Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1910-02-18

Il think 1t is my fault, SAID isa-
bella, hastily. Il remarked that Dido
was always asitated when you came
to this house"
II can explain that in a measure,
Miss Dallas. If you reT~cmber, l
cured Did Of a bad nervous head
ache by hypnotic suggestion. Her
mind, therefore, became h~abituated in
responding to mind; and doubtless she
feels a kind of impression which tells
her that | am near"
In other words" said Maurice,
pointedly, you nave obtained an in
influence over her"
1T is not improbable" rejoined Ell
valid. in measured tones. Il am one of
those people, Mr.. Aylmer, who can, by
strength of will and power of charac-
ter, obtain power over anyone l wish"
AS he spoke. EtWald cast a d
glance at Isabella. The girl was look
ing towards the house. out of which
her mother had just emerged. and did
not see the menace in his regard; but
Maurice noted tie gaze, and felt en-
ragged at all it implied.
In plain words, Etwald Animated, in
a yelled manner, that Isabella was a
nervous subject, Over whom he could
obtain influence, if he so chose, by
means of hypnotism."
You have been in the West indies,
DOCTOR" asked Maurice, bluntly.
Il have been all over the world, Mr..
Aylmer." parted EtwaId. dextetously.
d you know anything of Voodoo-
Worship"
Il know something of most things"
assented the doctor. But l confess L
take but little interest in African bar
barities."
"Oh! what about Dido and her meet
ing you?"
Il nave explained that to the best of
my ability" responded Etwald, cold
ly, "and now, Mr.. Etwald, as our hos
tess is approaching, you must excuse
my replying to any further questions.
If you want further insight into my
character, call upon me at my home"
THAT I shall certainly do said
Maurice, for he vas resolved to learn
all he could about this strange man, so
hat he could protect ISABELLA from his
arts.
"Ah!" said the doctor, with irony.
I'VE shall see if you will venture so
far"
Before Maurice could take up the
implied challenge. which threw doubts
upon his moral courage, Mrs. Dallas
advanced heavily to meet her visitors.
Isabella had already fitted like a white
butterfly into the drawing-room; and
her mother received the two young
men alone. Her reception was, as US
ual, pondereus and vague.
"So pleased to see you, Mr.. Aylmer.
DIR. Etwald, / am charmed. It is a de-
lightful day. is it not? Reminds one
of Barbadoes."
.v L-- 1,1. 49, - -, -
| said Maurice. towards whom her Ian
guild gaze was directed. ':But DIT. Eft
valid may be able to answer your
question, Mrs. ballast"
II know the West Indian islands,"
observed Etwald. as they walked into
the house and this day does remind
me a little of the climate there; but
it is scarcely hot enough"
NO" murmured Mrs. Dallas, sinking
into a large chair. You are right I
nave been in the sun all the morning,
and only now am I beginning to feel
warm. I shall certainly go back to
Barbados"
Mrs. Dallas had made this threat so
many times that nobody paid any at
tention to 1t, and, not expecting an an
swer, she began to fan herself slowly.
Through her half-closed eyes she
looked %anxiously at the subtle face, of
Etwald. With an instinct of a woman,
h guessed that something important
had brought the doctor to see her; he
was not a nan to waste his time on
visits of ceremony.
Now Mrs. Dallas was secretly afraid
Of Etwald, as she had received hints
from Dido hat the doctor knew more
about secret things than most people.
She dreaded lest his visit should por-
tend harm, and SO. in some trepidation,
waited for him to speak. But Etwald,
guessing her frame=of mind. took his
time, and 1t was only when Isabella
approached with some tea for her
mother that he broke the silence
Don't go away Miss ballast" he
said. entreatingly. II have something
to say to your mother which concerns
YOU"
Isabella turned pale, for she guess
ed what was coming. Etwald had
raised his voice. Mrs. Dallas, with
some curiosity, raised herself to look
closer at Etwald. and he, seeing that
his auditory was attentive. prepared
to launch his thunderbolt.
"My deal Mrs. Dallas" said he, in .
soft voice. you must have been for a
IOAA6 AA SAAS LAY tSAo1tS ASiC AdSS IL "
been made withouttan object. To-day
I come to ask you and your sweet
daughter a question"
Pray don't ask It." said Isabella,
better informed by Etwald's glance as
to his purpose. 1T will only give you
pain"
Il must risk that" said the doctor,
slowly. MRS. Dallas, 1 love your
daughter, and I wish to marry her;
Miss Isabella. will you be my wife?"
Here Maurice set down his cup with
a crash. and strobe across the room
where he faced Etwald in no very
pleasant frame Of mind.
Il shall answer that question, DR..
Etwald!" he said. loudly. Miss Dali
las shall not and cannot carry you.
She has promised to become my wife?"
"Isabella!" said Mrs. Dallas, in an
aggrieved tone. lis this true?"
Perfectly true" assentcd Isabella
Il love Maurice. I wish to marry
him." And slipping her arm within
that Of her lover, she prepared to face
the storm.
you are . disobedient GIRL" cried
Mrs. Dallas. making no attempt to
control her temper. You shall not
marry without my permission. Mr..
Aylmer. I am astonished at you; I am
disappointed In you. It 10 not the act