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

early afternoon in an open carriage.
There was no installing the fact that
Edith was interested in Godfrey Bys.
she, though whether she was In love
with him or not her aunt could not say
The sole objection that could be urged
against him vas his age. which was
nearly double her own: otherwise he
was eligible, for he had already dis
tinguished himself at the bar and in
the house, and 1t was probable he would
n day sit on the bench. He had an
income Independent of his profession
h declared him to be high-minded
and she thought him & man OF deep
feeling who would make an excellent
husband to the woman he loved; and
h a he loved Edith, Lady Bysshe had
little doubt.
My DEAR she remarked as they
drew near home. Il think 1 will ask
Goeffrey down from Saturday till Mon
day, next week. What do you say.
DEAR"
He may not be able to come: he
must have so many social engage
ments,' Edith answered, striving to APP
pear unconcerned.
But he always seems to enjoy him
self here, and he brightens US up. And
| am sure we want something to en-
liven us after Max's effort to introduce
another tragedy to the house."
At the end of her drive Edith ap-
peared more tired and ~listless than when
she set out, and leaned heavily on her
aunt as she went up the broad granite
steps leading to the entrance. On
Lady Bysshe inquired about Max Of
Urbano. who was just crossing to the
study. The valet answered with his
usual deferential manner; but his
Scared face, the brightness Of his PEN
etrating glance. his mishapen and
dwarf-like figure, expressed such hat
red and malignity to the girl whom ne
believed had refused Max. and whom he
blamed for bringing him close to death.
that, suddenly she gave a little cry
and tainted in her aunt.s arms.
The latter, who had not noticed the
mans vtndtctive look. which had been
quick as lightning. called to him for
help, when they carried her to a great
ottoman where they strove to revive
her. Their efforts were unsuccessful
for some time. during which Lady Bys-
she became alarmed and sent for the
doctor. By the time he arrived Edith
had regained consciousness and was
laughing and crying Historically.
ut was foolish of me to faint again.
she said, but I got a fright. I had no
idea I was so weak-minded: but we
never know ourselves" h added
smilingly.
What frightened you. dear child?"
her aunt asked.
You will think it is nonsense. and so
1T is; but Urbano's ace seemed to wear
a horrid mask, like one of those wicked
ly grotesque things Japanese actors
wear when they play tragedy. 1t was
only my imagination. of course, but"
0 nerves are playing you sad
tricks" her aunt told her.
4 am sure they are" Edith agreed,
Il must be weaker thar l thought"
Lady Bysshe was alarmed by her
niece's condition, for Edith had up to
this been remarkable for her calmness
and ~self-control. and as far as her aunt
knew, had never tainted OF been hys-
terical before. The shock she had got
at the probability OF her own death.
and at the sight of what she believed
was Max's suicide. must nave been
greater than was first apparent.
Doctor Hopkins could only advise
quiet. give tonics, and leave
nature to reassert her strength, a pro-
ceeding which Lady Bysshe thought
the most sensible.