The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-07-06
NJ a S II e a t
CHAPTER XIX.

The shadows that had been creeping
mp during this festive season-when
"Peace on earth, good will to men," had
been the loving, gentle message-were
casting their dull darkness ever so lightly
over the Brighton home.
There was a little constraint upon
them all, making even Maggie uncom-
Portable, if not unhappy. How it began,
or why or wherefore, not one of them
could have told you; but there it was,
Notwithstanding, and there it showed it
self on this New Years eve. when they
we're to sit up to see the old year out
and the new one in.
But the change in Ernest was most
palpable-he had changed so unmistaka-
bly, that even to ordinary eyes he vas
a different man to the gay, light-hearted
Captain Of other and happier days. He
had been walking by the sea this New
Years eve, listening to the mournful
north wind, as it whistled round the cor
ners OF the squares.
Poor, love-sick boy, he was in great
grief and sorrow just now. 1t was no
fault of his; for a nobler, happier fellow
had never trod the earth. The cause Of
IL was that his idol, Maggie, whom he
loved with all his heart and soul, did
not seem to return his passionate attach
ment. but treated him simply as a dear
brother.
His mother does not object to his
shortening his visit, and accepts his lame
excuse good-naturedly enough, much to
Maud's surprise; and Ernest goes back
TO town. So the winter months pass
away, and the early spring sees the fam
lily in the city, whittier, also, the Colonel
and Archie had repaired for the opening
of the season.
They saw a great deal of Ernest now.
He would often come over TO their 3
o'clock tea, under p~retense Of hearing
all the latest news, and caring for
Maud's companion more after every visit.
Ii was a pleasant time to him: and as
the spring mellowed into summer, he
would often take them to the Academy
in the cool early morning, or walk with
them in the park.
Mrs. Cholmondely began to be dread
fully puzzled what to do with Maggie;
for it had never struck her before how
anomalous her position would be when
her daughter really needed no compan-
ion. and had done with goyernesses and
masters altogether. She had looked for
ward lately more than she had ever done
before. and she began to grow timid and
alarmed for the future.
IL only Ernest would fall in love with
some fair girl that she would be proud to
call daughter, then all might be well, and
the evil day put off. at least for the pres
ent. Maggie might be a companion for
her! and If her husband ever came from
his prisoii cell to claim her, well, it was
a long way in the distance yet. There
might be some means before then of max
ing an arrangement that would be sat
isfactory to them all.
But the fatal and unfortunate part Of
this prospective arrangement was that
her son declined to fall in love with each
and every one Of the eligible young ladies
his mother had carefully selected; and
assured his mother, with a serious ex-
preston OF face, and decided shake of
the head, that he would WOO none of
them. Mrs. Cholmondely had spoken
very seriously to him, and a~ffectionately,
too: and he had answered almost petu-
lantly, and there had been the nearest
approach to q quarrel ever known be-
tween mother and son.
"Why do you wish me to marry in
such a dreadful hurry he had said,
looking straight at his mother, but with
a troubled gaze. y
"Why do l wish it, Ernest?" Mrs.
Cholmondely had replied, with deep feel
ing in her voice. Because l think you
would be happier il you had a sweet,
loving wife; because you must marry
some day, and why not now, when you
are young and beginning lifef'
II don't see the necessity" Ernest had
said. quietly, almost sulkily. 1T is one
of the curses OF entailed property that
1t gives q man no chance to do as he
pleases in the matter"
"Well ii has its bright side. too"
his mother had returned, eoaxingly; ''for
Ii you happened to fall in love with a
beauty that was portionless. you could
marry for love, pure and simple, dear,
and there are few in this prosaic age
can actually afford to do that"
And then Ernest mad turned to her
with a new expression on his face, and
with a trembling eagerness that was al
most painful to see. and had said, quick
", goiEs over to her, III my future wife
were beautiful and good, and yet vas
Of no family or fortune, you would give
her your blessing, and consent to our
marriage, could you not, motherY'
A flash OF inspiration crosses her mind
here, and she says, calmly mad proudly,
IF l approved Of her family and con-
nections, and it was for your happiness,
Ernest, ! would; but l would sanction 10
stepping down in the social scale. / be-
lieve In caste, and I hope my son viii
never present a wife to me that ! can
not take to my arms with pride. and
without q blush Of shame"
And very naughty and patrician she
looks. this proud lady, as she speaks
to her son. So all the eagerness has
died out 81 tbs young mans face, and
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