Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1907-12-20
SMILING VILLAIN.
BY VIOLET M. FLINN

"Ah, you see / have to sit at homo nnd
wait 1t is easier for those who arc
doing" Moyra replied, treasured by
Ailcen's tone rather than her words.
II was n very merry part that gath
cred round the dinner table that evening
"a noisy one, too, for the wins and Lulu
were also present, the latter sitting be-
tween Moyra and Terry and wildly ex-
cited and happy. Even Bride lost some
of her usual placidity and Joined in the
conversation. There was so much to tell
and be told, and as certainly as one be-
gan to speak so would another, until now
and again a positive babblc arose.
I'm afraid you will think us terribly
noisy Moyra said TO Robertson, under
cover of one Of her fathers college stories,
recalled by one of Terry's tales.
II like it," he said. but / have never
realized before how much | nave lost by
not being one of a large family"
The party settled down, the CONVERSE
ton turned to the expected tenants of
the big house. The Beresfords were all
loud in their expression of regret, but
4,iIeen was particularly indignant when
she heard that the newcomers were in
trade. She detained vehemently on the
way in which society was being turned
upside down by ithese pr%etentious up
starts, The whole gear was out of order.
For her part, she would recognize no
such mushroom growths. She hoped Moy-
ra would set her face against receiving
them.
Robertson could not understand why
her remarks should cause so much mer-
riment, until Moyra explained that it
was a sudden change of front on Aileen's
part, she having held extremely advanced
and socialistic views even so late as the
long vacation, the greater part of which
she had spent with her greatest friend
in a .woman's settlement. Terry shrieked
with laughter as he listened to her de-
nunciations.
''This is good! y he exclaimed. "Moyra,
you need no longer fear being confronted
by a long-haired, unwashed apostle of
freedom as a brother-in-law. Please,
ma'am, what led TO such a change? Was
it the settlement
well, / certainly learned there that
you can't elevate people by Act of Par
lament" Aileen replied, taking the teas
ing in very good part. And | got a good
many ~eye-openers, as you would say. But
it was Mt Newman / got my last illu-
sions concerning Natures gentlemen and
aides shattered. have come to the con-
clusion that the result of money and We
neer on natures that were intended to be
lowly is to make a man a cad"
"Oh, my dear, that is rather sweep
ing !" the Rector demonstrated good-bu-
moredly. Take our new neighbors. for
instance. Bennett tells me that old Fen
ton Is a particularly nice old chap who
makes no profession to be better than he
is, and he says young Fenton, who is at
one of the 'varsities, is a most gentle
manly young fellow. Trade-blacking-is
the last thing one would associate with
him."
There was a pause. Aileen's face had
changed rapidly from contemptuous scorn
through varying expressions Of bewilder-
ment, ~incredulity, and finally ~noyan
to Judge from the scarlet blush thai suf-
fused her face even to the roots of her
hair.
'.Are these people who are going to
live at the big house the backing Fen
tons?" she asked, in a curiously meek
tone.
Yes the Rector answered; and Aileen
let her hands drop with a gesture Of
helplcssness. do you know anything
about HEMP" he asked.
But Aileen was herself again.
s,Nothing at all!a she answered decid-
edly. And | shall take very good care
1 never do. Moyra may call on them,
but l will not"