The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1903-05-08

past
the interest she had manifested in
s-Don's-convalescen and his ca
reer altogether, lent impetus to the
thought that she would not refuse him
her hand second time.
Marriage with Lille would mean to
him afiiuence equal to the rent rolls of
Gadie, and-well, he admired Lille as
much as Don felt it incumbent upon
him to aumire any one, to the exclu-
sion of the overruling idol of his life,
and that was self.
But 1t was almost with the air of an
ardent lover Don drew rein before the
spacious white house surrounded by
cool veranda, between whose slender
columns green blinds of split bamboo
excluded the heat of the sun by day.
Yes, the memsahib was at home"
he was informed by the durwan-door-
keeper-who hurried to his summons.
A gong was banged to announce
visitor, and thereupon another native,
red-turbaned and white-caftaned, ap-
peared on the threshold and salaamed
Don Gordon through the white vesti-
bnle toward a delightful apartment,
which proved to be untenanted. It was
veritable lady's boudoir, furnished
with European taste and Oriental
splendor combined.
On the walls were dotted valuable
prints in English frames, which Don
remembered to have adorned Capt.
Derwent's private quarters at home.
They had touch of pathos as seen in
conjunction with the great gilded
punkah which hung overhead.
About the room were scattered the
books and thousand and one knick-
knacks which betrayed that even in
far northeastern India an English lady
must have her drawing-room. It is
her own especial kingdom, where she
can gather together and enshrine in
constant remembrance all the pretty
trif1es which make up the larger COM
forts of the mother country.
Don Gordon, standing in the center
of the room for an instant irresolute,
took in all the details at glance. Then
he walked to the large window opening
into garden. 1t was still light enough
for the lamps to be unlit, and the scent
of the orange blossoms and the tube
roses stole softly in on the air.
He was usually self-governed to a
fault; but the sight of this English
room had stirred anew deep thoughts
of that distant Scottish home he told
himself he could never bear to look
upon again.
A silk curtain which draped the door
suddenly rustled, and, turning quickly,
Don found the girl he had come to see
to meet him.
Lille Derwent wore simple gown of
washing silk, which came close about
her slender throat; but it was of spot
less white, and the fine mold of her
sloping shoulders and rounded arms
showed dazzlingly through its delicate
texture, and her abundant golden hair
formed coronet with which no Jewels
could have Wed.
AS he looked at her. Don felt his
heart stirred with admiration, for she
was vision of loneliness of which any
man might be proud, much more
would-be lover.
And Lille, who shall say what were
her swift thoughts of the tall. slim
soldier, looking doubly handsome at
that moment in his Kharki uniform,
one hand holding his helmet, the other
resting lightly on the hilt of his sword
The next instant the helmet was laid
on the floor, and he was taking both
her hands and retaining them, with an
unmistakable emotion.
Il hope YOU don't mind me coming
so awfully late, Miss Derwent; but I
was on duty off and on till mess, and
then some fellows detained me so long
till had simply to rush away and ride
here post haste"
She smiled as she seated herself on
divan and motioned him to a chair
near her.
''But, indeed, it is not at all late, and
I am very pleased to see you, Capt.
Gordon" Then she added, with a
spice of her old coquetry: "And what
urgent necessity that could not wait
another day brought you here post
haste?"
Don felt his breath come quicker, for,
despite those visits and presents Of
fruit and invalid dainties with which
she had honored him in hospital, he
was not at all sure how high in her es-
TEEN he had reached.
II fear I made it point of neces-
sity," he answered bluntly; "but had
a letter from home today, Miss Der
went, and-and the fact is I couldn't
sleep till I'd had five minutes private
conversation with you. You won't re-
fuse me it," he broke of, with look
in his dark eyes she could not mistake.
She flushed and looked down before
that ardent gaze.
Mrs. Franklin is always engaged
with Cecil and his ayah just now" she
said softly. I'VE shall not be dis
turbed."
Don rose and drew his chair nearer
hers: but the tete-a-tete was disturbed
In a very commonplace way neither