The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1897-05-06
~ NEKRY

get hln1Sei1 once more in the enjoy
ment of her society. How long it
seemed since they parted! What an
age since their delightful meeting this
morning, That absurd but annoying
interview with old Wickerby had come
between, and all this worry about the
colonels preposterous invitation. How
ever, by this time the colonel, at any
rate, was undeceived. Probably he had
accepted the rejection Of his proposals
in good part. and in spite of all would
welcome Dick again as a friend to-
morrow morning. Tomorrow. Why
not tonight? 1t was now some time,
some considerable time, since he had
received and read the letter. Surely
by this he had got over his disappoint-
ment, If he had really had any such
feeling. Now was the oportune mo-
ment for a visit. In the morning there
would be the chance Of going too early
to see Camilla, or too late to find her
in. Tonight she vas certain to be
at home. This last reflection decided
Dick. He left his rooms again, and
ak quickly to Bedford Square. He
reached the doorstep flushed and
GREATNESS. and rang the bell. 1t was
exactly half an hour, to the minute,
since he had turned away to go home
after seeing the shadow on the blind.
The servant appeared.
rs Madame de Montaut at home?"
asked Dick, stepping forward to enter
as he spoke.
Not at home, sir"
Colonel de Montaut, them said
Dick.
Not at home, sir" repeated the man,
in the same formal tone.
"Thank you. I'll call tomorrow"
stammered Dick, in utter establishment,
and he turned mechanically away.
The footman nodded after him, and
grinned maliciously. Then he closed
the door n went to report to his mas
ter. NJ. de Montaut took out his watch.
Very good" he said; don't forget
again to-morrow." And then, as the
man left the room, the colonel, too,
smiled with secret satisfaction.
MY poor friend he murmured,
gently; my poor young friend does not
know Captain Estcourt as we'll as / do.
He avs Tomorrow I say, in half an
hour and here he is again in twenty
nine minutes
He rose and went to the table, took
up his half-empty glass and raised it
to the light.
LAS for a rebuff or two at the door"
he continued, with the same noiseless
laugh, my poor young friend must not
mind that. We shall all meet again
before long! An revoir donc!" And he
tossed off the wine and went upstairs.
That night Dick slept uneasily, and it
was late in the morning when he awoke.
However, by half-past ten he was again
in Bedford Square, and rang the bell
with an outward appearance of calm
ness, though his heart was beating fast
within.
The same ootman came to the door.
rs Madame de Montaut in?" Dick
asked.
Not at home, sir"
Has she gone out this morning al
ready"
Madame de Montaut is not at home,
sir" repeated the man, in the same in
variable formula.
Dick thought he detected imperti-
hence in his voice, and flushed indig-
nantly.
What do you mean" he said.
Those are my orders, sir"
did you tell Madame de Montaut
NA'S'N a F'S ~ an opctl iltl .
Dick asked this in a still more peremp-
tory zone.
Certainly, sir"
well, and what did she say?"
"She said hat she was not at home"
Not at home to me?" said Dick.
choking with rage at the mans grow
ing in~solence of manner
Particularly not at home to you"
rnnIin1 fhn fnntrnnn n1y,t nIng;.- .l1
Dol in his face.
Dick stood for a moment petrifed
with anger and dismay; then with an
effort he reused himself and walked
steadily away, but with a terrible pain
gripping at his heart the while. Not
that he could yet believe any serious
harm to have been done: his reason told
him that Camilla was merely mistaken,
and that it still needed but a few words
from him to change her disappointment
into sympathy; but his feelings were
sharply hurt. and would not let him
ruption.
To the colonel. as distinguished from
her, he did not give a thought. If he
had done 50, he would hardly have
treated him with the same laniency:
for he had been unable, from the first
moment, to think 1T possible for him to
be genuinely mistaken as to the duty
Of an English officer. A woman might
be excused for not thinking of such con,
siderations. but to a man, and especi.
ally to a soldier, they should have APP
pealed at once, and with unanswer,
able force.
He decided that he must see Camilla
at once. He would write a note beg,
ging for an interview, insist on its be,
ing delivered to her while he waited