The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-05-08
~ MARVIN DANA

'Of course it's a mistake-it must
BEL" he groaned. What can have
happened? And leave for Europe to-
night, to be gone three months-not
another chance to see her. But I'll
write"
He did, and in the course Of time he
received back his letters unopened.
Thus were the villainous machina-
tons of Walter Bracket crowned
with success. For Bracket had sought
to win Grace Yardsley. and had failed,
despite the fact that his suit had the
warm approval Of Grace's father by
reason Of the young mans social po-
sition and wealth.
Bracket attributed his failure to a
single cause-James Walsh. In this
he was justified, for very shortly
Grace's engagement to Walsh was an
nounced.
Moreover, Mr.. Yardsley gave his
sanction, though grudgingly. He knew
that Walsh was worthy, for the lover
had been for some years in his employ,
and had indeed become his confiden-
tial agent.
The course of true love ran smooth
for four months. Then the following
paragraph in noxious society weekly
afforded Bracket an evil opportunity:
James Walsh, who is engaged to one
OF our most charming heiresses. must
be more discreet, or i'll will befall him.
Only extraordinary efforts on the part
of friends prevented his latest escapade
from being aired in police court.
This disgraceful episode occurred at
Blanks restaurant last Friday evening,
when he and another we'll (or ill.,
known man about town were having
supper with an actress now playing a
minor role at the Gaiety theater. The
two gentlemen quarreled over the favor
of the fair one and at last passed from
strenuous determinations to blows.
Mr. Walsh knocked his adversary
down twice before bystanders could in
terfere. EIe himself bears no scars
the combat will remain in seclusion
until the hue OF the skin beneath his
right eye again becomes normal
1t is to be hoped that no whisper of
the vulgar affair comes to the ears of
Mr.. Walsh's fiancee; for that da'usel
has much pride. as well as beauty and
wealth.
Bracket, having read and pondered,
planned and acted. He marked the
paper and mailed it to Grace.
He took the precaution to disguise
his handwriting in addressing the
wrapper. The result was the inter-
view with which this story opens.
1t never occurred to Grace that she
was being victimized; that Walsh is
by no means an uncommon name. nor
is James. Bracket might have en-.
frightened her, but he did not choose
to do SO.
Forthwith he renewed his attentions
to Grace. They were received with
indifference, but they were received.
The villain was well content, and
bided his time.
1t came. in his opinion. about two
months later.
Mr.. Yardsley and his daughter were
on the eve of starting for the west.
They were to be gone month, trav.
cling whittier the whim took them.
Mr.. Yardsley was suffering from
overwork. and this, was to be his va
cation. Bracket seized tho oppor-
tunity to propose, and the girl did not
refuse him.
. She knew that the match would
please her father, who had openly re-
joiced when the engagement with
Walsh was broken of. She had no
love to give to Brackett-her heart had
given it's all to Walsh-but, not
knowing more of his character than
he chose to reveal to her, she re.
spected him.
Give me time she said. at last
mo, not .now''-as he would have
urged her. 81 will take a month for
consideration. When we return. you
shall have my answer"
From this position he could not
move her; nor did he try very hard.
1t was enough. he thought. exultantly.
With her father In his favor and
Walsh out of the running. his success
was assured. i4a
. The month was drawing to close
when Bracket received a violent
shock. He was sitting IN 9 Broadway
surface car. when he noticed the. man
sitting next but one to him on the j
same side Of the car. It needed but q,
glance to reveal the disastrous truth;
the man was Walsh! u
81 Yes, Walsh was back from Europe
thus inopportansiy Bracket knewI
well what tho chances were III once
Grace met her former lover. there