Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-05-27
CHAPTER XIX-fContinued.)

CHAPTER XIX--fContinued.
.Nho is dead? And who is married Z"
Hester demands, with fierce impotence,
clutching his coat sleeve. "Are you mar
ried ~
Eyes, am married, Hettie,' he an
swers, trying to smile, and fairly Quailing
at the look of rage and scorn, hate and
despair, in the rigid face that stnres at
him. Il am married, mother, and this Is
my wife," he says, trying again to smile
and not to notice Hettie, who has shrunk
back against the arm Of the sofa, and
to introduce Mnriel easily and gracefully,
and finding all three efforts utterly and
equally impossible.
"Your wife, Eric!' his mother repeats,
breathless with surprise. You will par
don my astonishment, hope, my dear"
she adds, courteously, addressing Mnriel;
"but Eric has kept his marriage a secret"
this very primly and coldly-"otherwise
should have been pleased to welcome
you as should WISH"
I'VE have only been married week,
mother Eric interposes stiffly, watching
the cool pressure of the hand with which
his mother receives her daughter-in-law,
"and 1t is not my fault" he adds resent
fully, ''that you have not been made fully
aware two days ago of my marriage with
Muriel O'Hara."
Indeed" Mrs. Llewelyn says, with a
fresh accession of surprise, and an arch
ing Of the eyebrows, and lowering of the
eyclids and the corners of the lips, which
betoken that the enlightenment is not a
pleasant one. She knows now that her
sons bride is very poor and very young
as soon MS she hears distinctly who she is
the sister of Eric's Irish friend, Cap
tain O'Hara.
II am so sorry to have come on you as
q surprise. 1t is very unfortunate" Mu-
riel says, smiling coldly as she addresses
her, for she reads the eldest lady's
thoughts correctly enough. Indeed, she
perceives quite clearly that both ladies
are astonished and disappointed.
1T is very unfortunate and unpleasant
for you!' Hester retorts, with shrill
laugh. IF we had had the least idea of
the pleasure Eric was preparing for us
we should have had our countenances in
better order! Shouldn't we, auntie!"
And she remains staring with a set smile
on her lips and that merciless glare in her
eyes at Muriels fair face. which she is
glad to see has WINGED Mt the yelled taunt
In her speech.
ut has been surprise indeed--we had
no idea, am sure--neyer understood that
Eric--so surprised Mrs Llewellyn,
senior, says nervously, and in fragment
airy speech, which Muriel decisiyely cuts
short
.sDon't you think" she says, addressing
Eric, but speaking quite clearly and calm
", with the slightest of those cold little
scornful smiles he II beginning to know
% we'll, don't you think if were to go
away, back to our rooms in New Caven-
dish street for an hour or SO, while you ex-
plain matters, it,would be more agreeable
to every one? think shall certainly be
de trop," Muriel says. with an airy little
laugh, while you are relating why and
wherefore you married me"
You cannot be de trop where am.
Murielv' Eric says, sternly. but with a
look OF passionate fondness and an under
tone Of reproach and tenderness that al
most overwhelms all the composure and
GOODNESS Of the poor little aching heart
that leaps up in answering love and graft
tude to his protecting authority; and at
the look and tone Hester Stapleton's
yengeful eyes and false smiling lips turn
their ba!eful regard on him. She sees
and knows that Eric dearly loves this
stranger girl whom he has married.
"You jade" she says. voicelessly, to the
demons that are warning within her. IF
I wasn't afraid of being hanged l should
wiring that white neck of yours that
tempted him.!