The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-04-27
CHAPTER xXIII.-fcontinued,

continued, not many OF the guests could
get there. But for those who could, fires
were kindled in the spare rooms, fresh
towels laid out. ewers filled. and every
thing arranged for their comfort. In the
long dining room the splendid bridal
feast was spread, glittering with silver,
glass and china. snowy with fine, spot
less damask. and bright with flowers.
Toward evening the spirits of the fam
lily seemed to revive, and the house was
in pleasant hustle. Mr.. Louis had
been in a grand humor all day. Every
thing seemed to be working splendidly
for him. BY tomorrow noon he would
be wooded to a fortune and safely away
on his journcy--he was ready to laugh
with glec at his success. All. Louis. He
laughs best who laughs last.
The rain ceased at dusk, and there
would be no difficulty in getting to Doug
las Hall, even for guests from distance,
except the muddy roads.
Florence waited with the most intense
anxiety until after the hour for the even
ing trains to reach Frankfort. When her
father for the second time, asked her
if she had not better order the carriage,
she felt Obliged to say yes" By this
time. she knew the guests must be ar
irving ut the hall, and Marcia would be
waiting for her. II Vance did not come
by the time she was ready, he could not
come at all that night. and she must
not finch from the task she had to do.
= Her bridesmaids robe, which she did
not expect to wear, had been already
sent over to the Hall. rs she was to dress
al, AZ, ~.
let. Sac attired herself for the ride in
plain black silk took her cloak upon her
arm, the box of letters in her hand. and
went down stairs. pausing for one. glance
down the road through the side-lights OF
the front door.
Oh, Joy. joy! In the gathering dark
ness she saw mud-splashed carriage
driving rapidly down the broad, graveled
way. 1t stopped--a tail figure sprang
out-Florence flung open the door, and
the next moment had thrown herself i'll
TO Vances brother,y arms.
"Am l in timer asked Vance. in a
hoarse whisper.
Eyes. if we hasten. Where is the lady,
Vance,"
'In the carriage, with her little boy, as
yet"
What! Is there a child?' asked Flor
ence hurriedy. Vance, ask Mrs. lie Dru
in right away; she must be tired"
''She is; she was sick when we start
ed. and we have travelled night and day.
One moment, Florry-what hour is setg'
Half past eight"
cit must be nearly six now. thought
of this--to take Mrs. lie Dru and Willie
In, tell your father all, then You and |
go III once to the Hall. leaving them to
follow us in half an hour, by which time
we can prepare the way"
'.Yes. Your plan is excellent. Vance:
we will adopt it. Mrs. lie Dru will have
time for some refreshment. suppose
you will not waltz"
mo, thank you, we must go to the
Hall as quickly as possible"
Florence went to Nettie. They took
her and Willie into the house, and the
poor, wronged young wife was at once
welcomed warmly to the hearts of these
kind friends.
briefly as possible Vance and Florence
told their story. The surprise and indig-
nation of Mr.. Edwards YVES boundless.
He at once believed in Nettie, and read
lily lent his aid to prevent the compile
ton Of so base q crime.
There was not moment to lose. Leav-
ing Mr. Edwards, Nettie and Willie to
follow in the family carriage, after the
travellers had taken some refreshment,
Vance and Fforry set out Immediately in
the hired carriage which had come from
Frankfort depot.
AS they drove along, they had time
for further explanations. Vance told as
much as he could, and Florence gave him
all her news, relating the little scene be-
fore his photograph, and expressing her
firm conviction that Marcia was very I'M
happy, and that her love was given to
him, not TO Louis.
.Then why does she marry him?' ask
ed Vance.
Il cannot tell you. That mystery has
perplexed me greatly, but ! have not
solved It."
swell. I hope from my soul you are
right, Florry. Ii you are, much trouble
and embarrassment may be saved to-
night. can rely on you in any emer-
gency?"
yes. II have not proved that, ]
cannot. Vance"
World cannot tell how nobly you
have proved it. dear sister, or thank you
for what you have done for me-" And
Vance pressed her hands closely in bis
strong grasp, just as they drove IN
through the great iron gates at Douglas
Hall.
They had planned that Florence should
20 in at the front door, while Vance went
round to the side door and tried to reach
/! his uncle's library and have an inter
view with him before he should bs' seer
by any one else.
| Their plan proved greater success
(! than ttAAey had dreamed Of.
CHAPTER XIV.
Florence went In and ran upstate