The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1907-11-15
P III.
THE GAUNTLEr.

THE GAUNTLET.
Edgemere was a beautiful estate
overlooking the Great South Bay, Jus,
east OF Babylon. Across the waters o,
the bay. the low dunes of Fire Island
were Visible with the lighthouse point
ing Upward its white finger of warming
10 east n west low, wooded islets
closed In the horizon, while to the
north. h tall trees OF a broad stretch
Of woodland locke down upon the
mousse. A pretty boathouse and pie1
adorned the beach and there was ev-
/. cry other device Of bowling alley
gymnasium, mi court and what
not that could add to the amusement
OF summer sojourners. There were
many pretty walks among the trees,
many fragrant hooks where natures
sway had not been disputed; but per-
haps the most attractive corner of the
place was III walk beyond the bowl
ing alley. beneath a graceful pergola,
covered with vines in summer, leading
20 a shady bower commanding a wide
view OF the bay. from which a ter
raced walk descended to the water.
It was essentially a summer plav
mouse. and yet John Drysdale, looking
through the blurred glass of the car
rage that had brought him from the
station through the sudden April
snower saw In the light streaming red
~ from the windows a warmth of vel
come that summer could not show.
a pile OF logs was blazing In the hall
nrepiace. but he paused only for a
to get off the outdoor chill,
and then ran up to his room to dress
Tor dinner. He knew the customs OF
the house and he hoped for a reward il
he dressed promptly.
Nor was he disappointed, for when
he came down the stair some fifteen
minutes later. he saw standing before
the i,re = real figure; He paused a
shoulders rising from a gown Of rich,
dark red. the poise of the head with
Its black couture, the grace of the arm
hanging idly by her side.
She was gazing intently into the fire,
deep in thought and for an instant
she did not hear him. Then she turned
with that rare smile which only a
OF ardent temperament gives
to only one man In the world.
Il heard you drive up" she said;
:, thought you might remember u
As IL ! could forget 1T! Do you
know" n he held her at arms length
to look at her. you take my breath
away. But then. you always do. NY
luck seems too completely, supremacy
perfect to be true"
Her color deepened a little under
his gaze. but her eyes did not waver.
u don'e want you to live in a state of
perpetual b~reathlessness." she said.
Oh. you don't know what a delight
full state 1t Is. There's nothing in my
appearance to cause palpitation of the
heart. Just q moment ago, when I
came to the turn of the stair and
looked down n saw o standing
here. do.you know / was appalled, at
2 mi sheer wonder Of the thing. She
s+ and yet ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS believe tit
seemed too stupendous. TOO utterly alb
surd. What have I one to deserve
/ your. II
There was something very touching
In the sincerity Of the frank boyish
q She answered with a pressure
Of the hand which said more than
words.
Il felt a good deal as that page felt"
- went on. after q moment who
never could be wronged. be poor he
sighed. need him to help her."
And yet In the end she did need
him. didn't she? Perhaps" and her
face changed and h looked away into
b fire again. perhaps I may need
you-may have to ask a great sacrifice
OF YOU"
ASK II" he said eagerly. ASK any
thing but that I give you up"
have already asked one thing"
shs ssid slowly. looking at him with
Jour trust.your conldenee. you ans
You had no need to ash it, and he
sassht .I he. hand. again. 1T was
And you will be mine always?"
Can you doubt TIT"
'No-aad I shall be glad to remem-
Der It"
Not long ago" he said looking at
her " q friend OF mine gave me some
good advice"
which vast"
'-rhat ! be happy In having you.
without conditions: that I try to live
mp to you and be worthy Of you; that
try to do something worth while for
your sake"
She had listened with raised brow..
II didn't know I was q subject Of
llScussion-"
YOU'RE not-but you sent me to
.oh-Mr. Godfreyl" A little cloud
came upon her face; she opened her
lips to say something more, but q
step sounded on h stair and Tremaine
came slowly down.. There was a look
80 his face not pleasant to see, put he
Z bantshed all trace Of It az he came
to greet them.
When the men Joined the women
Aeb6f dinner. they found Miss Croydon
SLIDING # the plano idly touching the
{ keys. Tremaine went to her. with .
llrectpese that argued purpose. She
hooked up. expecting perhaps to SEQ
Drysdale: her eyes narrowed and hard
50nedsa1. they met TremAine's.
II been wanting to ask you to