The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-01-17

hoped to neet Dot, for he had heard of
the death of her mother and OF the sis
tiers having gone to live with their step
father. His brief love story had been
house where Dot had been visiting
alone. Asnby had fallen violently In
love with Dot. but although she had
returned his affection. their engage
ment was never announced, for they
had quarreJed almost at once, and Ash
by had gone abroad in a fit of teH-
per.
AS soon as the major had fallen
asleep yer his wine, AShby made his
way to the drawing room. where he
found Miss Reade at the piano, and
Ella prettily posed in Il window recess.
He quickly joined the latter and began
10 make conversation.
You have sisters. haven't on" he
asked, after q. time.
"Stepsisters, and three darling little
brothers"
You sisters are from home just
now?"
I oh. yes" with an arch smile. "or I
shouldn't be here"
"shouldn't you? Why not?"
oh, well"-a pause. You see. 1 am
rather young, and my sisters keep me
in the schoolroom. They are very good
and kind, but being quite old, they
think me Il child"
quite old!" he exclaimed. Why,
they cannot be. At least the one l
knew anno be much ove 20"
Ella bit her lip in at her
blunder. She had forgotten that Ashby
had known Dot.
she said, with sweet innocence. Laura
is IS, n Thee is only Il year younger"
"Theo::" he repeated. Then there
must be a third very much younger.
Dot must be about "a or IS. When 1
knew her She looked about 10. Where
is Dot?"
Ella hesitated a moment. then risked
n daring step.
Darling Dot" she murmured. "Ah,
Colonel Ashby, did you not know? Dot
died two years ago."
Dot dead!" he cried, in a voice OF
anguish. 1t was over then: this dream
of reconciliation. He could never ask
forgiveness now; never explain away
his harsh words. V hear her dear
voice whisper pardon Il am sorry to
have distressed you," he said. YEARLY,
after a pause. II had not heard of-of
your sisters death."
Ella smiled through her tears like an
April morn.
II can't quite talk Of Darling Dot,
SO much to each other. and 1 am SO
lonely now she's gone"
You must be-" he answered. almost
tenderly. You must miss her ter
ribiy"
VII, L OO. GI1Su Llld, pressing UeI
handkerchief to her eyes, and there
was a long silence. At last Ella looked
up. II must say goodnight. now, Col
onel Ashby," she said with a sad little
smile.
"Already?" he demonstrated. Why,
it's very early. Don't go yet
"Oh. but I must" she said, and ran
to her room.
Colonel Ashby and Cinderella grew
very chunllny during the following
days. Cinderella, being mistress of She
field. was making the most of her time,
and a very complete fool Of Colonel
Ashby. Her only trouble was that he
persisted in talking of Dot, and dwell
ing fondly on the bygone Gays when
he had been engaged to the sister
whom Ella had so dearly loved.
II may as well own it to you, little
one" he said, one afternoon, as they
strolled on the lawn. 81 was engaged
to your sister. 1t was rather a hope
less affair, for l was w~retchedly poor
SO we kept it to ourselves. But a Sc
cret engagement is an awfully try
ing thing. and I was a jealous fool
We quarrelcd. and parted, and so--and
sol lost her"
Ella was silent.
Il was too proud to make any ad-
vances." Went on Ashby. "and now thai