The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1911-08-03
beside which a woman's happiness and

beside which a woman's happiness and
reputation had seemed a little thing
Before I could hope to make any fur
Their progress In that direction, real
lied that needed TO know more Of the
family-of its history and social stand
Ing. Besides, l must be armed cap-a-
pie before / went to that interview
which had determined to seek, in the
morning, with Marcia Lawrence.
BEG pardon. sir" said voice at my
elbow. and looking up, saw the hotel
clerk standing there. This is Mr.. Les
ter, isn't it?"
Yes" l answered.
Il have a package here for YOU" he
went on, and handed me a square en-,
velope. 1t was left here for you this
afternoon"
l slipped the envelope into my pocket.
You've had rather an exciting time
here today" l added.
You mean the wedding that didn't
come OFF," he asked. smiling. 1T has
torn the town wide open, and no mis-
take
$50 judged from the papers. The
they?"
Yes; top-notchers; especially in
church circles. I'll bet DR.. Schuyler is
all broken up"
DIR. Schuyler"
Pastor Of their church-First Pres,
byterian-that big church just down
the street yonder. They've been great
pets Of his"
He was to have performed the cere-
mony?"
Sure. They wouldn't have had any,
body else. Nice old fellow, too. Be
sides, he's been their pastor for years"
here was the source l had been look
ing for-the source from which l might
draw detailed and accurate informa-
ton, IT, l could only reach it,
Il suppose that house next to the
church is the parsonage" l ventured.
L had never seen the church, but it
seemed safe shot.
Yes: the one this side Of it."
/ nodded.
Il thought 30. Thank you for giving
me the package" added, and glanced
at my watch and rose.
"Oh, that's all right, SIR" he an
swered, and turned away to his desk.
AS for me, l lost no time in starting
out upon my errand. l would see DIR.
Schuyler-I would put the case before
him, and ask his help. 1t was nearly
o'clock. doubtless we'll past his dinner
hour, and resolved to seek the inter
view at once.
Lights had sprung up along the
street, casting long shadows under the
trees which edged either side. The win
dows OF the houses cleaned through
the darkness, and here and there, where
the blinds had not been drawn I
caught glimpses of families gathered
together about a paper, with heads
eagerly bent. From the dim verandas.
/ heard the murmur Of excited gossip
and l knew too well what 1t was all
about. Tonight. this city, from end to
end, could have but single allah
sorbing subject to discuss--to wonder
at and chatter over with that insatia.
BILE curiosity which we inherit from the
monkeys.
But had not far to go. The tall.
straight spire Of church told ma
that had reached my destination, and
l turned In 1T the gate of house
which was Enthusiastically the parson-
age. The maid who took my card at
the door returned In q moment to say
that DR.. Schuyler was in his study ard
would see me. I followed her and
found the clergyman seated beside a
table upon which were lying the eve
ming papers. A glance at them showed
me what he had been reading, and his
perturbed face bespoke great inward
agitation. He was q small man of per-
haps go years. with snow-white hair
and beard and a delicate, intellectual
face. He arose to greet me, my card
still in his fingers, and then motioned
me to a chair.
"Candidly, Mr.. Lester" he said, Il
was half inclined to excuse myself
This has been trying day for me-
But ] saw that you had come from
New York"
Eyes, and on an errand which. I fear,
may not be very welcome to you, Dr.
Schuyler"
Not connected with the deporable
affair Of today. / hope?"
Yes. sir; connected with that"
But" and he glanced again at my
card apprehensively, ''you are not "a
reporter"
"Oh. no." laughed. "I can easily |
guess how they've been harassing you. |
I'm acting for Mr.. Curtiss." / added, |
resolving quickly that the best thing |
could do was to tell him the whole |
story so far as I knew 1t, which did, |
as briefly as possible. He heard me to !
the end with intent. interested face.
Il think you'll agree with me. DR.. |
Schuyler" concluded, chat my client |
is quite right in deciding to demand an |
explanation"
Yes" he added. after a moments
thought. II suppose he is-I'm sure he |
lie. It's the most extraordinary thing ,
1 ever heard of-and the most deplora- !
BILE. Until this moment, l had hoped |
that they had gone away to get mar
ried elsewhere"
"Hoped?" I asked.
Eyes. hoped. I've seen them togeth-
er, Mr.. Lester, and it seemed to me an
ideal attachment. I can conceive of
nothing which could keep them apart,
Has any explanation Of 1t occurred t.
you?"