The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1915-09-17

~ they sat far into the night and dis.
cussed the possibilities OF the day %
near at hand. She could see nothing
but disaster, and she could think OF
nothing but her own lamentable weak
ness in shrinking from the encounter
that might have made the present stu
alton impossible. She tried to make
light Of the situation. however, prophe.
sying q calmer attitude for Frederic
after he had slept over his grievance.
which, after all, she argued, was doubt
less exaggerated. She promised ia
80 with Lydia to see James Brood In
the morning, and to plead with him to
be merciful to the boy she al to
marry. no matter what t%ranspired. The
girl at first insisted on going over to
see him that night. Notwithstanding
the hour, and was dissuaded only after
the most earnest opposition.
Il was four o'clock before they went
back to bed and long after Ave before
either closed her eyes.
Mrs. Desmond, utterly exhausted.
was the first to awake. She glanced
at the little clock on her dressing-table
and gave = great start OF consterna.
ton. It was long past nine o'clock.
While she was dressing, the little maid
servant brought In her coffee and toast
and received instructions not to awak.
en- Miss Lydia but 70 lot her have her
sleep out. A few minutes later she
left the apartment and walked briskly
around the corner to Brood's home.
Fearing that she might be too late.
she walked 30 rapidly that she was
quite out Of breath when she entered
the house. MI. Riggs and Mr.. Dawes
were putting IN their coats In the hall
preparatory to their short morning
constitutional. They greeted her effu'
sively. and with one accord proceeded
to divest themselves Of the coats. an.
n0uncing in one voice their intention
to remain for . good. old-fashioned
chat.
IT'S dear Of you," she said. hur.
riedly, "but I must see Mr.. Brood at
once. Why not come over to my
apartment this afternoon for q cup OF
tea and"
Mrs. Brood's voice interrupted her
what do you want. Mrs. Desmond?'
came from the landing above. The
visitor looked up with . start. lot sc
much Of surprise as uneasiness. There
was something sharp, unfriendly in the
low, level tones.
Yvonne. fully dressed-a most un
usual circumstance at that hour Of the
day-was leaning over the baniste1
rail.
Il came to see Mr.. Brood on . very
important"
"Have you been sent owe here BY
someone else?" demanded Mrs. Brood
Il have not seer Frederic" fell from
her lips before she thought.
Il dare say you haven't" said tbs
other with ominous clearness. "He
has been here since seven this morn
ing. waiting for q chance to speak t
his father in private
She was descending the stairs slow
". almost laxily. - she uttered thu
remark.
They are together now?" gaspet
Mrs. Desmond.
Twill you come into the library
Good morning. gentlemen. trust 20,
may enjoy your long walk"
Mrs. Desmond followed her into tn,
library. Yvonne closed the door al
most In the face OF Mr.. Riggs. wht
had opened his mouth to accept tn,
invitation to tea, but who said he't
"be id" instead. 30 narrow was hi,
escape from having his nose banged
He emphasixed the declaration b.
shaking his INST 1t the door.
The two women faced each other
For the first time since she had know
Yvonne Brood Mrs. Desmond observed
Z high touch Of color In her cheeks
Her beautiful eyes were alive with n
excitement she could not conceal. Mel
Their spoke for : moment.
"You are accountable for this. Mrs
Brood" said Lydia Desmond's mother
sternly. accusingly. She expected
storm Of indignant protest Instead
Yvonne smiled slightly.
1T will not hurt my husband Il
discover that Frederic ID . man ant
not = milksop." she said. but despite
her GOODNESS there was . perceptibl,
note Of anxiety In her voice. ;
You know, then. that they are
that they will quarrel?"
II fancy Il was In Frederic's MIND
% do % when he came here THU
morning. He was still In his evening
clothes, Mrs. Desmond
Where are they now?"
Il think he has them on" sait
Yvonne. lightly.
Mrs. Desmond regarded her for /
moment Ii ~perplexity. Then her eye
Mashed dangerously. Il do not thinl
ron misunderstood me. Mrs. Brood
Where are Frederic and his father? .
r I'M not accustomed 70 that tons
o. voice. Mr.. Desmond"
r an no longer your housekeeper.
cid the Other, succinctly. .You d
net realise what this quarrel maj
moap. Insist q going up 70 thsiu
be1bes 4 ~ 600 TO far..