The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1900-07-27

eau dAAa SAtS IA 1--WE WAN AiSAs liz
aeauty and sweetness. added to tn
interest she took in his work, haG
made the author decide that in her h
rad met the ideal woman with whom
marriage would mean amending hap
3iness. But the thought of anything
nore than friendship never suggested
tself to Lilac's mind. Mark Mowbray
night not have felt so happy. If he hac
Known how entirely her interest il
aim was due to his profession, and
that it would have been just as great
t he had been old and ugly instead CT
young and handsome. AS it was, he
selt very confident; and Sabina, who,
with her father, had Joined them in
the dining saloon, whispered to the
major over the meal:
Don't you think, papa, that it would
be only kind to Mr.. Mowbray if you
informed him that Lilac is engaged?"
THAT is Miss Marvel's duty an
swered the major, in the severest tone
that he could put into whisper: and
the young lady took a few more bird
on reply.
But if Lilac does not do her duty,
papa? She is very unconventional,
and may not know what is required Of
her" COS
The major stroked his moustache
fiercely.
st is not a case Of conventionality,
dear, but of rightmindedness If Miss
Marvel encourages the advances of an
other man. concealing the fact that
she is engaged to Sir Roydon Garth,
she is not woman who will make the
baronet good wife. and think it
would be my duty to inform Sir Roy
don of the fact"
Sabina could scarcely conceal her sat
isfaction. 1t was just what she hoped
her father would do.
II do not think that you ought to be
hard on Lilac, papa" she said, sweetly.
"Of course Mr.. Mowbray is very hand
some, and he is very distinguished
man. I believe. He is a journalist"
'That makes the matter worse" re-
piled the major. 1T is very kind OF
you to try to defend Miss Marvel. but
really the fact that her friend is an
attractive man only renders her con-
duct more inexcusable."
AS he spoke, he glanced across the
table at the couple under discussion.
who were so deep In conversation
that the lowering of his voice was
hardly necessary as he went on:
''Of course. II Mr.. Mowbray is very
old friend. can understand that they
must have great deal to say to each
other"
The sight Of Lilac's beautiful in
nocent face made the major relent
little. and doubt the unjust conclusion
that he was coming to with respect to
his charge-a conclusion that he owed
more than he guessed to the instdious
suggestions OF his daughter. Sabina
noticed the change in his tone, and de-
cided on bold stroke.
"AIr. Mowbray appears to be q per-
feet gentleman. papa" she said diff
IDENTIFY. land OF course it is very nice
for us to know him; but. do you know
1 believe that Lilac had never seen him
before today. but introduced herself to
him on board.
Major Emmotts face was a sight to
see.
II had my suspicious when she In
troduced me-" he said-"her face red
dened so: but. IL what you say proves
true. will certainly write to the bar
onet. will ask he. openly"
sabina's bird-like eyes had a look of
fear in them. but she rejoined quietly:
Would It not be better to ask Mr..
Mowbray privately. papa? Lilac NIGH
not like to admit the truth.
Sabina looked relieved when the ma
jor assented.
'And to think that the baronet
should prefer this girl to my blameless
daughter!' he was saying to himself.
"Have you finished your luncheon,
Sabina?"
The girl jerked her head round nerv-
ously.
mot quite. papa. why?"
II want you to take Lilac on deck
while have chat with Mr.. Now
bray and try to discover what acquaint-
ance he really has with her."
Certainly, papa hope you will
find that our suspicious are false"
said his daughter. looking the personif-
cation Of the "proprieties.''
But at heart she was very uneasy.
What IL Mr.. Mowbray told her father
the true story Of how she made his ac-
quaintance. Even Sabina could think
Of no stratagem or falsehood by which
she could explain away her action.
She drew the menu towards her, and,
when the major was not looking.
scrawled five words on one Of the cor
ners and tore it of. The little scrap
Of paper was lying by the side Of the
authors plate when. few moments
later, Sabina left the saloon with Lilac.
Mr.. Mowbray glanced at 1t with APP
parent carelessness. and, then. rolling
1t up between finger and thumb into
q pellet, dropped It upon the loor One
OF the passengers afterwards took the
trouble to smooth 1t out and read 1t.
Al