The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-08-19

done about those billsc the count
moaned. for Max had given him the
list OF his debts. II am not rich, but
still I must find ON way of paying
them. l will write to Lord Surreymore,
and he will give me time; and as for
the others, l shall see what can be done.
you had only needed what l said
about gambling
All this bother would be spared.
But look here, l swear I'll never touch
a card again" Max said ~repentantly.
And l mean 1t this time"
The remained silent, glad to
near these words. but fearing from his
sons character that such resolutions
were not to be depended on in the
face of temptation.
Edith showed little sign of improve
mens as tir1e Went by. Her nights
were sleepless. she started at every
noise. she dreaded being alone, and a
gloom seemed to settle on her who
formerly had been. even in her moods,
so calm and cheerful.
AT these symptoms her aunt's anXi-
ETY. for the girls health increased; and
Doctor Hopkins declared that the best
remedy for his patient was a thorough
change. Italy was decided on without
hesitation.
1t was therefore. arranged that she
should be taken to Genoa, there to re-
the place suited her. There were Eng
gltsh doctors there, whose advice might
be depended on IL consultation became
necessary.
On hearing of this move, the count,
who usually agreed to his sister-in-
laws decision. showed some dissatis-
faction.
He could not so with them. he said,
his blindness would only make him a
burden IN them, and he disliked the
IDEA OF women travelling alone; it
would make him anxious about them.
But we shall not be %alone,' Lady
Bysshe replied. Though l will not
US. we shall have our maids with us.
There are no brigands in the country
now.
The count had no further objection to
offer; but said, in his usual gentle way,
1T was selfishness that made him re-
greet their going and that urged him
to keep them nea him.
Preparations were at once began for
the journey, and Godfrey Bysshe vas
invited to spend the week at the hall
and say farewell to the intended
voyagers. On the Saturday afternoon
Of his arrival. Lady Bysshe. who had
been paying some calls in the neighbour
hood. found 1t convenient to meet him
at the station.
My dear aunt. this is very kind of
you" he said. when he had taken his
place beside her in the closed carriage.
The fact is Godfrey" she answered.,
coming to the point at once, II wished
before we reached the hall. 1 didn't
write to you that I have been very
much concerned about Edith's health"
is she ill?" he asked anxiously, his
grave face alert.
She hasn't recovered from her
Shock"
How unfortunate that she saw the
accident"
1T wasn't an accident. though we
been lucky enough to make people
believe 1t was. But you had better
know the truth. Max asked her to
marry him, and when She refused he
caught her wrist and showed her a re-.
volver. swearing there would be another
tragedy in the house unless she accept
him there and then"
The s~coundrel." Godfrey muttered
Wrathfully. The scoundrel."
She thought he meant to kill her."
added Lady Bysshe.
And yet she refused him. he said,
his eyes sparkling with pleasure.
She had too much spirit to be fright
ened n a consent, n too much nom
esty to give a promise not meant to be
THE brute. I should like to give him
a sound thrashing."
n has punished himself severely:
for he nearly put an end to his
promising career. But ever since Edith
and the doctor thinks a thorough
will be the best remedy. Poor
child, she Will be glad to see you" Lady
added. stealing a glance at him.
The barrister felt grateful for that
last sentence that gave him hope and
courage. For. from the day Edith and
her aunt called at his chambers. the
sight Of this girl suddenly set him
thinking that he had missed something
and fair in his life; something
ne had heretofore ignored or over
looked in the hurry and strife Of an
ambitious career; something that could
be compensated for by honor or
gain. and beside which the worlds
awards We're as nothing.
These reflections once more inn
pressed him during his drive to the
hall, but the cloudy mood they induced
suddenly frightened when pres
sently he saw her eyes flash with plea
as they met his own, and she let
her hand rest in his. as IL she felt
- 1 dilo plOleCllOuE While
It lay there.
She grew cheerful when he sat beside
Ter, and declared herself by no means
invalid her aunt imagined, but the
and pallor of her face, and the
frightened look 1t expressed in rapose,
0elied her words.
Lady Bysshe left them, saying she
would take off her bonnet and have tea
sent into Edith's room, which was radi-
ant with the soft light OF candles and
in the glow Of a rudy Are.
The sudden barking of her Skye ter
rier at some noise outside made Edith
almost bound from her chair, though
nom 1T she was laughing at her
nervousness. But her startled look and
the flush sweeping over her face show
him how unstrung she was, and
brought him back to realities.
II wish I had known before TODAY
that you were ILL.," he said.
=" am sure you would have com
to sec me-" replied Edith making no
to SUPPRESS the pleasure his words
gave her, but I feared you were too
busy to be disturbed, although Auntle
OF inviting you down.
DO you think any business in the
world would keen me away. If T thoupht |