The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-08-08
CHAPTER Y.

donned her habit, and, without waiting
for breakfast or groom, left home in hot
haste for Craiglands. She wanted to be
first at an interview with the duchess.
Much depended on how she acted now.
IF can just drop few hints, ard 50
prejudice her against that girl, not all
Mrs. Frasers sweetness, or her eaugh-
ter's artfulness, will hsve much avail.
am rich woman. l never felt so glad
Of my money before"
She had divcrgcd little from the or
dinary route to Craiglands, because there
was a better road by so doing, and as
she trotted along 1cetly, she suddenly
came upon dog cart, in which was seat
ed Beverley Rochfort, looking wonderful
ly handsome in his fur-lined coat.
Miss Fraser, this is an unexpected
pleasure" he said, as he lifted his hat
and motioncd the groom to take the reins.
you are out early"
II am going to Craiglands, to make in
quiries," she said curtly.
Beverley only smiled, but she saw at
once that he attached a good deal OF
meaning to this hasty ride. He got
down from the cart.
Drive up and down until I am ready,
JONES'" he commanded, as he walked up
to Sheilas horse and stroked the smooth
neck as there, then, so much cause
for anxiety?" he asked. Are you merry
Gus about Lord John, Miss Frascr?'
Shcila purscd her lips. She resented
| his manner. and she did not quite under
stand it, either.
II feel that it would be altogether a
| pleasant and wise arrangement If You
and l called ourselves friends Beverley
said after slight pause. 1--WE have s.
much in common
II don't think I understand you"
Shcila was startled into saying.
| II must try and explain myself clear
ly. | know the reason OF your hurried
visit to Craiglands. 1t is no. sympathy
that takes you there. bat something moro
akin to self-intprcst. Oh! do not be
angry, there is no occasion. for, my very
dear young lady, | think you are perfect
ly right You sec. although | do not
credit you with any great amount Of
sympathy, / have plenty myself. Be
lieve me, I am quite sincere. JUS now
Beverley went on, Il said l thought il
would be not only pleasant. but a wis"
thing for you and to become friends.
Union is strength, you know, Miss Fra
ser; a good old maxim
Don't you think you had better leave
conundrums alone. and speak out
straight, Mr.. Rochfort?'
II will" he answered, quietly. "Sheila,
we are both persons Of determination and
ambition My ambition takes one form,
yours another: but on one point we are
alke-we would sacrifice much to gain
our ends; would we not?"
Sheila's cold gray eyes flashed as sh.
nodded her head.
You hate the girl; I hate him! You
are determined that John Glendurwood
shall make you his wife: am as equal
ly determined | shall make her mine. Ar
rived so far, the rast should be easy"
Sheila drew q sharp breath. She loath-
ed him for his shrowdness in having read
ler mind SO clearly. but his words had
brought a new aspect altogether.
1T is for you to suggest" she said.
speaking swiftly and in low tones. AS
you said just now, union is strength,
and So"
$50 you agree to be friends. ch:" Boy
erley smiled.
He had never had the smallest fear Of
failing. He had not watched Shcila 50
carefully these past days for nothing. He
held out his hand as he spoke and Shcila
pu. hers into it.
"UaVc vou anv DlqrS?" she aSI"d. ab-
ruptiy. She was no longer 10 eager to
be gone One glimpse 1t this mans Smll-
inc. handsome. cYil fore told her that he
would do all he wished. Even il t&2
midst Of the satisfaction that camc wi
a rush, she could not repress feeling
OF jealousy and envy that he should loy"
Audrey ard be indifferent to her. Sh"l2.
II will tell You mere when l return
from London. Ny journey there Is not
wholly unconncctCd with this matter.
And now l think | must say '.iu rcvOir.
I sincerely trust you will find Lord John
not so bad as rumor reports. Carry my
sympathy and regards TO her new grace
she is a charming woman, and will make
an altogether excellent mothcr-in-law.'
Sheila smiled mechanically. and gath
ering up her rrns. she rode on. She
gave a sort of shuddcr as she went. and
the memory of Bcvcrloy's dark, gittering
eyes fingered with her. She felt. some
how. so powerlcss when she was with
him.
Sheila always felt n thrill at her heart
as she rode or drove up to CraiSlandS.
Now as she passed up the avenue and
drew rein at the covered doorway, n man
with powdered hair and grave face came
forward to meet her.
"Her grace's love. miss, and she begs
you will excuse her this morning; she
does not feel equal to leaving his lord
ships room. She begs, also, to thank you,
miss, for having taken the trouble to
ride over and make inquiries"
"Does DR.. Sontance think there is any
DANGER" she asked. and there was ger
uine anxiety in her voice.
"Dr. Sentance considers his lordship's
condition very serious" replied the ne"-
want.