The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1903-12-03

tie. resolve. A face with a well-cui
mouth, mirthful and sweet as WON
ans, wit ha pair Of big. black, daunt.
less eyes, flashing and spirited.
For a long time she looked at It in
silence--looked at 1t as women look
at that which Is dearest to them in
iife-with a reverence rife with pas
sion, and calm, rigid and enforced.
"There!"
She turned suddenly away as she
spoke, with a gesture that might al
most be called wrench. so different
was II from her usual stately Eaove-
ments.
She began walking rapidly up and
down the room.
what news viii he bring me?
There! am quite strong now-quite!
What is that cynical thought which has
been in.ruding itself of late?-that we
are all fools, we women! Well, we
can keep our own secrets-thank God
Tor that"
Once she paused, and thrusting her
hand in her bosom drew forth a gleam-
ing object--a heavy, ANTIQUE locket OF
dull gold.
II was gift that Give had brought
60 his mother on the evening Of his
last home coming. Cynthia had found
II the morning after his departure
found II on the floor Of the library,
where 1t had been flung the previous
evening In bitter anger.
She opened 1t now and held 1t In the
full, soft candle light. She bent lit
eIe forward, and leaning her elbow on
the table, her head on her hand, looked
long and earnestly at the face 1t con-
tanned.
An older, stronger, graver face than
that which hung on the wall. A sweep
ing mustache shaded, but did not hide.
the fine lips The clearly-defined feat
ures were decidedly handsome, the
dark, eager eyes hawk-like and spir-
tied.
What was that-a tearf
Miss Iennox started as that burning
drop fell upon her hand-started as
though It had stung her.
She clasped the lochet hurricdly,
and thrusting II in her bosom, recon-
menced her restless walk.
Hark! The great iron knocker was
sounding summons on the hall door.
moment more, and she could hear
Mr.. Bowers smooth tones in the corri-
dor beyond.
present my compliments to Lady
Carrinetan, and inform her of my ar
rival. What. Miss Lennox desires to
see me? The last room? Very well!"
Cynthia was standing by the center
table when he entered--an erect, ex-
pectant. quiet figure, She looked I'M
commonly tall as she stood just now.
clad in high-throated. long wasted
gown OF peculiar, soft, rich violet.
which fell to the floor In flowing and
unbroken lines.
"Good evening, Miss Lennox!" said
the man OF law, deferentially, though
his smile had lest much Of its former
unrufIied serenity. San unpleasant
evening, is 1t notg Our charming
weather could not last--a very I'M
pleasant EVENING""
The girl made faint, impatient mo-
tion with her hand.
"That viii do. Do not think me dis
courteous, but we cannot discuss the
weather now Please shut the door"
And when he had done so she wheel
ed suddenly round and faced him, In
strong but restrained excitement.
"Nowl" she "quick--tell mel
You have heard--you have news!
read 1t in your face. Where Is he?--
how is he? Quicb!"
The words. the tone. the manner OF
fevcrfsh eagerness, were so wholly
foreign to calm. naughty Cynthia Len
nox that the person she addressed re-
garded her second In amazement.
'well?" she prompted.
He lifted his head with an air of sud
den. logged resolution, and looked her
full In the face. And this time he did
not try to smile.
sweli, suppose II is no use trying
20 break things to YOU" he said, slow.
iy. You are right have news! What
IS more-I have bad news:" He paused
q moment.
"Go on!"
He glanced up at her half-timidly.
That lofty. imperial presence seemed
TO dwarf the little lawyer mentally as
well as physically.
~For weeks worked conscientiously
and necessarily. and absolutely with
out success. / could discover no clue,
no trace. no guide to Sir Give Carrirg-
tons whereabouts. had decided To
come down and tell you must throw
up the case. when. providentially and
sgi.hent ans e!!se--ss vi. - whatsoever On my
part, that which had been striving
to elrcidate was all at once made
clsar to me-"
sOh. stop!" Cynthia cried, with
fierce explosion of her meager stock OF
patience. you are not telling me
anything. How Is he?--where Is he?
Il want facts--something tangible.
Words. words. words!'"
Little she guessed the worst!
He would tell her gently. no would
prepare her. despite herself.
He looked up. with certain dignity
- depression on his countenance.
Miss Lennox. yon must lei me tell
you IN my own way. The end will
como rapidly enough = gentlsman--