The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-06-29
CHAPTER XVII.


1t was q grand sight, and spoke elo-
quently of what wealth and taste could
do to help luxuriant enjoyment, Mrs.
Cholmondely's mansion by the sea this
winter night.
From the awning stretched from the
portico over the pavement to the dainty
retiring rooms, ~improvised for the occa-
sion. everything was perfect.
1t was to be a simple family party,
with no conventionality or stiffness, the
guests knowing each other intimately,
and being well matched, and where all
restraint was to be thrown off, that the
welcome might be hearty for the soldier
son of the hostess.
Mrs. Cholmondely Is now at the top OF
the stairs, ready to receive her guests.
Ernest-jovial E~rnest-looking hand
somer tonight than he had ever looked
before, and with such happy smiles curl
ing round his good-tempered mouth, here
he was presently at his mothers side,
with many q loving word and compli-
mentary speech. And presently Maud
and Maggie, looking superb In their new
dresses, and with dancing rays Of joyous
light in their bright eyes.
MY darlings!" whispers Mrs. Choi-
mondely, and then she kisses them both,
and tells them that they are to be joyous
tonight, and not to tire themselves.
Presently the Colonel and Archie, the
old man with an important. fussy man
ner, but very happy, Notwithstanding;
and Archie, with all his heart in his eyes
as he kisses his Maudie, who hands him
off very daintily, and says, BE very care
full, Archie. or you will tumble my dress
Meanwhile the Colonel and Ernest and
Maggie had taken a stroll through the
rooms, and the old Colonel was highly
delighted.
Ernest" he said; @did you ever see
a prettier effect in all your life, ehY'
II quite agree with you," Ernest had
returned, not hearing a word he said, but
thinking this at all events o safe answer.
He was speaking to Maggie; and he was
almost whispering to her in his eager at
tempts to be very impressive.
II believe there is to be some dancing,
Miss Duncombe," he says, touching the
small hand that lies SO lightly on his
arm, and wondering what sized glove the
little mite is inclosed in; you will give
me the first waltz, will you not?"
''Oh, yes, and I shall be so pleased
she replies, looking up with pure, truth
full eyes; and the brave Captain feels
that he would give all the world If he
might take her in his arms and press her
to his heart; but he is obliged to content
himself with being near her, pressing her
hand now and again.
He engages her for every other dance;
and very heartily he congratulates him
self later in the evening. when for him
she has to refuse every one, even the
Colonel himself.
The guests begin to arrive presently,
and the gallant Captain is in great re-
quest, and very popular. The men ad-
mire and like him, and the women are
quite prepared to dote on him, and con-
sole him for being so long a bachelor,
If he wishes to enter the matrimonial
state.
Maggie is also very popular. In a
quiet manner and as II by the merest
accident, she is surrounded by a group
of men, each and every one of which Is
anxious to Engage the attention OF the
dark heroine in some way or the other,
and she has quite enough to do now to
hold her own.
But presently there Is a little rustic in
the rustic arbor, cunningly contrived be-
tween the archway Of the rooms, aud for
a moment an exquisite strain OF gentle
music swelling through the apartment
And then there is a general rush for part
ners as the Power Of Love Waltz"
floats through the scented air.
Half a dozen gallant fellows, almost on
their knees, beg for just this one waltz;
but Maggie declares she has been engag'
ed all the evening for the first dance.
And Ernest, who has been cycling the
group with a malevolent smile, m up,
radiant with triumph. to claim her
hand.
And so they Hoat round and round the
room to the exquisite, sensuous strains;
and Ernest is bending over her, catching
the scent from her hair. And presently
she is looking up at him in ecstacy. Tor
she dearly loves Waiting; and ne muir
murs the "Satanella" song, and whis-
pers to her, "Such thy power. oh, love!
Poor Ernest! he Is mad-utterly mad
az the veriest visionary in the wide world
Intoxicated, with this woman's dark,
c~antiyating beauty. He feels his blood
aouy;nc like molten lava through his
veins: and he would just now give the
whole world, il 1t belonged to him, or II
| ba were the arbiter of the fates OF man.
kind. he would sacrifice them all for
| tha knowledge that this woman loved
him ever SO little. Mother, sister, friends,
nrosnects-all sunk into insignihcance
hea;de this mad love Of a few days;
| and Won could as easily turn a mill
stream as this impetuous young man
| from his course. !,
They so down to supper presently ana
there is great animation, and much run,
too. The whole party represents q pref
ty sight. The white cloths-the gold
and silver ornaments-the crystal vases
Allied with Howers-the glass drops glif-
terine in flashes Of v~ariegated colors-
the handsome men and m all look