The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1906-09-20
CHAPTER XIV.

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 bond that nothing but
death would touch; in fact, Edward
Marchmont was more than moved by the
girls story.
1t was true he had known nothing of
Hubert in the past, and was unable to
form a 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 be sighed a little, for he saw
that the future would be set with diff
culties. Indeed, when Antonia firmly an
nounced her decision of refusing to obey
her fathers will, Edward Marchmont felt
tha. it was his duty to argue with her On
this point.
Il am sorry" Antonia said, quietly,
but it is quite impossible for me to al
low my father to control me in this,
Uncle Edward. l could not go to Eyre
mont just now. Perhaps if this news
had not come, if poor Ben had not let
me sec that he feared something, | might
have gone for time. You speak of a
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 to London in this way I
cannot understand; but he takes a late
born interest in me, and, as q matter Of
aRs 10 n+ Of h. IL 4
it is always of himself. But | shall
not stay here, DEAR" Antonia 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 nv
father, and remain here till his answer
comes. He has told you what hotel he is
staying at, SUPPOSE"
Edward Marchmont nodded his head.
He gave her the address. Antonia 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 an
swer to her letter. \ cab brought it,
a few pencled 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
boding 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 Antonia 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 not utterly forget that he was
her father.
L3dy Icy heard of Lord Marchmont's
arrival and departure with a 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. Il have sacrificed my afternoon
at your decree, and find that your BROTH
err has not even the courtesy to wait
for my return. l have not been informed
to what we owed the unusual honor of .
visit from Lord Marchmont."
"Pierce cane to see me to ask my opin-
ion as to the merits of a man who has
proposed for the hand of Antonia in mar
| riage. Pierce understood that this man
| was a constant visitor at my house, and
| argued naturally from that that should
be able to assure him that this man was
| fitted to be the husband of such girl
| as Antonia."
Lady Betty's heart was beating at fever
| heat.
"How ridiculous you are, Edwardw she
said. ''You will persist in putting Anto-
| MIA on pedestal, as IL there were no
| other girl in the world as good as she I
hope you assured Lord Marchmont that
this man, whose name yc. have not given
NE, was indeed worthy of your much
| lauded AntoniaT
81 told my brother that, although Ger
aid Tenby was constant visitor here, I
was not"
He got no further than that. Lady
Betty had broken in on his speech.
| ~ kA "a