The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-07-06

III InlS mao FASHION. Because L am Il
coward, and cannot bear his reproaches;
but it must be told to him some day.
Why not to-day?' Then she goes to the
window, and sees him standing holding
Maggie's hand in his, and talking to her
in a low, eager voice, Il will ask him to
stay to dinner, and then tell him the
story she adds, presently; 'and pray
heaven i am not too late!'
Poor mother! had you made this reso-
luton ten minutes since, and acted on it
then, you might have baffied Fate itself,
and saved yourself and others months of
bitter grief and suffering.
Meanwhile Ernest is bidding adieu to
the party in the square, which is inter
rupted by a few large drops of rain,
and they run across the road to the
house. Ernest waves his hand to them,
and prepares TO drive off as they enter
the porch, and the shower begins to pour
down heavily.
They are in the drawing room pres
emily, looking out as the welcome drops
wash the green leaves OF the trees, and
p'ash on the dusty pavement.
Mrs. Cholmondely soon comes in rath-
er paler than usual, but with a smile for
them all. and then she looks round and
says, why, Maud, where is Ernest? He
is surely not gone through this pelting
rain?"
"Oh, he had his cab here, amm and
he has to go to mess TO dinner, | think
he said; but, however, he left us as we
came i'm
And so no more is said, only Mrs. Chol-
mondely cannot help wishing she had
told hin all, and feels a vague PRESENT.
ment Of evil for which she cannot ac-
count.
Meanwhile Ernest had driven home,
with his mind full of the conversation
he had with his mother. Who was this
young girl, introduced so mysteriously
into the family? He seemed to have
some recollection OF her features, though
where, or under what circumstances, he
could not tell. Would his mother re-
ceive her as his wife? She seemed very
fond Of her, and he remembered now
how tenderly she had spoken of her at
that dinner when she was first men
toned.
But his conversation with Mrs. Chol-
mondely had left a very disagreeable inn
preston on his mind, and he could lot
forget that he had never as yet breath
ed a word OF love to Maggie herself.
So he was not in good spirits tonight;
and the noisy welcome he receive ed from
some of the young and rollicking officers
Jared painfully on his temper.
II was Il very gay mess. There was
the usual amount OF chaff going forward;
and presently Major Denyille. who is a
guest tonight. and is much esteemed by
the youngsters for his ponderous wit,
and equally heavy jokes, begins on his
usual subject-women, beautiful women.
1t is very distasteful to Ernest tonight
to, hear the flippant jet and criticism.
1t has always been a trait in his charac-
ter, a lofty and chivalrous regard for
women, and remembering the party he
has just left, it is doubly so now. "What
do you say, chum, about little Bellairs,
eh?''
Nothing" said Ernest, coolly and
pointedly.
Ask him what he thinks of the dark
beauty with the red riband in her hair,
he meets on the quiet" roars Major Mel
fish, of his own regiment.
Whats that, Major?' say half a
score of men. Lets nave the story
"The story-the story" cry a chorus
of. voices.
STAY" said Ernest, rising and speak
ing in a loud, ringing voice. II don't
choose to have a story made of it. That
lady is not n fit subject to be the heroine
of a mess story, and / will thank Major
Mellish not to mention the subject
again."
"Oh, hear him-hear him." says the
Major joyously. 1--WE have found a vul-
nerable point at last. He is jealous
actually jealous enough to lose his tenn
per-"
Ernest has not seated himself again,
hut is losing command of himself very
fast, as can be seen by the white face.
But the fnn is too fast and furious for
close observations; and so, when silence
is a little restored, the Major begins.
"As / was saying, gentlemen. a dark
beauty with red riband, suspiciously like
this says the Major, holding up a little
piece Of cherry-colored riband that has
accidentally fallen from Ernest's breast.
'Oh, oh.' is again the general chorus,
amidst a shout of laughter.
Ernest ut this had forgotten every
thing but his mad passion. He had
sprung forward and snatched it roughly
from the Majors hand. Coward! Scoun-
drel!" he Kissed, through his clenched
teeth; and then there had been a mad,
singing blow struck, and the two men
stood looking Mt each other vengefuIly
with flashing eyes.
There was a rush to separate them,
and a dozen imploring voices begged
them to shake hands, and regretting the
foolish jocks. Major Mellish is perfectly
calm, only very pale. and with a cold,
cruel look in his steel blue eyes; and
presently he whispers, major Denville."
The latter shakes his head decidedly,
and says grufiy, mo, no, Mellish; l am