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

There was scene between the Colonel
and his nephew after dinner this even
ing. Maud had recovered her fright, and
was as well as ever a couple of hours
after, only that she had declared, with
shudder, she would never ride strange
horse again. Mrs. Cholmondely had
pressed him exceedingly to stay to din
nerd this evening.
Come" she had said MAUD has
had narrow escape of being hurt badly,
if nothing worse: and we shall have but
dull evening if you refuse us. Be
sides Archer will not be comfortable if
he hears you have gone away from US
on such a night as this"
The old man looked very black at the
mention Of his nephew's name, and said,
testify, "Archer, indeed! What was he
doing philandering with that Miss Gay
Ter, who ought to have been born man
instead of woman, and letting our darl-
ing run such a terrible risk? And Miss
Duncombe, too," he adds, in softened
tone; there's courage for you! loved
her the first time | saw her; and now
she has shown herself as brave as she Is
good and beautiful--God bless her! I'll
tell you what it is, Mrs, Cholmondely,"
remarks the old Colonel, in low, conf
Dental tone, 81 fancy know the stock
she comes from somewhere; l seem to
recognize the points, somehow Mark
my words-she's thoroughbred"
so she is, Mrs. ChoimoRdely had re-
piled, heartily. "She does come from a
good stock--the noblest and best that
England has ever boosted Of"
And then, in high spirits, she runs
away to dress.
II will be happy tonight" she muir
mnrs, land let the past alone. and take
no thought for the morrow Dear .Toce-
Ign. wonder if you could see me now,
and my handsome boy and dear girl,
whether life would be just the same to
you?"
Then she takes an ivory miniature
from little cabinet and kisses it fer
vently and lovingly.
They are dressing together tonight,
the two lovely girls. For once in her
life, Maggie puts herself into the hands
of the maid, and Annette, who has heard
the marvellous story of her bravery,
treats her as gently and tenderly as she
would child.
They are dressed. presently, and are
descending the stairs, with arms round
each others waists. Mrs. Cholmondely
and the Colonel ard Archer are in the
library. and they all crowd round her
and press her hand, and speak very gen.
tie words to her
Mrs. Cholmondely insists that the Col
onel shall take her into the dining room;
and he. nothing 10th, offers his arm to
her with great solicitude.
Il haven't had the opportunity of
thanking you yet, Miss Duncombe," he
says, in low, trembling voice; "but
when l do, l shall have to ask you to
imagine great deal can never say"
They are all seated presently, and din
ner commences. The old man watches
her furtively, as she plays with her
spoon, and sends her soup away I'M
tasted, and declares family, by and by,
that she is not bit hungry.
The shadow grows deeper and deeper
on the old ColonePs face, as course after
course comes on, and, as far as Maggie
is concerned, is sent away untasted.
> She is evidently so tired that Mrs.
Chomondely hurries dinner on as fast
as SHE can, and rises at the very first
practicable moment Maggie essays to
rise, too, but feels just a little giddy She
has fallen. with a forward movement,
on the rich Turkey carpet and in mo-
ment Mrs. Cholmondely and Maud and
the two gentlemen are bending over her.
The Colonel had stepped quietly to the
door. and said, "Send Mrs. Cholmon-
dely's maid here, and then send for DR..
Warrington. -
TO be continued