The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1907-11-23
A SMILING VILLAIN.
CHAPTER y.-(Continued.)
By VIOLET M. Finn.

great deal of his early life, of his few
vague memories of his mother, Of his
| fathers deep attachment to his wife and
| son, only apparent in rarest moments
yet always there, of the wandering no
madic life over southern seas, over con
| tinents, over rivers, of the strange com
panions, of the curious phases of life they
had seen. Yet every now and then he
would pull himself up abruptly, as if he
were leaving his tale half told. Perhaps
as Moyra thought, condolences were new
to him.
what a strange, eventfup life you
have had - she said You have done
more, seen more, in six months than the
average person would in lifetime. And
you are still young"
Il am twenty-seven; it is time l set
tied down if l am to make anything OF
my life. And you, l suppose You have
lived here always?"
"Since / was four: father had living
In Caterham, but he came here when
Terry was baby, and l can scarcely re-
member ST. Michael's. Indeed, | think
what do know of it has been gathered
Dear mother died when / was seventeen,
and l have taken care of father and the
children ever since. Not very eventful
history, is it?'
"A good record, judging from the re-
cults" he answered gravely, his eyes
resting on the four figures some yards
distant. But, after all, it is not the
exterior life that counts for much. 1t
Is the interior life-what one has felt,
has thought, has done--that makes the
best record-a very poor one for some
OF us" he added more lightly.
''Oh, | so often think that" she cried.
"It often seems 70 me that the most tell
ing parts of our life, the events that make
the most impression upon us, are those
which are hidden from sight, of which
even those who love us best have no
knowledge. There is Bride" she contin-
ued, her voice sinking-"she has very
deep Affections those whom she loves
she worships-they are faultless to her,
and she would do anything for Them. l
am so troubled when / think OF the flu
ture of poor Bride. Suppose she was to
fall in love with the wrong manT'
Your influence will always be the
strongest over her, Miss Beresford. You
need not distress yourself
IF only l could hope so But some
how / never feel so strong now as | used
TO do when l had the courage of youth.
I am not so self-reliant as Allen. l
think"-her face kindling-'you will like
her very much-she is SO very clever"
Butt am afraid shall not see her"
Moyra opened her eyes in astonish-
ment.
"Why not?" she demanded. They will
be here this week.
But / must not presume on your great
kindness. You'll have the house full and
won't want strangers"
Mr.. Robertson ~ She put out her
hand with dignifed gesture. I'VE shall
feel very much hurt if You leave us this
year. Why, father would be terribly an
noyed if you left before Christmas
Where would you go? For you say you
have no relatives" She looked up with
/, little laugh. You gee you have burned
Jour boats. You can't rake up an insist
ant cousin"
II don't want to do so !"--echoing her
laugh. He seemed relieved by her cor
dial words. Thanks very much 1
confess Christmas in an hotel is not en-
liyening, and have never as yet spent
it in a family. / shall he very glad to
stay little longer, although expect
that the next mail will bring marching
orders from my father for me-"
Not to 20 back, | hopeT
II think not" he answered carelessly.
"But he will probably have some bush
ness for me to transact. lie is certain
to be overlooking with schemes and pro
iects.'