The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-05-27
ORDEAL OF DAVID HUME
BY L. Huohes.

NopyrlSht, l9W, by w. II. Hearst. Grea
Britain Rights Reserved.)
A we'll preserved. gray haired woma
was sitting in a comfortable arm chair b
a blazing FIRE one cold December day
The room and its occupant We're we
suited to each other; they We're bot
clothed in excellent taste. handsomely
both impressed the observer with an ide
of riches without ostentation.
A man of medium height with
thoughtful. clever face, entered the room
He looked about 10, but really he wa
RAPIDLY nearing his 50th year.
"Oh. David" cried Mrs. Craven. comm,
to meet him with both hands outstretched
II am so glad you have come; 1 feared
something might prevent you. and | real
ly must have a talk with you today
You know L am always at liberty oil
a Friday, for my weeks work Is done b,
then. and there is only my pleasure tt
consider he replied in a musical voice.
Yes, l know; but when one particular
ly wants a thing. all sorts of
accidents crop up to prevent 1t. Also.
must beg YOU to forgive me for dragging
you away from your real pleasure. youl
etching
Nc, no. Eleanor-my real pleasure is
to be of service to my friends. Tell m,
now, what is troubling you?"
And he seated himself. drawing I'D his
chair in the manner of a man who feels
at home.
Blu now that he was there. Mrs. Craver
: seemed N no haste to breach the subjec,
of her anxiety. Instead. she chatted
pleasantly on Indifferent subjects till the
tea WAS finished and removed.
NO, thank you, no lamps yet" and the
sott-footed domestic withdrew.
II think one can talk better by the fire.
light she explained. half apologetlcally
and David Hume replied:
Your subject seems to cause you en-
barr~assrnent?"
Why. yes, frankly. it does-you see, it
is about Eta"
There was no movement from the figure
opposite her. half hidden in the char. only
a sort of tense stiffness
Il am troubled about her. went on
Mrs. Craven, hurriedly; she has refused
Charlie Mowbray for the second time"
There was a short silence, and then
David said:
Why does that trouble you?"
He is a charming young fellow and
very much in love with her; he would
make her an excellent husband. 1t is
most provoking that she should refuse
what any girl would jump at"
one thousand pounds a year, and
YOUTH said the man med.tatively, the
last word almost a sigh.
wen, sne replled, the one thousand
pounds q year is not to be despised.
though / should not dream Of urging the
marriage If 1T Were only that, but we
have known him so long and he Is so
thoroughly a good fellow. John says so,
and you know the value he puts on char
acter.'
What does John think about it?"
Mrs. Craven leaned forward.
He says If she can find her happiness
with Charlie he would no var,- pIoaca1
but he is not going to speak to her about
it-that Is a woman's affair.""
Surely you don't want me to do 500"
cried David in an alarmed voice.
Yes, do" replied Mrs Craven firmly.
"~Listen.'-and she enjoined silence by
holding up her hand. You know thai
six month ago John found out that his
partner had been einbezzling money.
Well, the bank could not afford a scandal
the partnership was dissolved, and John
has to pay back all the money that Young
Hilton had taken. The world must not
guess, for should there be a sudden de-
mand on the bank it must close, there
fore we still live like this" and she waved
her hand comprehensively. you alone
know of this affair, and If you thiak, YOU
Will see how important it is that Eta
should be comfortably married, for we
can scttle nothing on her. and should the
secret leak out, the ctash may come at
any moment"
David was gazing thoughtfully at the
fire, and made no reply.
You know what a great Influence VA,
always had with the child"
surely Etta is a woman now" and
there was an unwonted sound of irnpa-
tiencc In his voice.
She is only 20 urged the woman of "a.
In the eyes of the law she is NOT old
enough to sign away money; Why should
she be any more fit to throw away the
intangible treasure of an honest Young
love-"
David smiled at the argument.
Wei, what does Eta say horse,fo"
What excuse does She give for such stlly
.behavior?"
Mrs. Craven glanced ct him nervouxlv,
and then spoke slowly with her gaze on i
the leaping flames.
She says she might have loved him
had not her ideal been something very
misunderstanding older. graver, deeper.
infinitely above ner--,
Dav!d's heart seemed to stand sti1l as he
forced the question from his lips:
Aud this ideal-las she found it in
reai l.fc?"
She thinks So replied Mrs. Craven.
significantly
The silence grew intense; IN ravja,s
aars there was only TIC sound If me
OF his heart, wh!,h seemed to
li.a TO grow louder and louder IN he
thought MS companion must scar II. 10
SPEAK just then without betravin. his
:notiaE was beyond evon hi; self ,,.atrol.
Suddenly Ms. Csavel5 rose and stood
)efore him, ana spoke ii. q passionate
pleading:
Nov do you sc why /! wan. YOU 70
speak 70 her? Pnor, foolish c1itQ, that 8
he o:!y way to show nor how holsioss
$ her dream Without letting Nor know