The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1899-07-21
CH 4 pier NJ

The day had come when Mr. Richard
Charlford was to return. Everybody at
the Court was in a state of unusual eN-
cltement-evcn Caroline seemed to be par
TALLY reused from her Indifference. The
news of the week had startled servants,
friends and neishbors-Mr, Charlford was
expected home Immediately. and his young
daughter Mabel was engaged to be mar
ried to Niscount Wynmore.
There was no need to announce the en-
sagement, for it was done by rumor in an
incredibly short time, so that long befere
Mabel's father actually arrived everyone,
from highest to lowest, was whispering
that "it would be splendid match.'
And yet Mabel had refused to allow the
betrothal ring TO be placed on her finger
until she had seen her father and received
an explanation of the hidden mystery. But
he would soon be here now. The carriage,
with Uncle John, had driven to.the station
to meet him. Dick had offered to so, too,
but Uncle John had ncgatived it.
They went out. The carriage was quite
near now, and Mr.. Charlford could be dis
tinguished waving his handkerchief in tok-
en- of greeting.
Il never remember him doing that be-
FORE said Dick aside to Nab.
Nab clasped one of her fathers hands
and shivered. How was it that she al
ways felt the same strange unnatural re-
pugnance to meet her father after any Of
his absences?
Nor did Dick and Caroline attempt 10
disguise from themselves that they dread
cd this Homecoming of their fathers. All
the same, they must greet him with some
show of affection, and hide their repuc-
nance as best they might.
The carriage drew up. Mr.. Charlford
jumped out, and at once went up to his
youngest daughter bent down and kissed
her forehead.
Uncle Johns telegram brought me
great news" he said, smiling MY darI-
ing Mabel, let HE wish you all manner of
happiness! Lord Wynmore will see me
tomorrow, but of course it is virtually
settled now. You are a very fortunate
girl, my dear, and we shall all be very
proud of YOU
Thank you, father" she replied, almost
inaudibly, though she tried 10 assume a
resolute air; but l do not know vet if I
may accept such happiness"
Not accept it"' exclaimed her father
with a smile. "Oh. you mean that YOU are
too young just at present. True-it will
be quite time enough to marry when YOU
are eighteen; and indeed | shC1ld not let
you think of it before"
Il did not mean that, fathe--," she mur-
INJURED, repressng shudlor: but he had
turned aside to say How do you do?" in
Il more formal fashion to his son and to his
eldest daughter; and soon, owing to Caro-
lines talent for keeping up some sort of
conversation, which she could always do
on necessity, and also to Dicks forcing
himself to ask his father questions about
his journey and about Frankfort, Mabel
had time partially to recover herself. Hap
PLY for hcr, the bell shortly aflerward
rang for dinner, and she escaped to her
own room.
The tedious evening at length wore
away, and Nab found herself exchanging
tho usual goodnight with her father Hur-
riedly ncrying herself, she added, tremu-
ious!y-
Father. you will let me speak to you
carly tomorrow won't you-DicL and
me-"
Certainly, my dear" he answered, a
little stfly-" certainly; but what has
Dick to do with it:'
Almost as much as l." she replied, with
difficulty restraining her tears.
We'll, do not understand it, confess,
my dear; but Of course Dick may say any
thing he pleases and hear anything we
say. SO goodnight, and pleasant dreams
of the Manor
"Oh, father, do not talk Of that yet.'
she cried. as if struck with some sudden
fear.
Mr.. John Charlford, seemingly engross-
ed with book at the other end of the
room. pretended not to hear this, while