The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1903-11-27

was only Siani, however, followed in a
momen by William.
The latter. helped by S.ani, set u
food, and we sat down at a long table,
my love being placed at the top with
a tablecloth before her, and l at the
bottom with my dish on the pare oak.
Nay, William" said she. when she
observed how the old MAJ vas mar
shalllns US. This is lot a serving man
as old Gwilym was. He is a gentleman
ana must sit mean me-"
Oh said William, under a cloud,
en-? My respects to the gentleman he
continued. turning a sad eye on me,
but there are folk in his village who
might come to this house at any min
ute, M trouble might hap for him
were he suspected"
Upon this hint we remained as we
We're, n the meal was swiftly made.
Enid disappeared again, Siani began to
clear away the supper dishes, and the
Old maj came and stood opposite to me
IN the chimney corner to which | a
returned.
My friend" said I, who are the peo-
pie in the village whom you fear?"
Why, master" aid William. you'll
like them no better than me If you be
what | expect, a gentleman in trouble
LOT the good cause
Il am" said I.
Why, there" he said, then mind for
yourself. The present owner of the
Whltglft estates is my late masters
cousin, u 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
momen his attorney is waiting at the
village inn to take possession
This was a piece of news, indeed. [,
Of all people, had no itching for a close
acquaintance with an u~nfriendly law
yer; and Upon Williams moving away
l stared into the fire and unused over
the situation.
l 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.
followed him at once. and he led
the way to the room where he had seen
a faint light burning when we stood
without.
I trod as gently as my clumsy shoes
would permit me into the room, and
saw a silvery-haired lady lying upon a
bed, the curtains of which were drawn
wide open She was not very old;
u rather than time had worn her
out. AS the doctor led me to her bed
side she opened her eyes and fixed upon
me a clear, steady look. l bowed but
did not speak.
you are Godfrey Fcathcote of But
ley Croft?" she said. in faint tones.
Il am, madam" 1 replied.
II knew your father" she continued;
he was a gallant and worthy gentle
man. Oh! I trust o are like him."
l bowed once more. The doctor bent
over the bed. "Have no fear, Mistress
Whitgift,' he whispered, yet loudly
enough for all to hear. Il 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 eyes on me again.
You love Enid?" she said.
Truly and dearly, Mistress Whit
gift I replied, truly and dearly"
And o look forward to marrying
her?'
is my great hope" l said.
She made a slight gesture; and Enid
who had fallen back when we APP
preached the bedside came forward.
And you will marry him, Enid?"
My love burned up scarlet, but said
Yes" softly.
Then marrynow,"s said the sick wom-
as eagerly as her strength would
permit; "let me see it and know it.
It" 'ie u
There was a dead pause for two or
three seconds, then I turned to Enid
and she lifted her eyes to mine brave
". I questioned her with a look and
out my hand. The color swept like
a wave over cheek and throat, and she
laid her hand in mine.
I'VE are ready" I said.
Mrs. Whitgift gave a contented siph
and Doctor Willingham fluttered over
leaves of his prayer book in searcl,
OF the marriage service. He looked
over his spectacles and saw Siani near
the door.
Call in the people of the house" he
said; they are good hearts, true as
steel; call them in"
SIAM ran at once and returned In y
moment with old William and his wife.
Mrs. Whitgift beckoned to the latter
with a finger and whispered some d..
in 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 o in her hand.
Take it, Enid, and wear it for NV
breathed Mistress Whitgift.
Enid, whose eyes were now fast drop
ping tears, opened 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
Whitgift.
CONTINUED Next Weekly
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