The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-07-28

IL d Uoll from lne heavens naQ DE-
scended in the midst of the little group
seated about the breakfast table it
would hardly have created more con-
~sternation.
Julia Saylow, stout and impressive,
put down her coffee cup with delibera-
ton. and eyed her husband in open
mouthed wonder.
Violet and Migonette pushed back
their chairs as If a second outburst
would precipitate immediate flight, and
looked anXiously at their mother.
Only Willoughby, the nine-year-old
scion Of the house of Saylow retained
his composure to any extent. He was
accustomed to violent surprises in his
daily walk and recovered himself
quickly.
why not"" he asked boldly.
Because YOU can't-that's why" re-
turned his father sharply. You all
hear me-"
1t was quite evident that he had
been heard. although no reply was
forthcoming. The girls feebly played
with their food; Julia's face underwent
various changes of color. which finally
settled into an aggressive red; and the
boy broke into a long whistle of be-
wilderment.
Will. o may leave the table," said
Mr.. Saylow sternly.
Willoughby gazed thoughtfully at
$3.50 ~ IL AiANi any a. eiiSN
OF toast and vanished. He had seen
that IN his fathers eye which reminded
him of an almost forgotten hour Of
sadness. closely associated with the
tingling recollection Of a strap. SO he
went.
He meant it," he rumlnated as he
slipped away; yes, I'm sure he meant
it. What's got into him?"
Fortunately breakfast was nearly
over when the surprising dictum had
been announced; While digestive pro-
cesses were undoubtedly impaired in
the case of all except Willoughby, it
was better than a disappointment on
an mpty stomach.
SayioW was not an imposing figure
as lie folded his napkin and rose to de-
part.
When the sound of his quick little
nervous steps was heard fading away
in the passage the feminine tongues
were unloOsened.
Violet spoke first. Plump. pretty and
independent, she tossed her head with
q gathering bloom on her proud cheeks.
The ideal" she observed. "How en-
tirely uncalled for"
Il should think So cried Mignonette,
the younger and even p~ret,ier than her
sister.
h repression of Julia now burst
forth. She was an affectionate wife, a
devoted mother and possessed of many
virtues. Alas, the rod Of authority was
TO Ecr fingers as a clasp of gold to the
miser, and she waved it calmly and
unhinchingly over the leads Of her
fact of Alfred's imagining he could up
lift his voice in OPPOSITION to her
wishes seemed preposterous-
Surely he had renowned all claim to
such recognition long ago. Why, he
was only her husband.
M dear children" she began rapid
ly. but impressively. Il trust you OBJ
served that I controlled myself. |
thought it better to say nothing in
reply, nor to open an argument. There
will be no argument-we shall go as |
planned. vi. you will invite Edgar;
Min, you may order the wagOnette
from the stable. We shall go. Tell
Willoughby. We start at eleven.
"Of course WE will CO." cried vi. Il
knew we would all the time. Let's get
the luncheon ready.
Trips to the AXE five miles from the
town, had become weekly occurrences
Alfred had sat down TO a lonely midday
meal SO frequently that he could
scarce remember the number And
ing thought.
ut cannot GO on ne had said tC
himself again and again. Il do not sec
what Julia is thinking OF. 1t is too ex-
pensive. The bill from the stables is
something enormous--and they gel
boats and men to row them and hire
fishing tackle. l cant bear to say any
thing-they enjoy themselves, l sup
pOse-but Julia should know better
She is so thrifty in some ways and sc
~improvident in others. l do not under
stand it. I am so out of the habit o:
finding fault at home that m know
what to say. I shall lose self-contro
taorrn 6ay. 7 know 7 shall"
And he had. No one but he knew
the volcano smouldering under tina
,eruption-it was but the hiss of tn,
puff of steam from the safety valve o
the boiler of a surcharged mind. n
ious and worried and shrinking-hat.
ing TO give offense and having to.
Saylow attended to his business tina
morning with a certain feeling of ex
allied emancipation. He had ASSERTED
himself. He had not intended to be 81
cross. but his voice had sounded diff
ferent from what he meant it SHOULD
Still. they had said nothing. and i
would be all right by dinner time. an
he would exert himself to be yer
pleasant.
Fol- the apparently meek little ma
was of a fierce temper at times. an
some men knew it. But at home-oh
at home-anything but an angry wore
SO he had often seethed inwardly wit,
a closed mouth.
"Going?" quers,d Willoughby /
great establishment, when he was mott
fled. why, father said we couldn't"
MA says we are. and she is the one,
answered vi. He didn't mean any
thing. Hurry up. VIII, and go over t
Edgar's.'
The boy shook his head dubiousl.
II don 10Y about this" he said eau
tiously. Z" He did mean it. They sa
pas awful in the Office when he ge,
Cross
ooh, come on" laughed his sister
"he is a dear, harmless old thing, an
will be all right by tonight. Run alonl
We are going to fish all today, 70
know. The wine is just right"
1T is a lovely day. l almost wis
\ they had gone" sighed Alfred as h
walked into the house at noon. Il ha
to do it though. I will try to max
1t up to them in SOM way-why, whel
is everybody? Hullo. Julia, where al
you?"
They're zone, sir. Mrs. Saylow sal
she expected to be back about 81
Your lunch is ready. sir" %announce
Margaret, appearing from the kitche
Cone! zone where?" gasped IL
man with q shrinking ~premonition
the reply.
TO the lake, sir. Didn't they is
you?"
"Oh-oh--yes! To the lake. Yes,
forgot replied Alfred, instructive
hiding his feelings. while a great way
Of anger surged through him.. Ser
the luncheon now"
He flew upstairs to his room. close
tho door aud npcad IN and dowp rr}