The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-06-24
AZ Knowlesworth Hall.
L.

ner of the rose garden stretching be-
meath the southern terraces of Knowles
worth Hall.
The beautiful and stately house, this
vast property in one of the fairest and
most fertile counties in England, had
been inherited by her. the only child
OF parents now some years dead.
She was just 10, and life with its
fairest promises lay before her, while,
so far, love had not touched her heart.
Some seven years before the opening
of this story her first and only grief
had fallen on her, when she lost her
sensitive and fragile with a strain of
romance in her character, which had
led her to marry for the second time,
the Count Massini, an Italian and a
'widower, With a son three years older
than Edith. The counts sight had be-
gun to fail before his marriage with
Edith's mother. soon after he became
totally blind.
His affection had from the first APP
,pealed TO the maternal and protective
instincts which lie dormant in every
woman. nature and are lavished on
those they love. Her life was devoted
to him. and in return he created her
happiness during the ten years OF their
married existence. After her death he
and his son Max continued 10 live at
knowlesworth Hall, the family circle
being added TO by Lady Bysshe, Edith's
maternal aunt, who was d childless
widow.
M%axentius, for brevity called Max,
who wished to become a doctor, had
been sen to Marlborough. and after
ward to Cambridge, from where. at the
opening Of this tale. he had just come
down. bringing with him his intimate
friend. Richard Goffe, a coaple of years
his senior.
AS Edith watched the gracious
curves made by swallows in their flight
she caught sound of the soft swish of
skirts. and looking up saw her aunt
coming towar her.
Happy girl" Lady Bysshe said, as
she seated herself. Il suppose the boys
haven't come back yet. or we would
have heard them. Max is so noisy. DO
they interest You. my dear"
I'm a way" Edith answered thought
fully. For instance, never saw a
young man so easily Influenced as Mr..
COTE; all his ideas are supplied TO him
by Max"
Who, no doubt, is willing to give
what costs him so little and may benefit
himself so much
But where is his attraction for
Max"
MI. Goffe is the son of a wealthy
Manchester manufacturer. and he will
one day be a rich man"
D you hin that is why Max Guilt
Yates him?" Edith said:
Il know 1t is. His father sent him to
Marlborough and to Cambridge that he
might meet with those who would after
wards be of service to him It's one of
the uses of universities for which ever
poor parents are sometimes willing to
a more than they can afford"
You don't like Max" Edith sug-
gested.
II hope you don't, my dear"
H has always been very kim to
me"
His interests would lead him to be-"
II am afraid you think him very
mercenary. AS for me. l cont think
he cares in the least about money; he
never refers to it. but always speaks
of his anxiety for my future happi-
ness
But remember, dear child. that he is
Max's father first and your stepfather
and guardian sfterward."
II an very FOND OF him." said Edith
stoutly.
But I hope not SO fond as to obey
him when he asks YOU to marry his
SON., as he will some day." said her
aunt, with some show of anxiety.
That day has yet to come.' replied
Edith, who was amused at her aunt's
perplexity and fear.
Edith" said her aunt, after a few
moments consideration. tell me. do
you like Dunstant Burbage?"
"oh, he is very nice" Edith replied in
a tone of Indifference.
He is more than that, my dear. He
Is handsome, distinguished looking and
clever. Now. il / We're a girl"
You III him very much, Auntie?'
His parents are dead, and feel like
a mother to him. she continued in a
softer one.
"Auntie, dear said the girl sym
pathetically, as she laid her hand
caressingly on that of the elder worn
an.
Have YOU never heard-I suppose
you were too young at the tilne-tha !
Was to have married his father. Col
onel Burbage? You Will not wonder
that his son is very dear to me-"
Yes, he must be- the girl replied
sympathetically.
Since he has crown up / have always
asked him to spend his holidays here.
chiefly in the hope that you might fall
in love with him. That is why /
asked him here at present. You see
what 2 conspirator l am"
Edith smiled. but made no answer.
Il know, dear. Lady Bysshe contin-
ued, that the fact of his earning his
living by his profession would make
nv III yOul le6dIu Ol MN
None whatever" Edith
LAS a woman of the world, who has
Travelled much and seen a great deal OF
life. | consider myself a Judge of men
and l feel sure Dunstan would make
you happy"
But If l cannot love him?" the CIR
demonstrated.
Lady Bysshe turned away her head
in silence unwilling that her bitter dis.
appointment should be seen.
Presently the silence hat followed
was filled rather than interrupted by
the low, swelling notes Of an organ
coming from the house and vibrating
with a delicious harmony that thrilled
the sleepy summer ar.
CHAPTER II.
Tea was always served in the spa.
cious and beautiful hall, in which al
organ had been built for the count.
AS his sister-in-law and stepdaughte,
entered. his quick ears caught sound,
OF their footsteps above the music
which presently ceased: when, passing
along the gallery. he slowly and care
fully guided himself down the stair.
q
The count was close upon so. though
his clear complexion and %buoyant *
preston made him appear younger. Hi,
sightless eye we're dark blue, his fore
head high and intellectual.
My dear Edith he said in a clear