The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1917-02-02

more pleasant response to his bluff
welcome. He jerked open the door of
the tonneau, and offered his hand to
each of the commissioners in turn as
they stepped stiffiy out into the porch.
"My friend Jake Dupont, gentle
men," said Vandervyn.
Every member of the party at once
smiled upon the trader, and shook
hands with him. Most cordial of all
was the big man who had sat in the
front seat.
Marie now stepped out to greet the
visitors, and was formally introduced
by Vandervyn. With a gracious COM
posture that would have done credit
to the most exclusive Of drawing
rooms, she welcomed the visitors, and
invited them to luncheon.
The most pOrtly member of the COM
mission promptly accepted the invita-
ton on behalf of himself and his COM
paniOns, and the party followed their
hostess into her parlor. Vandervyn
fingered a moment to favor Hardy with
smile of ironical coincidence.
"Chesty lot, these lame ducks!" he
said. "But they stand in with the big
fellows. They had the cars shipped
out from Chicago to accommodate
them. Better snuggle up on their
warm side What, not going, surely?
You must come in to lunch and show
US how tactful tactician can be-"
THANKS, no." replied Hardy. 'ril
ask you kindly to excuse me to Miss
Dupont. The commissioners may find
ME at the Office at any time that suits
them"
Vandervyn shrugged and went in
doors, his smile trifie forced. He at
once joined his party in their eager
acceptance of Dupont's most cordial
expression Of hospitality, his eight
year-old whisky. Marie had excused
herself to the guests. By the time she
reappeared every member Of the party
was ,aglow with good feeling. The girl
at once became the target for shower
of compliments, all in doubtful taste,
and some decidedly too free and easy.
She looked to Vandervyn, and met
only with an uneasy smile. Seeing
that he would say nothing, she replied
to the offenders with a wit and dig
nifty that soon altered their bearing
toward her. They were puzzled to find
garden rose In this rough wilderness,
but she soon brought them to the reali-
Zation that they were not at liberty
to splash mud on her petals. The
luncheon completed her conquest.
Vandervyn came to the table with
all the uneasiness gone from his
smile. He took his seat, and proceed
ed to eXtol Marie's skill as a chef.
Oinna, bearing tray, came in, and
began to serve luncheon. Though ex-
tremely shy, she started with deft-
ness that showed careful training.
Several moments passed before Van
dervyn looked up and perceived her
The surprise was too sharp even for
his assurance. He stopped short in
his talk, and stared at her, discon-
certed.
At sight of his frown the girl
dropped her tray, now fortunately
empty, and with little, gasping cry
fled from the room. She did not re-
appear. Marie passed off the awk-
ward incident with smile and tact
full explanation of Oinna's excessive
shyness. The Indian boy finished the
serving.
Vandervyn had delivered Hardy's
messages. They had been received
alike by Marie and by the commission
ers without comment. After luncheon
one of the commissioners brusquely
proposed that Hardy be summoned to
attend upon them. Vandervyn inter-
posed with the suave suggestion that
the acting agent might leave in the
safe some Of the papers necessary to
a full understanding of the affairs Of
the agency.
At this the party fingered only for
parting nip at Dupont's liquid hos
pitality. Assuring Marie that they
would return in time for dinner, they
left under the escort of their host.
With the excuse that he had miSlaid
his hat, Vandervyn returned to the
dining room. When he came out, he
shut the door. Marie was alone in the
parlor. All the suppressed fire of his
passion famed in his face, as he
turned and came swiftly back to the
waiting girl. There could be no doubt
that he expected her to meet him half
way.
She stood beside chair, somewhat
pale, but outwardly very calm. She
did not advance single step. Yet,
blinded by his own ardor, he came on
without needing the look in her face
until within arm's-reach Of her. Then
at last he perceived her lack Of re-
Spouse, and stopped.
II say!" he exclaimed. whats the
matter? Is this the way to welcome
me back, sweetheart?"
The term of endearment brought a
quick blush into the girls cheeks. But
she replied in cold, even tones: "Are
you now at liberty to address me as
your fiaucee?"
His eyes shifted before her level
gaze "Don't be foolish, Marie. You
know you're the only woman. You
know that engagement must stand un-
Gil we are sure of the mine. There is
something else, as we'll"
'"This is quite enough for the pres
ent,:' she broke in. II promised to
wait for you until you should come
back-free from your cousin. You have
returned, but you are not free from
her. Is it honorable for you to speak
to me now?"
How can help it?" he urged, seek
ing to melt her with his ardent gaze.