Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1908-10-01
There we're over thirty women

the arrangement work admirably on
the score Of cheapness and convent
ence, and were loud in their praises
of the Guilds beneficent work. But
here was little genuine fraternity as
men understand that term-the spirit
of camaraderie waseahronically lack.
ing.
Marion was intensely grateful for
the shelter she had found. She be-
lieved that her steps had been direct
ed by God. Every night she gave
thanks that in that great city she had
found home and protection, and the
chance Of earning her bread; but she
was lonely still, and her heart often
cried out for something she did not
possess.
She often looked back with longing
eyes to those peaceful days at Nav
gan Chase. In many respects they
were the happiest period of her life.
The air of refinement, the detachment
from the world, the old-worid courte-
sizes, the gentle restraints, touched a
chord in her nature that ever since
had never ceased to vibrate
Her memory of Esther would remain
to the end, she believed, among her
choicest possessions. But for the
shadow Of that wrong her father did
how different might have been her
life! The discovery she had made in
Exeter had changed everything. She
had trusted Clement Mawgan before
trusted him gratefully and implicit
~. Now she feared HIM. He must re-
gard her with hatred and loathing;
how could it be otherwise? And if he
wanted to see her. how could it bode
anything but evil?
And yet her heart gave the lie to
her reasoning, and resented the inter-
probation she had put on his words
and looks the day before.
During most Of the night she had
lain awake staring into the darkness.
At one moment she blamed herself for
fears, at another she commended her.
self for her prudence; and so, like
pendulum, she swung from point to
poiit, and found no rest
She recalled almost every word
that passed between them; recalled
his looks and gestures. She had been
glad to see him-there was no deny
snying that. The sight of his face was
like the CLEAN of water to thirsty
traveller. He looked very handsome,
too. She had scarcely noticed before
how good looking he was, and certain
sly his manner was not that of man
planning revenge. He was a gentle
man from the crown of his head to
the soles of his feet
She heaved another big sigh as she
moved towards the door. She would
have to see him, have to explain
things. apologize for her rudeness, and
then say goodbye for ever. Surely
down in his heart he must desire that
as much as she did?
She sighed again, with her hand on
the door knob. She did not desire
anything of the kind. She could NOT
imagine anything sweeter or pleas
anter than Clement Mawgan's friend
ship. II only they could meet on
equal terms she would be the happiest
girl in the world That, however
could never be. Neither time nor
change could remove the dark shadow
Of her fathers wrong. It stood be.
tween them like menacing ghost. It
would remain there to the end.
She was very pals, but quite self
possessed, when she stood In his nres.
ence. He thought lie had never seen
her look more winning, ana his heart
went out to her in a great longing.
y must apologize for this iptru-
ston, he said, a little awkwardly.
but letter from my sister this
morning seemed to warrant-eyen to
estate this visit"
Her face relaxed a little. won't
you be seated ?'' she said. 81 hope your
sister is WE'LL
Il presume SO. At least. she saws
nothing to the contrary. But she Is
~: about the presence Of a
strange man In st. Chloe, and has
convinced herself that he has DESIGNS
on your property
She smiled little wistfully. hut.
did not interrupt him.
confess / should not have at
tached much Importance to Bsther,s
letter, 4 he went on. ...but for what YOU
told me OF Mr.. Evans, whom you met
In Exeter, = .Ss..a l.l ,5s1. !.
8 do not see the connection she
said. quietly.
The man appeared at st. Chloe q
few DAYS after vr, 5lnft ~, -. RI