The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1907-11-16
A SMILING VILLAIN.
By VIOLET M. fLINN.
By VIOLET M. fLIkN.

says he's been hooking for his ideal Des-
demons for years"
And he thinks he has found her In
you" Moyra rose. "Yes-we will have
your portrait painted some day, dearest,
but not by Bertram, think. He is only
an amateur. must 60 now. Good night,
my darling Sleep well and she took
the slender young form in her arms with
a closeness of embrace that only family
Swallowed the intensity Of her love.
She had recovered her customary Sc
renity when morning came, and at dinner
time she was delighted by the news
brought home by the twins that Bertram
had gone away.
''He said he had been summoned to
London" Gerry said. Isn't it funny
how he goes away SO suddenly"
Bride received the news so unconcern-
eddy that Moyra's heart was gladdened,
and she began to wonder II she had been
unnecessarily anxious. For the time be-
ing she dismissed Mr.. Charters from her
mind and began to prepare for the new
conner, who had announced by wire his
arrival at Portuguese port, and also his
acceptance of Mr.. Beresford's invitation.
The interest in him was confined to the
two elders, the others being absorbed in
speculations concerning the big house, as
the Mount was generally called, in contra
distinction to its smaller Understanding
neighbor. The young ones were inclined
to resent the intrusion of the newcomers,
who were evidently arriving soon, for
workmen were in full possession of the
house and grounds.
I'VE sha'n't be able to have any more
of those Ribston pippins," Bride sighed
They are such nice apples, toor'
The morning of the Iaras arrival at
Caterham was marked by heavy fog
that enveloped river and land in its
sitting embrace. All day there was the
booming of fog horns on the river, the I'M
ceasing shrilling of steam whistles, as
boats crept cautiously up and down the
crowded river. At the Rectory it was
impossible to see yard from the win
dows. AS evening drew near Lulu, who
hated being cooped indoors, began to grow
decidedly cross and to prophesy all sorts
of casualties as she sat on the drawing
room heartbrug.
With the advent Of tea, and the twins
in their second-best garb, and lamplight
Lulu revived her usual sunny self, and
the family clustered round the table with
bright faces and lively tongues. 1t was
the hour of day Moyra liked best-when
her babies were around her and she sat
enthroned amongst them. Every worry
and anxiety faded away at such times,
and she could laugh and joke as blithely
as any of them, even while she fest
happiness they were not capable of ex-
periencing.
Tea was in full swing The buttered
toast and macaroons were vanishing rap
idly. Lulu was growing critical as to the
little cakes with colored sugar in the cake
basket. Bride and Gerry were sitting on
the fender with plate Of egg-sandwiches
between them, while Delda was describing
with much faithful detail the frock she
wanted for the prize distribution.
II really think you must make your
white summer alpaca do" Moyra began.
"You are growing so fast that your silk
would be of no use to you next year"
She stopped short. Delda, who was
facing her, had suddenly stared with
stupefied amazement at some point behind
Moyra, apparently, judging from the d.
rection of her eyes, in the middle of the
wall. Moyra twisted round In her chair,
and then, like Delda, stared aghast. The
crown Of head appeared above the high
painted screen that was placed before the
door. In another second the Rector came
into the room, his face trimming over
with amusement, and behind him lowered
the biggest man Moyra had ever seen.
and, she decided in that brief inspection,
the ugliest
my DEAR" said the Rector, ''alow me
to introduce Mr.. Angus Robertson to
you"