Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-02-04
CHAPTER XII,

CHAPTER XII.
Two gentlemen were sitting in q small
private parlor at the Birnam Arms. They
were both pale and both dark; otherwise
there was not much resemblance between
them. One was somewhat effeminate in
appearance; the other was tall, sinewy
and vigorous-looking-little altered from
iAe man to whom Stella Raeburn had
once given her maiden heart.
His companion, Ralph Kinscott, was
l3eaning back In 2 large armchair, with a
cigar between his lips. His small features
were lighted up with an expression of the
skeenest amusement.
so she had little love affair before
she came to Dunkeldv' he was exclaim-
Ing. This ID most interesting.
thought she looked too innocent for this
wicked world"
She's innocent enough" Harrington
was beginning sulkily, but Kingscott In
Nsrrupted him with q mocking laugh.
1Oh, she's lady, q snowflake, pearl
on her baby face already. She's just
the style he's likely to 80 mad about
fair. gentle, blue-eyed, golden-haired,
and all the rest Of it-as great a contrast
TO his FIRST wife as could possibly be
Imagined
what was the first Mrs.. Moncried
like, thenY'
''Shs was my half-sister, you know.
Well. she was like Molly, only there was
. little more red in her hair and the tint
IL her eye. Marie and had different
mothers; there was Basque blood in hers.
! don't know how she would have lived
with Moncrie6 as long as she did if I
had not been there to calm the two down
when they had their little disputes. That
u managed well, you may conclude from
the fact that have had free quarters
Ct Torresmuir ever since"
1.-THE new Mrs. Moncrieff will have
something to say to that, imagine" said
Harrington, dryly.
.Yes-confound her." He looked a. IL
he would like. to use stronger word.
Docs she like you much ?"-Hanning-
tons tone was malicious
Hates me like poison, believe. No.
I suppose / shall have to 90, bag and
baggage, and make myself comfortable
somewhere else. Not at once; but in six
months or %, If nothing destroys her in
duence in the meantime"
what would destroy her inAuenceT'
Well have an idea or two"
Lets hear them"
"Are you on my side, Harrington ?
The girl behaved stability to you, you
Nay"
"Cut me in the presence OF half dozen
OF my friends. Yes, she made 1t rather
awkward for me. You know Lady Va
s:lencia Gilderoy IAN old friend Of mine.
She made up her mind that I had given
the girl good cause for ofeense, and has
turned the cold shoulder to me ever since
dome me good deal Of mischief, can
tell you"
Miss Stella must be . spiteful little
mink. You would not object to zee her
pride have fan, then?"
mo. shouldn't"
s.And It Il, Of course, my interest to
Sessen her influence - much % possible.
Well, there are two ways In which to do
1t"
sTwor'
''Ons I'll keep to myself" said Kings
colt, with m ugly smile. 1.-THE other de-
ponds somewhat on you. You say you
have LISTERS from her7''
Harnington's face flushed.
'sWhat II you let Moncrien have a
glance ct them?''
Il don't see the use of that"
why, don't you know that Alan Mon
Grief II the most jealous, the most sus-
picious man alive? If know anything
Of women, my dear Jack, she won't have
told him word about you, or only what
che pleases; and she win be MORALLY
afraid Of his getting to know the true
state Of the case"
well" growled Harrington, ''the way
70 punish her, then, will be good fright
i shouldn't mind doing that"
..Molly will have q fair fortune" said
Molly's uncle. ''She has her mothers
money-comes into it at her marriage. or
when she il twenty-one."
Kingscott thought that he caught sight
OF IN odd glitter in John Hannington's
black eyes. But he went on discreetly.
ssMoncrief has the idea that he ought
20 tie her up very tight think he's mar
ried pretty Stella with the idea of get
ting ! jailer for his poor child. Alan will
ind 4 model husband. some worthy,
prosy, neighboring laird, who will keep
her n the Highlands nine months in the
year; and that win BE- poor Molly's future
Not bity' said Harrington, abruptly.
s0hs'd not stand It my dear fellow. She
would bolt"
- had better bolt before marriage
,lhan after, Was Kingscott cynical re-
4 oaa 70 which his friend made no
lonAJsee.. Int rat with his foot moving
oditaf1yely . and fro.
L ~ KfnaanNtf noINdaA anA asniIA6 ssTf vnn