The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-06-08


Mrs. Cholmondely was very kind to
her, and gentle Maud loved her as dearly
as n sister. Ii she could have been
spoiled by caresses, and kind attentions,
she would certainly have been in danger
in this aristocratic house; but she re-
ceived all the attentions gratefully, and
paid them back in smiles and loving
words. And they were more than CON
tent
Mrs. Cholmondely had waylaid her
singing master one day, and had asked
him what he thought of Maggie's voice.
The old master took off his gloves,
and placed them carefully in his French
hat, and pushed up his spectacles over
his forehead, ere he replied.
You wish TO know vat ! tink of the
signora's voice? Veil, viii tell you, hon
o.ed madame. She is not Italian, she is
not French or German, only an English
woman; but she has the best voice of all
the pupils | ever teach. Yes, she would
make grande fortune if she sing in
public. Ah madame, she is Won grande
treasure. She sings as veil as she is
beautiful to look at" And the singing
master, who, in his own country wrote
Prince before his name, bowed himself
gracefully out.
Mrs. Cholmondely was as pleased and
proud to hear Maggie's talents praised
as il she were her own daughter, aud
spared no pains or expense to push her
forward in her studies.
Archer Grenfell had called soon after
her arrival, and had been introduced to
her by Maud, and the three had had a
long and very pleasant chat together,
and had laughed and talked as IL they
had known each other for years.
lie was a studious looking young gem
tleman. There was nothing distinguish
ed about him; he was simply of middle
height. tolerably well made, and with a
good-looking, though not handsome, face.
He had pleasant smile and genial man
ner, and Maud loved him dearly. She
had coaxed him in her pretty manner to
tell her what he had thought Of Mag
gle.
You wish me to answer you truthful
ly, supposeT' he had returned, smiling.
''Very well, then, this is my opinion: She
Is the most exquisitely beautiful girl /
ever saw in my life, and the most fasci-
nating-present company excepted, OF
course. And if had brother, would
take extraordinary pains to prevent him
meeting her."
"Oh, Archie, how unkind and unjust-
says Maud, gently.
Your mamma did not tell you who
she was, suppose? If there is not a
history belonging to that life, ann much
deceived in my study OF human charac-
ter. 1t may have been a very pleasant
and happy history, for aught know to
the contrary, but such is my convfc-
ton
"Oh, yes, think it must have been,
Archie-she is so happy, so gay, and we
all love her so dearly; she is perfection
If had had sister, I think could
not have loved her more"
4 very grave expression settles on the
young mans face, as he listens to this
fervent speech.
''Do you know who she lived with be-
presently.
mo. Archie; but she is protege o.
mammals, and I am so happy with her,
that I have never thought of asking any
questions. Oh, indeed, she is very nice!
You know that costume you were silly
enough to admire poor little me in so ex-
cessively---well, that was Miss Dun
combe's choice. Does she not dress pref
tily?'
Eyes, dear" he replied thoughtfully.
Exquisite taste. BY TIE way, Maud, is
there any truth in the report of Ernest
paying attention to Mary Courtenay, or
Is IL the same old story ~
ooh, the old story, Archie" replies
Maud, laughing merrily. "As far as
Ernest is concerned, he took mamma into
his confidence solemnly when she was
in town this last time, and declared he
had not yet seen the woman who was to
be his wife. Poor, dear Ernest, he evil
IDENTITY thinks there is a fate In mar
rage"
"And so do l." Archer had replied; Il,
Of all others, ought to think so, and with
gratitude, too"
And he kisses the blush;ng girl low
ingly and prepares for departure
Maud Is to have just one season in
London; and, at the end Of it is to be
married. She is perfectly content with
her future prospects, and thinks Of moth
ing but the happiness she fondly fancies
she can see In the dim future.
Nothing can be fairer than the pros
pect at present, and if she is little dim
sighted with excess Of happiness, who
shall bid the scales fall from her eyes,
and give her peep beyond the curtain
No; in her innocence and purity. let
her dream on in ecstatic Inconsistencies:
the burden of life. even on aer fair
shoulders. will begin to press heavily
and YEARLY ere long. But, just now,
it Is pleasanter to watch her as she runs
into Maggie's room with camellias. red
and white, for her companions hair.
Dressed already, darlingw she says,
reproachfully, "and have kept Annette
from you all this time! How have you
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