The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1906-10-17
CuApTER NV.

CHAPTER XIV.
Antonia never forgot the tenderness,
that was shown to her by her uncle in this
hour. The sympathy between them deep.
ened, and became Il bond that nothing but
death would touch; in fact, Edward
MarChmont was more than moved by the
girls story.
1t was true ne had known nothing Of
Hubert il the past, and was unable to
form personal judgment of the young
man, but he had by this time realized that
Antonia's nature and character were by
no means ordinary, and he could not fail
but be struck by the girls enthusiasm and
faith yet he sighed a little, for he saw
that the future would be set with diff
cultiCs. Indeed, when Antonio firmly an
nounccd her decision of refusing to obey
her fathers will. Edward Marchmont felt
thas it was his duty to argue with her on
this point.
Il am sorr:,' Antonio said, quietly,
but it is quite impossible for mc TO al
low my father TO control me in this,
Uncle Edward. / could not 20 to Eyre
mont just now. Perhaps if this news
had not come, if poor Ben had not let
me see that he feared something, | might
have gone for a time. You speak of
separation" the girl added, sadly. a mo-
ment later. but do you honestly think,
Uncle Edward, that my father and have
ever been united? What could have
brought him 10 London in this way |
cannot understand; but he takes late
born interest in me, and, as a matter of
fact, it is not OF me that he thinks at all
it is always of himself. But / shall
net stay here Sear," Antonio added.
quickly; THAT would only make compli-
cations between you and him. have de-
cided on my plans. | shall ask Lady
Charlotte Singleton to let me stay with
her for a time. | will write also to my
father, and remain here till his answer
comes. He has told you what hotel he is
staying at, | SUPPOSE
Edward MaTchmont nodded his head.
He gave her the address. Antonio was
still waiting for her fathers reply when
Lady Betty returned to the house.
The girl avoided seeing her. She had
told her uncle she would remain in her
room for an hour or two. 1t was not
long before Lady Charlotte sent an am
swer TO her letter. A cab brought it,
a few penciled words full of delight, bid.
ding the girl welcome whenever she chose
to come. Thus the first step was made
easy; but Antonia's heart was full of fore
bodng as she sat waiting for her fathers
last word
1t came finally in the form of her own
letter torn in two. 1t was natural that
for one moment Antonio Marchmont
should feel a pang. Though there had
never been any love between herself and
her father, yet they had been together all
her life, in one sense, and though he had
| never done anything to win her affection,
she could ne. utterly forget that he was
hr- .ha"
..,,. 1852 Aslrd Of Lord Marchmont's
arrival and departure with shrug Of
her shoulders.
Where is your master?' she inquired,
in her curtest way, and when she was
told that Mr.. Marchmont was in his
study she went there, determined TO be
disagreeable.
II am here, as you desired she said,
coldly. II have sacrificed my afternoon
at your decree, and / find that your BROTH
er has not even the courtesy to wait
for my return. have not been informed
to what we owed the unusual honor of q
visit from Lord Marchmont."
pierce came to see me 20 ask my opin-
ion as 70 the merits Of a man who has
proposed for the hand of Antonio in mar
riagc. Pierce understood that this man
was constant visitor at my house, and
argued naturally from that that l should
be able to assure him that this man was
fitted to be the husband of such a girl
as Antonia."
Lady Betty's heart was beating at fever
heat.
How ridiculous you are, Edward ~ she
said. "You will persist in putting Ant0-
MIA on a pedestal, as if there were no
other girl in the world as good as she I
hope you assured Lord Marchmont that
this man, whose name you have not given
nc. was indeed worthy of your much
lauded Antona:"
Il told my. brother that. although Ger
! aid Tenby was a constant visitor here, l
was not"
He got no further than that. Lady
BETTY had broken in on his speech.
lTo b continued.)