The Red Cloud chief., 1898-05-13
CHAPTER XXvn.-UContinucdJ

he had such a good appointment Of
fered him, he did not dare refuse it.
Still. he hated to 80 and leave mo,
just now especially. What he would
say if he knew about Barbara. ! can;
think. | don't think would tell him,
would you?"
Not till all is over" answered Els
ther. at would only worry him for
nothing. By-the-byc, what is he like
Oh and Dorothy looked round for
Dicks portrait. "Oh. here he is" hold
Ing it out to her cousin.
Esther Brand took it and looked at
II attentively for a long time. slipped
her tea. and looked again and yet
again.
Well said Dorothy. impatiently.
Il like him." said Esther. che looks
good am true. and he is 4 handsome
man. too-a fine, honcst-looking. man
~ man. Yes. | like ~him-you're a
lucky little girl, Dorothy
so | think" answered Dorothy,
proudly, and Dick Is just what he
looks honest as the day. and as good
as gold"
Esther laughed. We'll. YOU are a
lucky little woman 10 have won such
a husband. | never met Il man like
that. or | should have been tempted to
give up my liberty long ago. Do YOU
know. dearie. | always had a horrible
conviction that YOU would end by mar
rying David Stevenson. and | always
did dislike David stevenson with all
my heart and soul"
so did l." answered Dorothy.
promptly.
For "A moment She was tempted to
tell Esther all about her meeting With
David, then "A feeling that it would he
scarcely fair to him held her back. and
she kept her W counsel about that
matter.
"Of course there is no knowing what
might or might not have done II
dear Auntie had lived" she said, wish
ing to explain everything as far AS pos
sible and yet avoid saying much about
David's feelings for her, and If | had
never seen Dick; but then, YOU see. !
did meet Dick. and Dick liked me, and
and"
And David Stevenson went to the
wall" Esther said. finishing the SEN
tence for her, and Il very proper and
suitable place for him. too, my dear
child" with "A laugh.
Dorothy laughed. too. All! you are
all very hard on poor David" she said
softly.
sNn-, hon. .InlI ,n IL aLo,,, l;.
ner? Hadn't We better wait a little
and see II this woman comes, and then
20 into town and dine somewhere
she said. IL can't offer to cook "A din
ner for you. If | did. it would probably
Kill you TO eat it," ..
Just as you like. Then, couldn't We
call at st. Georges nj leave a note
to tell Barbara you have Gomez DO
rothy asked. 1T will be such Il load of
her mind"
ITO be sure Esther answered: ant
then they settled down TO their cha
again, and Esther heard "A great dea
more about Dick, and learned n grea
many OF Dorothy's hopes and wishes
about the baby that was to come be
fore long.
And presently there came some on
10 the door who ran gently an,
knocked softly.
Il will go; sit STILL" cried Esther.
She went to the door, where sh
found a handsome, neatly dressed wo
man. about forty years old. Mrs
liarris?" she said inQuiringly.
NO." said Esther, Il am not Mr.,
Harris, but this Is her house. viii 70
come in? | suppose Lord Aylmer sen
you?"
Yes, madam" said the stranger rs
specially.
II struck Esther as a little odd tbs
she should use the term madam bi
she put the thought away from her IA
most as soon as it had taken shape /
her mind. "Of course. she is a ma
ried woman, and perhaps has nev'
been q servant at all" she said TO he
self; then said aloud: We'll, con
in and see Mrs. Harris. | am sure 81
will be very glad that you have com
By-the-bye, what Is your name"
"My name IL Harris, too, madam
the stranger answered, with a depr
eating look, as If she had rather tax,
"A liberty in having married a man
the name Of Harris.
Dear me, how odd! Well, | su
pose my cousin will like to call you
your Christian name. And that
-"
amelia, madam she answer
quietly.
"Oh, yes Then Esther opened I
drawing-room door and bade Anne
Harris follow her.
Dorothy, here is Lord Aylmer's-
Why, my dear child, what is the M
ter?" for Dorothy was lying back
the chair with a face as white as cha
and p,nched with pain.
81 am so ill.," she gasped' on
ther! Esther"
Esther ooh firm ground at on