Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-04-29
CHAPTER VIII.

OIlAI l. En- VAIL |
The cloud which had fallen on the ex-
of Miles O'Hara's face as he
watched his sister and Eric Llewellyn
passing the window hastily and in silence,
with averted faces, deepens perceptibly
Is he scans the looks of both as they enter
the room.
"Had a nice walk" he inquiries, short
Is, of no one in particular, as they are
seated. and he commences to carve the
cold roast mutton.
Yes, capital walk" Eric says, pleas |
antly. noticing Master Sylvester's sly
eyes stealthily appraised.
Il hope you will not think have been
too precpitate. Miles," he says, easily,
knowing Miles mind SO well. "But-to.
day I asked your sister to be my wife. and
--she did not say, no."
II didn't say yes either" Muriel ut
tiers indistinctly, burning crimson to the
tips of her little shell-like ears, and blind
ed with tears, whilst she feels an over
wkclming desire to burst into laughter.
.'But yon will say it now" Eric says,
coolly advancing towards her; and so
Muriel instantly retreats. with terrified
Instinct that the scene under the fir trees
10 going to be repeated, and as Miles has
started forward from his chair, she is
caught and prisOned between the two.
'sAll right, Murrie! What is the mat
ter. old grip Miles says, laughing ex-
,citedly, as Muriel clings to him desper-
iately. $50 Eric has asked you to be his
wife. and you didn't say no'-quick work,
upon my word! A case of love at first
sight, suppose, eh, Murrie?" And he
laughs again, and Muriel can feel him
trembling from head to foot, and feels
that his thin, damp hands are burning
like Goals of fire and his heart beating
loudly.
"But am waiting for Muriel to say
'ycs,'" objects Eric, rather frigidly.
'.All right. old fellow Miles laughs
again. grasping one of Eric's hands tight
ly. whilst he tries to lift Muriel away
with the other. shell say yes pres
emily, never fear"
You are very ready to give me away.
Miles" she says. in coolest tones of Bit
I iterest reproach. ITO avoid your displeas-
nrc. therefore, win give Major Llewellyn
my promise to become his wife. Does that
please him and your"
There is tragedy in every tone and ges-
tire of the quivering young form-the
pale face, with the great dark eyes ablaze
with pride deeply Swallowed with pain.
and she is drawing haughtily away to-
wards the door, when Eric hastily inter-
poses himself with look of entreaty to-
ward Muriel, and look of stormy re-
proach toward poor Miles.
"Hless my soul. girl.'' he says. his bag
gard face flaming. what are you afraid
of that you cant speak out at once and
cay whether you like Erie and whether
you are willing to marry him or whether
you're not. Yon can do as you please,
Suppose. There's no one going to force
or to urge you. We're only waiting to
4 hear what you wish to say!
His sister lifts her head and looks al
him steadfastly, with an anguish Of sor
row and rebuke in the white. sad. young
face, and he winces perceptibly beneath
her gaze.
Then Miles, l wisE to say that l an
quite capable of doing as | please with
out your assistance" she says. in a low
tense voice of suppressed emotion: and
with q slight inclination of her head Il
Eric Llewellyn. she walks quietly out O
the room like young queen in her ange
and dignity.
Miles stares after her in wrath an,
Amusement for an instant, and then, as b
meets Eric Llewellyn's eyes. he burst
into q nervous laugh.
Upon my honor. I've caught it thi
time and no mistake. and it serves m
right" he says.
ut Does" Eric says dryly.
Upon my honor it does" repeats Miles
with excited fervor. 1.-THE little one
as naughty as princess. and l ough
TO have been more cautious how l spok
4 to her on such topic"
.tYou ought" Eric says grimly, IAN
you ought-excuse me if l presume o
friendship to say soto have taken les
claret and whisky at luncheon"
do you mean to say you think tn
couple of glasses had have excited me :
Miles demands angrily.
II don't think, l know" Eric say
tersely. $50 excited at all events. you mu!
allow. that you could not discuss a del
cate topic with your sister without hur
ing and offending her deeply!'
II haven't hurt or offended her deeply.
Miles retorts shortly. One would almo
/ fancy. one who did not know you. tina
as remarked before, you had forgotte
your role in the performance"
asks, coldly, but with his eyes on the di
pattern of the faded carpet.
Not Muriels lover at all events" Mil,
says, shortly. Though her husband
hope you will be-"
.Some people say good husband mu
he a lover" Eric says briefly, pacing I
and down the room in a restless sort
fashion, as if his thoughts will not suff,
him to rest. According to you, l sha
make bad husband to Muriel."
"Muriel must take the chance Of that
Miles says, abruptly, the hoarseness tn,
emotion always brings in his weak vol,
making his words scarcely audible. ''yt
will be very kind to her. and careful
her, know, and hope you will be p
tent with her: she is proud and hig
spirited, poor little Muriel."
sKind and careful and patient? Yes,
hope 80, certainly" Eric says, slowl
s.but do you think that will make h
happy, or make me happy
"You must take your chance Of that
Miles retorts, with quick, deep sigh. al
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