The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-05-04
CHAPTER XIV.

thank you for standing by us in this time
of trouble. I know your discretion can
be relied upon
wards. But your. thanks are not due
to me. but to Vance. brave fellow. did
not dream Of such a state Of things un-
til tonight"
"Our task is not yet ended" resumed
the Squire. 1--WE have mighty tough
knot still to unite. Those people in the
parlors have come to witness a wedding.
Somebody has got to tell them there will
be no wedding here tonight. Friend Ed
wards, will you undertake to help us
over this very embarrassing pointY
Before Mr.. Edwards could answer,
Vance had drawn Marcia's hand upon
his arm, and thus led her before his
uncle.
"Uncle Samuel" said he, there is no
necessity of disappointing our guests. If
you say so, the wedding shall go right
on. l will take Mr.. lie Drus place as
bridegroom"
In his sudden surprise the Squire al
most bounded from the floor.
"Why, bless my soulv' he cried IL
never thought Of such a thing as that"
II have thought of il, these many long
months" said Vance,. calmly.
''But-but, boy. we all supposed you
were counting Florence"
Florence never has been, never
thought of being. more than good, kind
sister to me-" said Vance, not doubling
what he said. "She had helped me
In this affair, knowing all about my love
for Marcia. | took that long journey be-
cause could not give my cousin up to
another. May have her. uncleT
you'll have to say yes, Squire. He
has fairly earned her." said Mr.. Ed
wards, smiling at this unique proposal.
II must say, young folks. your way of
getting over the difficulty is ahead of
mine But see here--there's the license"
WHO has itY' asked Mr.. Edwards.
II have, That rascal gave it to me to
hand to his groomsman, DIR. Burnett.
haven't given it yet"
Perhaps / can be Of service in this
crisis" said Mr.. Edwards. 1T is now
seventy mounting your feetest horse
can ride to Frankfort change this for
license with the correct name, and get
back by nine"
"The horse shall be ready instantly"
returned the Squire.
But Marcia. stepping forward. blush
ing crimson, laid her hand on her faith
er's arm, saying, Papa. Mr.. Edwards
Is very, very kind; but il you would let
Dick Leslie do this for us, | think he
would be very glad to have the chance"
II yield the task freely" said Mr.. Ed
II.
ted for harum-scarum gallop than |
am, any way. Shall call him, SQUIRE"
Yes. call him. Edwards, while order
the horse. Well have him off in a
twinkiing. And you young monkeys Fly
upstairs and get your fx-ups on. Well
have merry wedding yet"
While Vance and Marcia FASTENED up
stairs, Dick was summoned to the IL
brary and told as much as was necdful
to his errand. He was almost struck
dumb with amazement. but he was heart
lily rejoiced at the change. for his hatred
OF lie Dru was deep and sincere.
Marcia. Judged rightly-honest Dick
was glad of the opportunity To serve
them, and If ever horse was made to
fly over bank, bush and scaur,' 1t was
Dick Leslie's horse that wedding night,
on his way to change the license.
Marcia found only Rosa in her cham
Der. But Rosa stood speeches. with
surprise--that laughing, radiant face she
had not seen on her young mistress for
many day.
Florry FASTENED to Marcia's room, not
In her bridesmaids robes. but still wear
Ing her plain black silk AT sight Of
the rapt. happy face, flushed cheeks,
smiling lips and sparkling eyes, Marcia
turned toward her she stopped short, al
most aghast White cheeks, anguished
eyes, blanched lips, she had expected
but not this.
.Tie, you naughty girl. not dressed
yet" cried Marcia, merrily. .Now /
shall condemn you to dress me first"
But you are-you are not:-you
DON'T stammered Florry, quite un-
able to comprehend.
Don't what? Don't mean to be mar
ried? Yes, Of course l do Dress me
quick: we are late now"
But but Marcia--you DONE
know"
"Yes, I do. know everything. you
noble, good GIRL" cried Marcia. finging
aey arms around Florence BLESS you,
Florry! I'm the happiest girl aliver'
"Oh, I'm So glad! But why don't
Myra come? Your combs and brushes
first. Marcia, quick! Where is Myra, l
say?'
"She has not come, said Marcia, while
Florry's fingers flew over her beautiful
brown hair ~She is not WELL you know.
and suppose was afraid TO venture out
In the damp air."
Florence guessed that Vance had not
yet spoken OF the affair between Myra
and lie Dru, But she knew that Myra
had not come because she could not bear
to see the man she loved welded TO am
| other But she only said:
avail vva con,f uraif fcv bar Won vr;ll