Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1907-12-06
CHAPTER IL

$1,000 ~Ns ""'
CHAPTER II.
Caterham West was a large scattered
place. purely residential. situated at the
mouth of a large tidal river, the opposite
bank of which was occupied by a we'll
known seaport. Caterham itself was
wholly given up to commerce.. On the
%clearest day a murky cloud hung over
it, and at night long ines of lights mark
ed the extent of its great docks. In the
summer Caterham West was a ~favorite
resort of excursionists. who. however,
confined themselves almost entirely to the
pier and the far-stretching shore with
its lighthouse and the antique fort that
was supposed to be Caterham's defense
in times of war. Lodging houses and
refreshment rooms We're abundant in
Lower Caterham. but the higher reaches
of the locality, stretching down to the
sand hills beyond the trippers' resorts,
We're very exclusive, and many n wealthy
Caterham merchant had built his house
on the side of the rounded hill and had
no connection with the lower town. In
winter, when the restaurants and oyster
saloons were closed and cards hung in
every lodging house window, the Cater
ham residents considered the place their
own; but in summer, like the Romans of
old, they retired to their heights before
the stream of Goths had poured across
the broad river.
Moyra's visits passed off very satisfac-
torily, and the two sisters were walking
koneward in tie gathering gloom, Lulu
chatting briskly, when a loud voice hailed
them by name, and a tall, awkward wom-
an. very badly dressed, came up to them.
How do you do?' she exclaimed, in
boistercus tones. I'm going your way.
That child wants plenty of cod liver oil.
Moyra. She'll be going off in a decline
if you don't take care"
She's stronger than she looks" Moyra
answered quietly. what a nice day it
has beep-so near Christmas. too! l sup
pose you will help in the decorations as
~usual?"
As a rule Miss Prior was ready and
willing to talk of herself and her paro-
chial work-she fondly believed that she
was the only person who did any work
in the parish she could never have be-
Eeved that she was a thorn in the flesh
to both Rector and curates-but at that
moment she was primed with news of an
other kind, and she let the illusions to
the decorations pass.
"Have you heard that the Mount is
taken at last" she demanded. 81 thought
YOU would not. My dear Moyra, it is
your duty as the Rector's daughter to
know all that is going on in the parish.
OF course ! know you depend upon me,
but suppose l was not here? You must
grow accustomed to think and act for
yourself. Yes, it is taken at last. I
heard it from the baker, who got it from
the agent. The people are coming in
as soon as possible: there is an invalid
who is coming for the air. They will be
your near %neighbors, but you must not
know housekeeping her voice mystic
riously. "Of course the Rector will call,
but you must not. They are undesira-
BILE people. 1t is really awful to think
Of that splendid place being in such
hands. One really wonders il they will
know the use of the various rooms. You
must look after that Bride OF yours
with a meaning laugh.
Moyra raised her head with quiet dig
nifty.
what did you say was the name?"
ooh, er-Fenton! oh, yes-it is ia
miliar enough !'-as Moyra repeated 1t
musingly. You see it everywhere-'Fen-
toms backing is the best They are
the people,"
ut is very good blacking."
Miss Prior shifted. There w-r = faint
giggle. from Lulu, and Moyra ...ale haste
to change the subject. For her part she
was not sorry that the big house which
shared the long narrow avenue with the
Doa4o,.- laJ ~ InrrtE fp,,rl n tapnpt
She always felt sorry for the desolate
look of the house, which was only visible
from the Rectory when the trees were
bare, yet was only divided from it's gar
den by a sunk fence.
They walked on to the gates of the
avenue, Miss Prior complaining of the
senior curate's delinquencies and the lax
management of the coal club. At the
gate, however, she stopped abruptly and
commanded Lulu to run on as she wished
to speak to Moyra privately.
81 feel it my Christian duty. Moyra,"
Miss Prior began solemnly. ito say this.
Believe me, l speak only for your good
when I warn you against allowing any
personal sentiment to override your
knowledge of what is your duty
what do you mean, Miss Prior?'
come, cOme, lily uedI, lueIe LIZ
need to lose your temper! I am speaking
as your friend. Rertram Charters is
very fascinating, I dare say-although
you are not so young as when he wa.s
last at home. You must not allow your
self to be carried away She paus-
ed rather abruptly. She fancied that
Moyra was laughing. Her voice certain
lv shook as she replied. and the reply
did not satisfy her nearer. 1t savorcd
of double meaning, Miss Prior fancied.
You may be quite sure shall always
net according to my convictions, Miss
Prior
what did Miss Prior mean by talking
about Bersram as she did," Lulu asked
| curiously, as they entered the avenue.
And why should she warn you? l think
Rertram is awfully nice !'-in her most
rrown-up voice. $50 does Bride Ber-
tram wants to paint Brides portrait. Oh,
ses-Hammond is Lighting the gas in the
school Dom"
sI1l race you to the door," Moyra said
quickly; and away the two went.
Lulu was an easy winner and dashed
off directly to the school room when
thev entered the house. Moyra, pausing