fred left the service
and bent his unframed intelligence to his
affairs. In process of time it was discover
ed That 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 it
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
Ihetford House for Il visit presently.
Louise vi now Il beautiful girl, but a
look of trouble aud anxiety in presence Of
strangers narred 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 as ever.
Upon these characteristics Anthony re-
lied, II, rs 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 III still delight,
regarding them as vengeance for the CON
duct of Sir Philip toward her father. II
she forgaNe The old man now that he was
dead her resentment did not perish with
him, for WAS not Frederick still rich, as
she understood, while James Keeley, who
made that fortune. had almost starvedy
Staymer Hall WAS advertised "ro Let"
and the young man made his home for q
while ut Thetford. These shocks had
sohered him Il little. Amy found herself
obliged to confess that he was not theloud,
elnpty-headed rake she had been pleased
to fancy, but doubtless he would prove to
be Just as Objectionable in some other
way. A few days after his arrival, how
ever, 81 very small incident disconnected
her.
The three We're riding through a lane, in
which low posts and rails had been set at
intervals beside the path, for some object
long forgotten, The flow of talk was dull
and lnbored. To make u small diversion
Amy leaped each barrier and challenged
her companions to follow. Louisa rode
gracefully, but with no courage, and when
she prepared To obey. as usual, her Distress
was evident. Fred d~issuadel herso grave
ly, with such an anxious demonstration
Of the peril, that Amy conceived very
scornful ideas of his nerve and horseman-
ship.
A mile or two beyond they met Mrs.
Anthony driving home. Louisa COM
planned of fatigue, dis,mounted, and took a
seat beside her aunt.
Now, Miss Dermoi.' Fred exclaimed,
cheerily, as the others drove on, are YOU
game for an old-fa~flioned stecplcchase,
But let us 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 n growing con.
viction that Fred was II 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 it. She suspected the projects in view.
Fred perceived in 40 long time that the
more agreeable he made himself the more
confused and troubled his cousin grew;
though gentle and attentive to her he fell
into a habit of talking with the compan
ion.
If unC NOT nnS, n lnnr, n 1t,rn ~ fnn1t,n- ~ =
distrust aud hostility as she came to know
him better, but Amy struggled, recalling
her grievances noun by hour. He relieved
her on a sudden, going with some friends
on a yachting voyage.
In his absence II cousin of the other
branch took lodgings in the neighborhood,
which was convenient for his business in
town. The Staymcrs hardly recognized
him, for Mark Thomas was a very unob-
trusive young fellow socially and person
ally, cool, silent and thoughtful. They al
lowed him to go to and fro as much as he
pleased, to escort the girls from church on
Sunday, and to call of an evening. ANY
had often met him, butbis timeo of greatest
intimacy at Chaplain had reached nm cad
just at the momen when her own 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 u senss Of
trust.
But Amy had no suspicion how far this
soft Il timid liking went until Fred's re-
turn wa announced,
After brenkfoct IN fha 6nv which a yal
that event, Mrs. Anthony took Louisa TO
her ROOM, whence the child emerged trem-
bling and pale and fearful.
"Oh, Amyi" she cried, taking refuge in
her friends arms 81 am to marry Fred!
Oh, isn't it dreadful Oh, 1 don't know
whatever | shall do.' 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"
ooh! she said my mourning was over,
and Fred's would be in q short time. And
he was coming back on purpose to marry
me, and he loves me very much-and-she
talked like thatl Oh! Pm so wretched!'
"Poor little Louie! Well. did you tell
her You w%ouldn't9"
"Amy!-Then aunt said 1T was my duty,
"%S"o = 1aihSNt oilu Snh oCU Vue
family up again with my money. And she
doesn't mean to stand any nonsense, be
cause it's for my good, aud l mustl Oh
oh!'
Your manner betrayed you, darling
but it doesn't signify. It's not YOU duty
and if you don't wish you shall not marry
Fred. So that's all aboutit. Letm me think. .
The girl waited patiently, sobbing in hel
arms.
Can we TRUST Mr.. Thomasin
"Oh, yes; but"
But what?'
Il would rather not speak to him, II yor
don't mind"
"of course not. Iwin speak, if neces
sary."
But, dear Amy, please, if it doesn't
matter, / would rather
"Show me your face. You won'tf Oh
very well. Then I draw my own conclu
Eions.'
"oh, there aren't any conclusions t.
drawn But Louisa would not emerge
from the shelter she had found, crying
with another burst of tears. Its nj
usel must marry Fred if aunt tells lne!'
"Therel Take comfort little one. III