The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1898-09-08


body was frail,
however, his intellect was as bright as
ever, and when Marjorie entered the
study he was busily engaged in read
ing one OF his favorite books.
He looked up with his kindly smile
as his foster-daughter appeared.
rs it you. my bairn?" he said, as
he came over and kissed her. "Wel-
come home again! Though you have
been scarcely week away, have
missed you sorely. and have been
counting the days till your return"
For some months past, / should now
explain. Marjorie had been accustomed
TO stay at a ladies school in the neigh
boring town from Monday till Friday
of every week, returning each Friday
afternoon, and remaining till the fol-
lowing Monday. This arrangement had
been found necessary, as it was i'm
possible for the girl to complete her
simple education at home, and as the
distance was too great for her to go
to anil fro daily without Inconvenience
And what news have you got from
the town." continued the minister as
Marjorie. holding his hand in hers,
sanl; into chair at his side. How is
Miss Carruthers? and how do you get
along with your studies?"
Miss Carruthers sends her compli-
mcEts, and as she is called away to
Edinburgh to see her sick sister l am
TO bide at home for a week A whole
week, Mr.. Lorraine, and in May-time!
Oh, am so glad!'
80 am /, my BARN." said the min
lister, "A weeks rest will do me good,
too. hope, for 1 have been far from
well since you went away. l had one
of my old attacks on Tuesday, and
have been obliged to keep in the
house"
You will be better now" said Mar
jorie. IL will nurse you!"
LAY, ay: a. ] the sight of your face
and the Sc. of your voice will do
me more gr| than the doctor. By the
way, my bahn, had one here today
fnquiring after you, and she will be
here again this evening""
II know! Miss Hetherington, of the
Castle?"
Yes, Miss Hetherington. It is
strange, my BARN, how much interest
the good lady takes in you-she who
cares so little for any other living
thing; and yet, after all, it is not
strange, for my Marjorie is fayorite
with high and low"
The girls face grew troubled as she
answered:
Il hope, Mr.. Lorraine, she won't be
asking me up to the Castle; l feel so
lonely there, and she-she frightens
me sometimes! She has such strange
ways, and the house is an awful place."
We'll, well. you must be careful not
to offend her, for she is a true
friend"
Il know she is very rich and good
too, but for all that cannot bear to be
alone in her company. wonder why
she likes to have me! She sits in her
armchair looking at me for hours to-
gether, till sometimes / feel as if l
could scream out and run away"
"She is strange woman" said the
minister, thoughtfully; but you have
mo reason to fear her. She takes a
great interest in you, and in all that
concerns you"
Il know that, but"
Her eccentricities are only put on,
! think, to conceal heart that is truly
kindly. You must try to humor her,
my BARN. Not that would have you
shape your conduct toward her by any
sordid hope of future gain; no, no,
that would be unworthy; but it is well,
after all to have so powerful friend,
should anything happen to me-"
''Oh, don't speak like that" ex-
claimed Marjorie, her eyes filling with
tears. Il cannot bear il"
Solomon here interrupted the con-
versation by bringing in the tea.
Marjorie took off her hat and shawl,
and, sitting at the table, began to pour
out the tea, while Mr.. Lorraine, forget
ting his recent train of thought ques-
toned her anew about her doings in
the town. Thus far they chatted cheer
fully together and shared the simple
meal.
land how about the French Mar
jorie?" asked Mr.. Lorraine presently
-'Are you coming on?"
Very slowly" was her reply. II
find 1t hard to pronounce, and the verbs
are a dreadful trouble-and the gen