The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-03-13

schemed, and plotted, and planned,
and now the longed-for goal was we'll
in view. Years before she had mar.
ried Sir John when he was plain John
Sisterson, rich and ever growing rich
er by reason of that marvellous cement
of his. but nothing like so rich as he
was today. She had driven him into
parliament, where decade of faithful
voting with his party, combined with
contributions OH a handsome scale to
it's funds, had won him his baronetcy.
service and more handsome contribu-
tons. had brought reerage in sight
Her heart glowed within her as she
smiled on Lord Meldon.
Let me congratulate you again.
Ella said he. with a certain stiffness
in which there was. perhaps, hint
that he, Lord Meldon, the puller of
strings, anticipated some acknowledg.
ment
You are most kind said Lady Sis
terson, realizing what was expected
Of her Both Sir John and are most
grateful to you. Me1don. We owe you
great deal" And she beamed on
him.
Not at all, Ella" disclaimed Lord
Meldon. with deprecatory glance, as
if he dismissed his own share in the
transaction as of no Importance;
please don't thank me. Sir John has
deserved this further recognition. The
prime minister was good enough to
say that your husband was a public
benefactor-that splendid cement of
hiss
Lady Sisterson' face hardened a lit
tie: she suspected that Lord Meldon
was laughing at her. and it was this
sort of thrust that made her rather
afraid of him.
Il admit there were other and, from
our point of view. better reasons" he
went on, smoothly. His long and
tried fidelity to the party, for in
stance
And his checks. Meldon,'' suggested
Lady Sisterson. with touch of malice
in her smile. Don't forget his
checks!"
And his checks. as you say" re-
sponded Lord Meldon, permitting for
an instant a malice deeper than her
own to appear in his eyes. "Of course,
it will be said" he continued, in his
ordinary manner. that Sir John
bought his peerage, but that is the
kind OF thing that is always said by
the others. l think Sir John will be
pleased"
He will be as delighted as l am
said Lady Sisterson. her face radiant
again. Yet she was hardly thinking of
her husband at all as she spoke; it
was of her son, who would in due
course of time succeed to the barony,
if haply meanwhile it had not been
transformed into viscounty or an
earldom. that her mind was now full
the son who was the light of her life.
will Sir John be in soono" asked
Lord Meldon. You yourself must be
the first to tell him the news"
He will be here very soon. I think, -
said Lady Sisterson. The annual
meeting of his company took place
this afternoon--''
"A satisfactory meeting. l have no
doubt interposed Lord Meldon,
suavely. Il wish l was one of Sister
sons shareholders" he exclaimed
with evident sincerity. what fat
dividends!'
oh. satisfactory. yes-the best year
Sir John has ever had" said Lady Sis
terson. indifferently He said he
would motor straight here after the
meeting. and he may come in at any
moment. Do stop and see him."
At this point a footman brought in
tea
Il can stop for few minutes long
| err said Lord Me!don. and then begar
| to talk about the weather. Heavy rair
was beating against the windows, an(
the weather was as good subject az
| room.
| Lady SiSterson answered him some
what absently, for she was thinking O
the news of which Lord Meldon ha,
been the bearer. She was very happ,
happier than she had been for man,
years. Her hearts desire had beel
given her. Lord Mellon fancied tina
he followed the course of her thoughts
and he grew silent, too, but he OF
served once more that she appeare
younger, and he almost envied hel
She had never been beautiful. yet wit
that look on her face. he said to hin
self, no one would call her plan.
The footman was leaving the room
after having served them with te:
. when his musings were broken /
upon by loud explosion in Han
5 Square. 1t was like nothing so muc
as the discharge of a cannon fired {
close quarters = sharp, distinct, an
Y even terrifying from it's suddennes
I, and unexpectedness. The footmal
generally man of perfect prophet
: of demeanor, stood still, as IL he ha
s been shot, gasped, and then stole
t startled glance at the windows.
What is that?" asked Lord Medic
{ Yes; what is it," inquired Lac
t Sisterson.