The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-06-15

talked OF experimenting him, the old
man was so hurt ut the idea that she as
constantly abandoned it.
II s'pose / amt no use no more, mad
am" he had said, touching his forelock
respectfully, and with a very trembling
voice. But l have had the honor and
privilege of serving Miss Maud ever since
she was baby, and il You wouldn't
mind | should like to serve her as long
as | can"
So Mrs. Cholmondely, seeing the tears
starting in the gray-haired old mans
eyes, had told him he was a foolish old
man, but that he should do as he liked
about staying on, which the aged retain
er did, to his great delight.
So he came up this fine afternoon,
with great trouble in his looks. Maud
had got on her habit, and Archer had
just came in full of life, and spirits, and
joyous anticipation of enjoyment. He
was privileged person, this old groom,
so when he asked for Miss Maud, the
message was taken to her by her maid,
and the old man was told to come up.
well, David" she says, smiling, as
he pulls his forelock to the young couple;
what is it?''
bad news, rayther, Miss Maud" he
replies; mot serious, but decidedly bad.
Beauty's kicked herself somehow, and
has gone dead lame, and 1 come to ask
what's to be done"
"Oh, is that all?" interposes Archie,
laughing. Nothing very serious there,
David, at all events. Go up to Prices
and tell him to send hack for Miss
Cholmondely."
And presently Mrs. Cholmondely and
Maggie, in their walking dresses, join
them. and they condole with Maud heart
lily. They are all looking their very best
this afternoon, and there is only just the
faintest tinge Of envy in Maggie's mind
as she sees Maud in her habit But she
is as tender as ever, and looks delighted
as Maud congratulates her, and with
good reason, too, on the success of her
new toilette.
did you ever learn to ride, Maggie,
dearT' asks the elder lady, presently.
Il am afraid l never learned properly,
dear madam" replies Maggie, smiling.
Farmer Linden used to lend me his old
pony, and managed to ride him through
the glades sometimes, but he was so
gentle and quiet that baby might have
him."
"Ah! then it would be hardly safe for
you to essay mount on a horse, Miss
Duncombe," says Archie, smiling. "You
must be quite sure Of your wrist before
you can ride safely"
"She would soon learn, / am sure"
exclaims Maud. eagerly. ''Do you not
think she would, mammal"
Il think So" replies Mrs. Cholmon-
dely; but to-day, at all events, we are
bound for walking, and beautiful day
1t is, too. Come along, Maggie"
SO the two ladies, after expressing a
hope that the young couple will enjoy
their ride, take their departure
"Oh, Archie!' exclaims Maud, II must
get mamma to let Miss Duncombe take
lessons, and then, you know, she can
ride with me, and that will be so nice"
DO you mean that you intend TO dis
pense with my escort, and trust only to
David, Maud2" says Archer, with mock
'Oh, no, you silly boy: but then. you
know, you cannot always come with me
Il mean, of course, when you are not
able to come
"Ah, yes, l see: but seriously speak
ing, Maud, Is there any necessity for
Miss Duncombe to learn riding? Is that
accomplishment considered necessary, or
even advisable in a companion or gov
why, of course il is very nice il one
has companion who can ride, too"
He puts Maud into her saddle; and,
a. Ca
self adds a great link to the chain that
shall bring Ernest down almost with his
heart already given to this dark enchant-
ress. But he does not know this, only
that he is a little absent, and does not
hear question that Maud asks him, till
she touches him lightly and playfully
with her toy whip.
what is it, dearestY' he aAks. II
beg your pardon; l did not quita catch
what you said"
''Your thoughts We're far away, think,
Archie" she returns, laying hand upon
his arm.
She has to bend over slightly here;
md, TO her establishment. the horse lays
back his ears, and starts violently.
why, Maud" exclaims Archie, qaick
", that brute is vicious; / am sure he
Is not safe for you to ride. Here, let
rs go back and change saddles; Sunfiow-
sr is quiet enough, and as well-bred as
4 lady. i might have thought OF that
sefore. What could l have been think
ng Off"
Perhaps the same object you were |
,ondering upon just now, Archie" laugh
ID Maud, '.when could get no answer
70 my question"
Arciie cannot help flushing just lit
lie. the guess Is SO perilously near the |
.rath; and Maud, seeing this, laughs
more than ever and solemnly hopes it |
s not a lady They are getting into tile
Dad by this time, and Archie calls David
% his side.