Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1909-04-15

| clely, nevertheless, IN as far as her
capacity Of the elder lady in the
menage of the ducal house made her
that
How d'you do, Mr.. Michael?" she
said, extending a long, thin arm in it's
black silk mitten. Il am pleased to
siderable time; in fact, 1t was almost
four days ago."
Michael flushed a little. He always
found 1t difficult to keep on ordinarily
good terms with Miss Decies. She
was unable to interfere with the life
of her niece in any way but she re-
venged herself-or so the young man
thought-by being particularly un-
pleasant to any one of whom she did
not approve.
And Michael was quite certain that
for some reason or other Miss De-
c1es did not approve of him.
is 1t so long as that, Miss Decies?"
he said, with little laugh-"or so
| short a time as that? For my own
part have no wish to measure time"
The duchess put her hand upon the
Old lady's arm.
"Auntie and l." she said to Michael,
with smile, have called you in to
consult upon a family natter
| Which you will probably settle
! without any reference to me-" said
Miss Decies; and probably would
| have added something more If at that
moment the doors of the room had not
| been thrown open and the house
| steward announced that dinner was
| served.
The duchess laughed merrily, and
playing with her fan, led the way
from the drawing room, while Michael
gave his arm to the old lady.
They passed through little avenue
OF servants; the house steward. in
ordinary evening dress, and with the
manner OF head official who had
just looked In to see that things were
being properly done; the butler, alert
pompous, conscious of his own high
position. but little subdued by the
presence of the steward; and the tall,
motioniess footmen, all strangely
alike in their plush and powder
Dinner was not very gay. Miss De-
cies acted as wet blanket. The old
lady was always rather bitter in
speech and manner at any time. Peo-
pie said that it CALLED q somewhat
soured and envious nature to see her
own niece so great and important in
the eye of the world. The young
duchess, with an income which need
hardly be measured, place only a
little lower than royalty itself, a
charm and beauty which was as
unique part OF i1er fortune ss all
else, may well have suggested to Miss
Decies that she herself was of the
same blood, had been beauty in her
| youth, and but for the niggardliness
of fate, might have. had all this
Grant was quite conscious of the
slight embarrassment OF the meal,
though he did his best to brighten it.
"The duchess tells me- Miss De-
cies," he said. that poor little Fitz
came home quite worn out from the
party, and wouldn't go to sleep for
ever SO long,
Miss Decies waited for a. moment
before replying, and put down her
knife and fork with some delibera-
ton. Then she looked Michael Grant
! straight in the face.
His Grace" she said, was GER
tainly fatigued. but his governess and
nurse were able to persuade him to
sleep. thank you"
ooh. auntie,' the duchess broke in,
what tarradiddle! You know that
Fitz wouldn't go to sleep at all until
came-and you too," she added. has
/ tily Poor little fellow, he's so very
young yet to go where there are lot
of children. Idon't think I shall let
him go to parties again just yet; but
OF course, today was quite different
Michael Grant tried another tack.
Il was at my club just now" he
said, and saw dear old Sir Hercules
Marriott He was with younger
man who looked very like him-his
son In the service suppose-so
didn't go up and speak to him. But
what nice old fellow he isl"
Oh. did you see Sir Hercules, Mi
chael" the duchess said. $50 did /
Just as we We're coming away from
Marlborough house. in. the middle o,
st. James street. He must have beer
going into the club then. i am quite
fond Of Sir Hercules. He can ALWAYS
give any sort OF information one wants
about anybody
For my part" said Miss Decies
acidly. 4 think that Sir Hercules
Marriott combines the bad manners
of naval officer with the imperti
nence Of a private detective. When
lever ne comes near me i feel as if q
a cold sou-wester' or some horrid wine
had blown upon me-
oh. he's a dear old man. auntie.
i the duchess answered with continued
good humor. and he's so fond q
Fitz.,' A,
Fitz has too. many odd friends 70,
e child Of four. In my opinion, Beat
rice, : the old lady replied. .And nov
q I think we might go back to til,
q drawing room, unless Mr.. Grant wish
u eS Aers-r-HnOka' ~ 81 sl 81 ss III III Il