The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1900-04-19

deep, mysterious smile In them WHICH
had brought so many hearts to her
feet, her hand half extended-the &C
ton Of queen expecting homage.
Monteith came forward and bowed
low; but he did not take the half
proffered hand, and Lilith allowed 1t
to fall by her side.
Look at my lovely pussy! Is she
not a queen among Persians? she
said, laying her own beautiful mouth
on the top of the animals head.
And, do you know, actually believe
she loves me? Is it not stranger"
There was hardly coQuetry in the
question; it was almost murmured
over the Persian's head, and might
have been intended for her as much
as for Monteith. Monteith took no no.
tice of it. He turned to shake hands
with Blspeth, then, coming back to
Lilith's side, took a seat beside her.
You have sent for me, and, in obe-
| dience to your request, / am here"
he said, in a lowered tone. Elspeth
rose and made motion as If TO leave
the room.
"Oh, don't go, please, Miss Troll"
cried Lilith. II wish you to play to
us. Something low and soft and sweet,
like this divine evening. And we shall
sit and dream while you are playing.
Ask her, Mr.. Monteith."
II shall play if you wish me, Miss
Stuart" said Elspeth again. She came
back, and going to the piano. opened
it. and running her fingers over the
keys, began one OF Memberships
Songs Without Words"
Lilith lay back in her chair, an ex-
preston Of delight on her changeful
face.
"Ah! don't distress mel" she said
when Monteith made movement as
IL he were about to speak do you
know what feel like? dream-yes;
and 1t is OF the past-the past that
comes never again" She sighed a
little. and her long dark lashes swept
her cheek, lying like a shadow upon
them. Monteith looked at her for a
moment. Perhaps no other man in the
world could have looked at her with
out thrill of admiration.
She looked divinely fair and diyinely
sweet at that moment; but Monteith's
face was strangely cold and stern.
Elspeth played on and on. She was
only paid employee, and, however
CALLING it might sometimes be to obey,
she knew that on Lilith Stuart's favor
depended her situation; for Lady
Westray was not in position to defy
the mistress of Crag Castle.
And Monteith, In spite of himself,
began to feel strangely softened. His
mind wandered to the old-fashioned
garden at Abbot's Head, and to the
dainty figure that used to fit among
the rose-bushes there. He had almost
forgotten the one beside him, and
started as soft hand fell on his.
Let US go out" whispered Lilith's
voice almost in his ear, ito the terrace.
The evening Is SO enhancing that it
seems shame to remain indoors. And
do you hear the birds singing in the
garden? do even above the music.
You will Gomez" Monteith rose with
out word. As they passed the piano
Lilith tapped Elspeth lightly on the
shoulder.
Thank you. It Is beautiful" she
said "But we have demanded too
much OF you. We are going out on
the terrace"
Elspeth looked after them as Lilith's
sea-green robe vanished outside the
window.
Dare I warn him?" she said to her
self "And yet think he knows her.
He does not trust her; but there is no
one in the world l distrust more"
Lilith had gone to the edge of the
balcony and lsant upon the balusters.
From that point the view was one
which can only be seen in northern
lands. Although it was long past sun
set, the sunset glory still fingered in
the western sky In colors so gorgeous
and vivid that no painters $-ush
would dare reproduce them.
Monteith had followed Lilith and
leant his arm on the balustrade. She
looked up at him, her eyes cleaning
strangely.
"You have something to say to me.
What is ito"
Yes; ! have something to say to
you," Monteith answered slowly, as If
he weighed every word he uttered. "A
fortnight ago, Lilith Stuart, you and !
met again under strange circum-
stances. You asked me then If it was
to be war or peace between us. have
come now to give you my answer.
Once upon time l was your dupe
and believed in you; but that Is long
ago. Now ! know you as you are.
am no longer taken in by your smil IS
your touches. your sweet words,