Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1911-07-14
CHAPTER III.

THE LOVERS STORY.
I paused as soon as we reached the
pavement for a iook about me. We
were evidently In the fashionable quar-
ter Of the town. The street was wide
we'll kept and shaded by stately elms
The houses which stretched away on
either hand had that -spaciousness. that
air Of dignity and quiet. which be-
speaks wealth and leisure. Here WAS
no gaudy architecture, no namboyant
flourish Of the newly rich; rather the
evidence of families long settled In
their present surroundings and Ions
accustomed to the luxuries Of q cul.
tured and generous existence.
But 1t was to the house directly be-
fore us hat I gave the closest scrutiny,
1t vas a large one, w -storied, with
q wide veranda running across the en-
tire frsnt. 1t stood we'll back from the
street, and was sheltered on Zach side
by magnificent trees. The grounds
seemed to DO very extensive and were
beautifully kept. Along the pavements
a curious crowd vas lettering, kept ir
motion by a policeman. but staring
at tho house as though they expected
TO read the solution of the mystery
In it's inexpensive front.
Mr.. Royce nodded to the officer and
We passed through the gate. AS W,
went up tho walk. / noticed that tn,
blinds were closely drawn, as though
1t wore a house of mourning-and, In.
deed, dead hopes enough lay there.
A maid admitted us. and when my
companion inquired for Mr.. Curtiss
led tho way silently along the hall
In the dim light, / could see the decora.
tions OF palms and wreaths OF smilax
relieved here and there by q mass oil
gorgeous bloom and through q door
a. 49, -l,AA ~-.-Ik -
many tables set ready for the luncheoE
which was never to be eaten. There
was something ghostly about the de-
serted rooms-something chilling In
the thought Of this arrested gaiety
| rneeo hopes for happiness so rudely
shattered 1t recalled that vision which
had 80 astonished poor Pip-the vision
Of Miss Havisham decked in her vel
low wedding fnery, sitting at her GID
ed dressing table in the darkened room
with tho bride cake ~cobwebbed and
mouldy, and the chairs set ready fol
the guests who were eve to arrive
Only here, I reflected, the clocks should
be stopped at noon, not at 20 minutes
to 8.
We turned into a room which I saw
to be the library and q man sprang UT
as we entered.
'Royce!" he cried, and there was In
his tone such an agony OF entreaty
that I knew instantly who he was.
mo; no news, Burr" said our Junior
But here's MI. Lester, and II any one
can suggest a solution of this mystery
I'm sure he can. Lester, this Is Burr
Curdss."
AS I shook hands with him I told
myself that Mr.. Royce's description
had been well within the truth. I could
toin with him In saying that ] had
never seen a handsomer man or q more
attractive one. though in his eyes, n
I met them. misery and anxiety were
only too apparent.
"it was very kind Of you to come,
Mr.. Lester" he said.
mot at ALL" I protested. II only
hope I can be of some service"
Royce has told you
"Only the bare facts" I said. "rd
like to have all the details Of the story
If you'll be SO kind as to give me
them"
Certainly" he ~assented instantly, a.
we sat down. That's what I wish tc
dol know how important details are
Continued Next Week.