The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1909-12-03

)wn, own Beatrice; Speak, Beatrice,
say something to mel"
She looked up at him. Her lovely
lips quivered.
You are very strong, Michael" she
laid; you are very strong"
1T is you, dearest, who have given
ne my strength" he answered, deep
u and earnestly. 1T will always be
you for eve and for ever and for
ever! Together we will live a life
for each other and for the boy. The
world may say what it will care not
at all now They will say hat l am
! an adventurer who has won the great,
est and most lovely lady in the land.
They say. What say they? Let them
say. | would not dare before to do
what l am doing now. But at this
moment my own heart and conscience
are at peace, and you are my own,
and you are mine"
Yes, Michael" she whispered
yours now for ever. my own true
knight, my noble, my perfect gentle
man."
There was once more silence in the
room, until it was broken by a sound
Of happy sobbing.
The Duchess of London was crying
in her great happiness.
II
They had come out of the night
nursery into the larger room among
the toys. Both of them had kissed
the little curly head of the baby in
the cot.
And now, dear love-" the Duchess
said, Il must ring for the nurses.
They must be here while we go down
stairs. And then. when you have
gone-oh, you must come early to-
morrow shall return, for l shall
sleep by the side of my boy tonight.
Now we must go and find the other
two
The other two?" Grant said, dream
lily.
ooh, you selfish, selfish boy!" the
Duchess answered. You wretchedly
selfish person! Have you forgotten
Basil and Daisy?"
Grant started. Well, to tell you
the truth, dearest" he said, Il had
utterly and totally forgotten them"
Selfish Michael" she laughed, and
pressed the bell push.
In a minute or two a couple Of
nurses entered-demure women whose
faces %lightened a little with sympathy
when they saw the two splendid young
people standing in the middle of the
room.
Il shall be up again in about half
an hour said the Duchess. His
Grace is sleeping peacefully. Be very
| careful not to wake him."
And then together she and Michael
went down the corridor into the great
gallery, and down the wide stairs into
the hall.
Mr.. Remington was still walking up
and down with his hands behind his
back, humming a little tune. Then,
when he saw the Duchess and her
cavalier, he drew himself up and
walked pompously towards them. =.
Your Grace" he said, with a little
catch in his voice-"your Grace, I
-" He could say nothing more;
something prevented any further
words.
Thank you, Remington" said the
Duchess; thank you very much" and
at the words the faithful old servant
looked up at her.
He saw, doubtless, something in the
face of his mistress which was new to
him. for he turned quickly and looked
at Michael Grant.
The lovely face and neck Of the
Duchess grew pink, and yet a deeper
flush overspread them; it was as
though one poured wine into clear
spring water in a crystal goblet.
The major-domo bowed. Il will bid
your Grace a good night" he said, "a
very happy good night; and you also,
sir, if you will permit me-" And with
that the tall and portly man moved
noiselessly away.
Come, comet" said the Duchess,
catching hold of Michael's hand, her
face still rosy-red, like the face of a
| girl.
Come! They're in the little blue
draWing-roOm."
Half running, she pulled her lover
across the hall, between the marble
! pillars which supported the gallery,
and flung open the great ~white-painted
door which led into the blue drawing
room.
"Oh, acre you are!" she said, in a
high, happy voice! Here you two
dear people are!' and then she stop
ped, laughing a little, and looking up
into Michaels face.
Certainly there was cause for a lit
tie laughter.
Daisy and Basil were sitting in the
same armchair!
The End.