Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1904-08-27

| IlOQ HOT W give way W dlly IlSluS SCA-
timent which might make the after re-
pulse a humiliation. 1t a retreat must
come it should be carried out with
dignity.
The Earl of STAFFORD saw nothing Of
this, for his eyes were mostly on the
ground at his feet. That his mind was
perturbed by the new situation so I'M
expectedly presented to him was evil
dent; that he was deeply suspicious
Of trap was no less clear When he
looked up at her he found his iron
resolution melting in spite Of himself,
and, as he wished to bring an uncloud-
ed judgment to bear upon the prob
lem, he scrutiniZed the brown sward
at his feet. Nevertheless he was quick
| to respond TO any show of sympathy
with himself, even though he was I'M
likely to exhibit appreciation, and he
was equally quick to resent the slight
est lack Of Difference on the part Of
those who addressed him.
If the girl had made a thorough
study of his character she could not
have better attuped her manner to his
prejudices. Her attitude throughout
was imbued with the deepest respect,
and if the eye refused to be advocate
for her the ear could not close itself
to the little thrill of affection that
softened her tone as she spoke to him.
He raised his head abruptly as one
who has come to a decision.
November is the stepmother of the
months, and the air grows cold. Come
with me to the palace. In world Of
lies I find myself believing you, thus
l am not grown so old as had feared.
Come"
The girl tripped lightly over the rus
Ting leaves and was at his side in an
instant, then slowed her pace in unison
with his labored mode Of progression
"Sir, will you lean upon my shout
der?"
mo. l am ailing, but not decrepit."
They walked together in silence, and
II any viewed them the onlookers were
well concealed, for the park seemed de-
serted. Entering the palace and arriv-
Ing at the foot of stairway, solicitous
men1als profered assistance, but STRAIT
ford waved them peremptorily aside
and, accepting now the support he had
shortly before declined, leaned on his
shoulder and YEARLY mount
ed the STAIR
The room on the first floor into which
be led her overlooked a court. A cheer
full fire burned on the hearth and cast a.
radiance upon the somber wainscoting
Of the walls. A heavy oaken table was
covered with litter of papers, and
some books lay about Into a deep arm
chair beside the fire STAFFORD sank,
with sigh Of fatigue, motioning his
laughter to seat herself opposite him,
which she did. He regarded her for
some moments with no pleased express
lion on his face, then said, with a trace
# petulancy in the question:
did your grandfather bring you up
| lady, or are you an ignorant country
yench?'
She drew in quickly the small feet
to take advantage Of the
omfOrting fire, and the blaze showed
er cheek a ruddier hue than hereto.
ore.
''Sir," she said, "the children Of the,
reat, neglected by the great, must per-
orce look to themselves. was brought
p, as you know, without a mothers
are in the ancient hall of q crusty
a brother my only COM
anion. We played together and fought:
,gether, as temper willed, and he was.
OF always the victor. although he is:
re stronger. / can sometimes out
nee him and, failing that. can always
ltrun him. Any horse he can ride-I
IN ride, and we two have before now
1t to flight three times our number
nong the yokels of the neighborhood.
s to education, 1 have smattering
I'd can read and write l have studied
usic to some advantage and foreign
ngues with very little. I dare say
ere are many things known to your
,ndon ladies that l am ignorant Of"
1--WE may thank God for that" NUT ,
red her father
IF there are those in London, saving
ur lordship, who say 1 am not
lady, l will box their ears for them
they make sighting remarks in my
essence"
"A most unladylike argument! The.
ngue and not the hand is the court.
ly's defense"
I can use my tongue, too. if need be-.
7 lord"
Indeed, 1 have had evidence of it.,
: girl"
Queen Elizabeth used her fists, and,
rely she was lady"
I have often had my doubts of it.
,wever, hereafter you must be edu-,
tel as doth become daughter Of
me-"
1 shall be pleased to obey any COM
nds my father places on me-"
he conversation was interrupted by
ervant throwing open the door. cry,
::
His majesty the kingv'
he girl sprang instantly to her feet,
lie her father rose more slowly, as
ri &.