The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-04-13
CHAPTER Xxx.

On Monday morning Nettie was up
very early and had her breakfast all over
and her little cottage tidy as new Pin,
before Vance could arrive. Little Willie
was neatly dressed and sent to the shop
where she had been working to tell them
that his mamma could not come that
morning.
Then Nettie sat down to wait for
Vance, her hands, usually so busy. idle
in her lap, her brain all in whirl. She
was so disturbed by what had happened
that she had not slept one moment all
night. She had been overworking her
self for some time, and was lily fitted to
bear any added strain. So when Vance
presented himself she met him with ach-
ing heart, throbbing brain and quivering
nerves Vance could not fail to notice
her appearance. He said kindly:
Il am afraid you are not well this
morning. Mrs. lie Dru. And how is Mas
ter WillieY he asked, holding his hand
out to the little fellow who had just
come in from his errand.
Willie shyly advanced and held out his
chubby fist, but did not speak. Vance
drew his handsome gold watch from his
pocket, and Master Willie was immedi-
ately conquered. He was soon seated on
Vance's knee contentedly playing with
the watch.
How would You like run over our
Kentucky hills. Master WillieY' asked
Vance Of the little chap "Will you go
home with me, and see the pretty little
colts and calves and pigs?" asked Vance
Ride on train, toog' asked Willie.
Yes, ride on the train, too, Willie
Would you like to go?'
Course | would. II mamma'll go.
mister"
certainly, she must CO." said Vance
Mrs. lie Dru, l am sure the iournev
would do you good, and can assure yo,
that you would find kind hearts at the
end of it. If l go home alone, hardly
see how we can prove anything, except
by very tedious process But if | can
present you and Willie, the living proof
will be incontrovertible. Indeed. Mrs.
lie Dru, L feel that my cousins future
may depend on your action now. ] en-
treat you to do this great kindness for
her sake"
Nettie was sobbing SO she could not
speak by this time. Vance's own voice
will make some sacrifice to save her from
the disgrace OF marrying man who has
already wife. And, there is another
point--I think it very likely-that by
suddenly surprising him, we may obtain
from him your certifc,. tie, and thus prove
your position, not only by his acknowl-
edgment but in law"
Mr.. Douglas, would move heaven
and earth to do that, for Willie's sake
said Nettie, fervently.
Then you go back to Kentucky with
me?'
Nettie's face crimsoned, and she SEEM
ed greatly embarrassed. Vance quickly
comprehended the case. and to relieve
her, he added frankly:
"Of course, as | ask you TO take the
long journey for my benefit, | shall as
sumo the expense. / want you to allow
me to provide for you as freely as you
would allow your brother, until we reach
your husband, and accept willingly what
ever | offer YOU. Will you promise to do
SOP"
II should show myself very ungrateful
IL did not" said Nettie. II never ex-
pected heaven to send me such friends.
Yes. | will accept your kindness. i'm the
spirit in which it is offered. as a loan
to be repaid in future, whenever / am
able"
Very well, then" said Vance, smil-
ing. Eve won't fall out over that. Now
the question is---How soon can you be
ready to 20? II we start from here Mon
day morning. leaving New Haven in the
afternoon, we shall reach Frankfort on
Thursday. two, perhaps three weeks be-
fore the expected wedding-I believe the
day il ne: set yet. Yes. that will he
time enough. And let me assure you,
Mrs. lie Dru. You will not have cause 20
regret going among Kentucky folks"
Not il they are all like you,- said
Nettie. warmly.
After ne little further consultation
yunce took his leave, first placing in
Nettie's hands roll of bills amounting
to a hundred and fifty dollars, that she
might prepare for the journey.
She told him she would go over to New
Haven to do her shopping. which Vance
approved OF. as better things could be
purchased there for less money than they
would cost in Willowbank.
The rest OF the day Nettie devoted TO
closing up her engagement in the dress
makers shop, and to affairs at home. de-
Gliding to run over to New Haven on
Tuesday.
In New Haven she went TO the prin-
cipQl stores and bought such things as
she needed for Willie aud herself to