The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-04-27
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BY MATTE DYER BRITTs.
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A Story Of An American Gi

straight to the chamber appointed for the
bridesmaids
Mr.. lie Dru, in his own room. was
making most elaborate toilet. ready to
be summoned by his Groomsmen at the
bridal hour
Marcia was also in her room. But she
was not dressing, her bridesmaids hav
ing not yet arrived. The rich bridal cos
tune of creamy satin trimmed with
white ostrich tips. the snowy Ices,
gloves, fan. satin slippers and filmy veil
were spread out upon the bed but Mar
cia's eyes were not upon them
She was gazing sadly into the fire, lis
tening to the faint sigh of the dying wind
outside, and wishing that she could put
off this day far into the future Then
there came into her heart an intense
longing to see her dear old father once
more while yet she bore his name.
Marcia ran softly down the long hall,
and descended the stairs, without meet
ing any one. until just as she reached
she last step, the side door opened and
Vance entered.
One startled glance, one suppressed
cry, and then, everything forgotten, ex-
cept that they saw each others faces
again, the two sprang forward and were
elasped in each others arms.
"Oh, Vance. Vance, Vance!' gasped
Marcia, upon his shoulder. "Oh, thank
heaven, you have come"
Yes, darling, yes! never to leave you
again." said Vance, clasping her closer.
"Never to give UP my own girl any
more"
mo. no! | could not live il you did,"
fervently sighed Marcia. forgetting what
confession she was making, forgetting
Louis, Florence. everything, for the mo-
ment, except that Vance had come, and
she could feel his strong heart beating
with great throbs against her own.
Vance smiled. and his face kindled. A
bold plan had bean forming in Vance's
mind during the last half hour. Perhaps
it might succeed.
Still clasping her closely, he said, gent
ly, Marcia, l must ask you two ques-
tions. All your future and mine depends
on what you say. DO you love Louis y
II try to, for papa's sake Vance"
All. that is answered. Then, if even
now, something happened to release you
| from him, would you grieve?"
II would bless heaven for it, Vance"
THANK heaven, Marcia, you are ours
--mine--still. and forever. / bring news
which Will release you. Trust me, darl-
| ing, believe me--you are free. / can't
explain now, but go to your room, and
wait till you are sent for. Then come,
and you shall hear all. Where is uncle y
| I'm the library"
Then / will go to him now. Run,
1 to-
Marcia flew at the sound of steps, and
| Vance vanished into the library, where
Squire Dougias welcomed him with joy
full surprise.
YOU'RE inst III time. M boy" he
cried glcefuily. Just in time for the
wedding. But, bless my soul boy, what
i has kept You so long?'
Uncle. that is what ] Travelled day
aud night to tell you." Vance stepped
to the door and locked it. then threw off
/ his cap and overcoat, and drew two
chairs near the fire, saying:
''Sit down, uncle, and be as composed
as you can, for shall be obligedto try
your strength largely. There is cause for
grave thought and decided action. Try
| to hear me as calmly as you can, sir
| for i have a long story to tell"
| Don't keep me In suspense, Vance
| II will not, SIR" Then Vance began
at his first suspicion, and revealed every
thing, step by step. The emotions OF
Squire Douglas, as he heard the tale,
! gasped, he wept, he raved. When the
story was all told, the old Squire clasped
Vance to his aged breast, and blessed
him for saving his daughter
Yes; when her old father was deceiv.
ed, powerless to shield her tender head
you did it, my dear boy. Bless you
Vance. my son, my sonr' breathed the
good old Squire, in tremulous tones.
Vance was also deeply agitated. But
he reminded his uncle that Mr.. Edwards
would soon arrive with his charges, and
Marcia must be told before they could
confront the villain who was awaiting
so serenely upstairs. Hearing Rosa's
voice in the hall, Squire Douglas opened
the door tiny crack, and babe her send
Miss Marcia to the library instantly.
4 Marcia was not dressing, but waiting
for her summons, with happy face, and
eyes like great stars. What had happen
ed she did not know. But Vance had
said she was free, and she could trust
him. His manner was not the manner
Of another woman's lover, but of man
who loved her! He had called her his,
too. Whatever was coming, SHE had
been wrong In thinking him Florry's low
err, and nothing else matterad. SIZE had
time TO brace her nerves for shock be
fore she was called down. and she heard
the story very calmly, with her hand
clasped tightly in her fathers.
| swell. papa" said she, II am safe
now, and cannot be taken from you
Promise me that you viii do Mr.. lie Drr
no violence. before you see him.
II don't know. won't promise
growied the old gentleman. II should
like to tear his vile heart out of his vile
bodyw