Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1916-03-09

man. cold and harsh by nature. Ben
jamin had been very good to her since
the death of his fathers second wife.
and because he had promised to care
for Euphemia, who was quite without
means OF her own. he had placed her
at the head of his modest bachelor
household. But the arrangement was
not entirely satisfactory to Benjamin.
for little by little his stcpsister be-
came the mistress of his house-ruled
him with a rod Of iron, dictated to him
when she dared and made home so un-
comfortable that he was perforce com
PEELED to seek comfort in his club.
And latterly since Annabcl Moore
had come into his life Euphcmia had
been almost uncomfortable. She sus-
pectcd that Benjamin was in love with
the lovely r:rl. who was years younger
than herself. But Benjamin was we'll
to Go. and could tell. argued
Euphemia to herself. if .Annabcl seized
an opportunity and married benjamin
where would Euphemia Fleming be?
Certainly not at the head Of the Dacey
household. although Benjamin would
undoubtedly provide for her.
II must look out for myself" said
Euphemia grimly as she went upstairs
to take her afternoon nap.
About t o'clock that same day Miss
Euphemia Fleming called upon Anna
bel Moore. AS she paused in the door
way while the maid announced her
Euphemia was not at all surprised to
witness a little seen shadowcd in a
mirror that reflected the interior of the
adjoining library.
.Annabel was standing near the fire
place, and on his knees at her feet was
Willie Buddington.
Euphemia smiled. 1t was going to
be easier than she had thought. The
girl Was in love with young Budding
ton, and benjamin had never had a
chance with the girl.
When she entered the drawing room
the scene had magically changed. Will
lie Buddington was standing detected
ly by while Annabel came forward to
greet Euphemia with pleasant cor
diality.
After Willie had taken his depar-
ture and while Annabel and Euphemia
drank tea together the older woman
sought for 8 way to assure herself that
young Buddington had indeed proposed
to the girl and that she had accepted.
II Annabel's p~ensivencss wa any in
dication Euphemia had every reason
to believe that Benjamin wa safe
from an indiscrcet marriage, while at
the same time her OWL future was
assured. She was positive that Benia-
min would never love another. This
was his first love affair, and she felt
positive that it would be his last.
1t happened that Euphcmia was
right. 1t was ~Benjamin's Dacey's last
love affair.
Annabcl blushcd and looked con-
scious when EuDhemia praised Willie
Buddington; she became intensely en-
barrassed when Euphcmia overstep-
ped tho bounds Of her slight acquaint-
ance and limited at Il possible
Annabel assumed an air of dignity
and changed the subject. Euphemia
grltted her store teeth and talked
about Benjamin.
Annahci did not blush here. On the
contrary. she became cold and con
strained. Guphemia became nettled
and resolved to sting the girl into some
revelation Of her attitude toward Ben
jamin.
My brother is soon % be married"
said Eup!lclnia at last. but perhaps
you have heard" She glanced sharp
ly at the girl over the edge,of her tea
cup.
Annabel started violently. and her
blue eyes widened.
"Why-yes-no-l haven't heard" she
said a little breathlessly.
II Shall be very lonely" went on
Euphemia deliberately. Il p I
shall have TO go away and make a
home for myself"
II am surf that Mr.. Dacey will not
want you to do that" said Annabel
quietly. He seems very fond of you''-
That Is all very WELL" interrupted
Euphemia harshly, but when an old
man falls i'll love he makes a fool OF
himself and sees nothing save the OBJ
ject Of his alteration"
Annahels eyes flashed.
Il should not describe Mr.. Dacey as
DID," She said quietly.
He is forTy-tive." argued Euphemia.
He must src.n-like q father to you
almost a Grandfather!.'
Hardly laughed Annabel suddenly.
You must not make me believe that
your brother is very aged, Miss Euphe-
mia she said archly, for he told me
one day that he was five years older
than you, and you are not old by any
means"
Euphemia bridled and tossed her
head. She was secretly pleased.
Well" she gasped, 'but you are a
mere child, Miss Annabel."
"a mere child of--thirty," admitted