Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1908-06-05
CHAPTER XVII.

Miss Gregson spoke with such decision
that Leila really began to question her
scH as to whether she had In truth met
the colonel's proud wife In the lane. She
had been excited twice previously that
eyening-once by the attack OF Ellen
Watson, and next by the news OF the
old earls Illness Besides, she had seen
and talked with Arthur Calthorpe, and
her brain had been hot and her heart
sore. Certainly, she could not be mis-
taken in regard to the footsteps which had
gained On her, nor as to that fearful yell
she had heard while in the barn. But,
then, what possible connection could all
that have with Mrs. Wycheriy?
Miss Gregson's theory of a travelling
.showman's wife, who had quarreled with
a savage husband, seemed far the most
likely one and thus 1t came to pass that,
when Leila had p%artaken of the regula-
ton bread and cheese supper which was
the portion of the teachers at st. Mar
tha's, she lay down with her mind very
much in a chaos of uncertainty, not at all
we'll able to decide that it was in truth
Mrs. Colonel Wycherly whom she had met
in the lane.
She slept well, for bodily fatigue will
induce sleep, even when the mind is dis
turbed, and it is a long walk from st.
Martha's College to Abbotshold and back
again.
When daylight broke, the twittering of
the birds amid the branches Of the thick
trees that cluster around st. Martha's
awoke Leila. She arose, dressed and sal
lied out into the fresh air of the morning
before the sur had waxed hot.
She had no intention OF straying beyond
l kh1 ~-1sn.tz "a g. , Tl.. 1880.
not permitted to the teachers, any more
than to the pupils, without special leave.
The lawn, and shrubbery, and side paths
at St. Martha's were indeed pleasant and
very extensive. The flowers in the Dor
ders were still asleep, their cups all closed,
and heavy with dew. A delightful breeze
was astir, which rustled all the leaves
In the shrubbery, and made pleasant mu-
sic in the ears Of the girl.
Leila entered the %shrubbery which was
bordered by the very high wall over which
Miss Jenny, the heiress, had climbed.
Raising her eyes, she was amazed to see
a mans figure recumbent on the broad
summit and the next moment a bouquet
was hurled at her feet. She started, and
looked up, half Indignantly, at the bou-
quet thrower.
1t was no youthful Adonis who had
given her this token of his admiration. It
was a man, broad and burly. sandy beard
ed and middle-aged. 1t was DR.. Dundns,
the Scotch surgeon, who resided at Wych-
erly Hall.
Good morning, Miss Leigh" said the
Scot gaily, and he added CALAMITY your
cheeks rival my roses. Will you not ac-
cept them?'
Leila had been brought UP abroad,
where politeness is taught from the era
die. She picked up the flowers, smiled
very sweetly, and said that the flowers
were charming.
And so are you" cried the mar Of
science.
Leila colored family with surprise and
perplexity. She had scarcely ever ex- |
changed more chan a passing greeting
with DIR. Dundas, and the sudden marked
attention of the Scot perplexed and as
tonfshed her.
II do not wish to infringe the rules of
this excellent establishment" said DR..
Dundas; land l suppose that l am in
fringing them in climbing this wall and
finging you those flowers. l will con-
Tess, likewise, that I watched for you
here. A little bird told me that it was
your custom to walk in the grounds oc-
c~asionally before the other ladies arose,
consequently I nave watched for you sew
sfal mornings, and now, behold! patience
= rewarded"
And may I ask why?" asked Leila,
flashing q glance upon the doctor which
had not a CLEAN Of eoquetry in 1t.
II have something Of Importance to say
b you, Miss Leigh, which must not reach
any other ears than yours. Unfortunate
b for me, / am not a fluent or correct
French scholar, otherwise I might warn
you from this elevation, and persons pass
Ing along the road would in all probability
not understand me. But though I read
English. Thus / am about to transgress
the rules. I am going to leap down upon
this grass border. Do not fear; I am
agile for my years"
Another moment and DIR. Dundas stood
By Leila's side In the shrubbery.
Nov let Us walk down that path Al
der the lime trees"
Leila obeyed, wondering.
Snow, Miss Leigh, I am not here to
make you a foolish declaration at which
you would laugh; I am here to warn you.
Do not compromise yourself, do not even
pledge yourself to marry Arthur Cal
II he b succeed in Kidding him
Delf Of the claims Of that woman Wat
ION. No, even when he has shaken him
Ie4 free Of her, which ! don't think he
will be able to do; but even if he is, don't
marry him."
"whyy" asked Leila, turning pale with
"He Is not what he seems ~
II will not believe one word against
said the young lady Indignantly.
ALAS you are in love with him,
or is it the prospective title and
great estate only which excite your ad-
"I would not care if he were penniless
if he were free of that wom-
IN but as it is, I must keep clear Of Mr..
.althorpe; but l still believe him to be
The soul Of honor"
you love him." said the doctor. well,
we'll, well, it can't be helped. Meanwhile,
Leigh, allow me to tell you that I
think Mr.. Calthorpe is a man of honor.
I have nothing to say against him."
why warn me then I"
Because brighter chances will be laid
1t your feet. You are not what you
Deem."
Leila stopped in her walk. She looked
at the doctor. The color mantled on her
cheek, he- heart beat violently.
Suddenly the scene at Chateau Moreau-
Vile enacted itself before her again. Again
- ~