The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1903-11-26
was only ss.ani. however, followed In Il
I n1nn1nnnf Ky Willia m M.

was only S..ani, however, followed In Il
moment by William.
The latter, helped by Siani, set out
food, and we sat down at q long table,
my love being placed at the top with
a tablecloth before her, and / at the
bottom with my dish on the bare oak.
Nay, William said she, when h
observed how the old man was mar
sllalling us. 'aThis Is not a serving man
as old Gwilym was. He is a gentleman
and must sit near me-
Oh said William. under a cloud,
eh2 Ny respects to the gentleman" he
continued, turning q sad eye III me,
but there are folk in this village who
might come to3this house at any min
ute, and trouble might hap for him
We're he suspected"
Upon this hint we remained as we
We're, and the meal was swiftly made.
Enid disappeared again, Siani began to
clear away the supper dishes. and the
old man cam and stood opposite to me
in the chimney corner to which 1 had
returned.
MY friend" said I, who. are the peo-
pie in the village whom you fear?"
Why, master" said William, you'll
Xix them no better than me il you be
what I expect, a gentleman in trouble
for the good cause"
II am" sa:t; I.
Why, there" he said. then mind for
yourself. The present owner OF the
Whitgift estates is my late masters
cousin, q bitter Parliament man. No
sooner is the breath out of my mistress
body than this house is his. He has
heard that she is very i'll and come to
the point of death, and at this very
moment his attorney is waiting at the
village inn to take possession"
This was q piece of news, indeed. l.,
of all naOrln had no ttrhinc for q rloca
acquaintance with IN unfriendly law
n upon Williams moving away
l stared into the fire and unused oyer
the situation.
I heard my name called and looked
UP. Doctor Willingham stood in the
doorway, reckoning me. His face was
very grave.
Mistress Whitgift wishes to see you;
come with me-" he said.
I followed him at once, and he led
the way to the room where he had seen
q faint light burning when we stood
without.
l trod as gently as my clumsy shoes
would permit me into the room. and
a silvery-haired lady lying upon a
bed, the curtains Of which were drawn
wide open. She was not very old;
trouble rather than time had worn her
out. As the doctor led me to her bed
side she opened her eyes and fixed upon
a clear, steady look. I bowed but
did not speak.
You are Godfrey Heathcote Of But
ley Croft?" she said, In faint tones.
7 an, madam" I replied.
II knew your father" she continued;
he was a gallant and worthy gentle-
man. Ohl4I trust you are like him"
I bowed once more. The doctor bent
over the bed. Have no fear, Mistress
Wright" he whispered, yet loudly
enough for all to hear. II have known
him since he was born. He is a good
lad-as good as gold. Fear nothing"
The dying woman nodded and turned
her eye on me again.
You love Entd?" she said.
Truly and dearly, Mistress Whit
I replied. truly and dearly.
And you look forward to MARRYING
her?"
Such is my great hope" 1 said.
She made a slight gesture; and Enid
Who had fallen back when we ap-
preached the bedside came forward.
And o will marry him, Enid?,
My love burned up scarlet, but said
Yes" softly.
Then marrynow," said the sick won
an as eagerly as her strength would
let me see it and know IT.
Marry now. I shall die the easier for
IT,,
There was a dead pause for two or
three seconds, then I turned to Enid
and she lifted her eyes to mine brave
". / questioned her with a look and
held out my hand. The color swept like
a ave over cheek and throat, and she
laid her hand in mine.
I'VE are ready" I said.
Mrs. Wnitgift gave a contented Sigh
and Doctor Willtngha:n nuttered over
leaves of his prayer book In search
Of the marriage service. He looked
over his spectacles and saw Slam near
door.
Call In the people OF the house. he
said; they are good hearts, true as
steel; call them in"
Siani ran at once and returned In a
moment with old William and his wife.
Mrs. Whttgift beckoned t. the latter
With a finger and whispered some dt-
Ia her ear. The woman went
at once and searched in a tall press at
the other end Of the room, and came
back with a small box In her hand.
Take it, Enid, and wear it for my
sake" breathed Mistress Whitgift,
Enid, whose eyes were now fast drop
ping Transformed the box and saw a
valuable ring lying within.
Ay, the wedding ring" said the doc
tor, softly, thinking aloud.
Yes, the wedding ring" whispered
Mistress Whitgift.
Continued Next Week.)
The French &C Golfers.