Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-09-09
CHAPTER Xrv.-(Continued.)


the Croydon girls, much to the disgust of
their mother, who loathed him and never
spoke to him without affecting to have
forgotten his name.
"We poor women shall be dreadfully
short Ut partners to-day, SO l mustn't
uonopolize you long" she said, as she held
out slim foot in laced boot that fitted
like glove. II have had lot of disap-
pointments. Thank you very much. Now
put on your own skates, while l take a
preliminary canter and feel my feet"
She wheeled about gracefully for few
moments, until he was ready to join her;
1hen, giving him her hand, she glided
Away with him down the frozen surface
= the lake, chattering and laughing gay
u enough, though all the while she gave
him the impression that she was in state
Ut high nervous excitement, to which tho
octive exercise gave a welcome vent. They
unchanged very few words as they sped
ever the ice on their way back to the mar
Quee, where Lord klidonan broke off in
. kindly talk with Alma Crosmont, to
fetch warm velvet mantle which with
his own hands he wrapped tenderly round
his wife,
Il see you are quite first-rate perform
er.' he said to Armathwaite. Nov take
Mrs. Crosmont a little way. She looks
- If she wanted warming terribly. And
then, when the snow comes down, which
will be within ten minutes if am Judge
Of the weather, you bring her up to The
Crags whether she likes it or not-mind,
say whether she likes it or not"
You ought to have skated with me
6rst, for you will find me very poor
performer after Lady Kildonan," said
Alma, rs they started.
This was true. Though she skated very
fairly, Alma had neither the grace, the
speed. the daring, nor the robust health Of
the beautiful blonde who was so anxious
to pose as an invalid. The touch of her
hand through her glove was cold and al
most damp, and the clasp of her fingers,
after the firm, feverish grip of Lady Kill
domains, was pitifully weak and clinging.
i Come" he said, gently, looking down
ut the pale face which excitement was al
ready bringing a shell-like flush, give
me your other hand, too, and step out
boldly. / wont let you fall"
She was weak and nervous at first,
afraid to trust her own little feet; but
gradually the firm. helpful touch of his
hand, the feeling that she was safe with
him gave her confidence, and by the time
they had gone half the distance he had
reached with his first partner, she looked
- fresh and a. fair as an opening rose,
and her soft brown eyes looked up at him
with plaintive yet innocent allurement,
- she told him that he and Lord Kildo-
man and the skating had made her feel
different woman.
ST xNrd II ;Ldou,a <1or, -, N n Tod %oE
1o4 to The Crags as soon as the snow
Game,' said Armathwaite, looking up and
receiving on his face two or three Of the
0akes which now began to fall fast. II
think we had better be turning back that
way now"
No, no" said Alma. qeickly; II don't
want to 80 to The Crags. never have
been there. and l never will co.
suggested, diffidently:
Don't you think, perhaps, it would be
wise to SO just once, even at the sacrifice
Of your own inclination? Forgive me for
Suggesting this, but you have been kind
enough to treat me with SO much conf
dsnce that feel may venture to advise
you, in the absence of your older friend
and counsellor. It is best to be concilia-
tory when one can"
'.Conciliatoryl Oh, you don't under
stand. ! am more than conciliatory-I
nm broken-spirited," answered Alma bit
terly. Nobody wants me at The Crags
but dear old Lord Kildonan"
But 10 it not true that Lady Kildonan
has often asked you therew
Yes, because she knew / should not
come. And have more than fancy
! have conviction that there 10 nothing
my husband desires less than that
mould accept any of the numerous invi-
tations get to call there. / don't know
his reason; there is some mystery about
Il"
4 will yoa on this occasion sacrifice
your own feelings, and brave displeasure
~ accepting the invitation? My reason
FOR asking yon is simply this: If there
= mystery, it will be the best step you
can take towards clearing it up
She grew excited, nervous at the sug-
xestion, and chung tremblingly to his
hands rs he guided her steps toward the
marquee. in front Of which the skaters
were now busily taking of their skates
6sfore hurrying towards the private road
which led by q gradual ascent to The
OF that weakening Of her own will Of
which Alma had previously complained
that, although her agitation went on in
creesing as they neared the shore, she
uttered no single word in protest. It was
difficult to pursue his plan in face Of this
silent, helpless suffering; but Armathwaite
4elt sure that here was coil which must
- attacked boldly and 1T any open point,
- he took OF first her skates, and then
Ais own very quickly and quietly. and
helped her along the plank which led to
the sh ore without further discussion. BY
this time, however. all signs of outward
agitation in her had given place to a life
les, nerveless calm; her eyes had become
dull, dreamy and fixed, and the hand he
took TO assist her lay in his own clammy
md cold through her glove like that of
dad person Armathwaite thought she
waa going to faint, and. fastening her last
s<vo steps ashore, he put his arm under
hers to support her. Scarcely seesaing
10 notice his action, she turned to the left,
San1 began to walk on, drawing him with