Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-01-25
CHAPTER l (Continuedo.

why aoeSn / ne say VINO he fS-Wno
he was? Why all this mystery about
him? Where's his family or his
father?"
Why should he say?' she inquired,
her glance again ON the roses.
Because most of these people are
reformed drunkards with a past that
won't stand scrutiny. That Why"
The senator had lost his temper.
He may be-a murderer fo- all you
know" he declared.
No" she contradicted, he, voice still
calm n even; Il don't think so. He
is merely a man who has reformed be
cause he learned by bitter experience
the evils of drinking"
What do you know about him" her
father inquired, leaning still farther
forward. what makes you say that"
IT is merely an idea"
He got up from the table and went to
the window, standing a few moments
silent before he wheeled toward her
and delivered his ultimatum:
We'll, | don't approve of him, and
that's all there is to it. l don't want
him TO come to this house any more.
That was why ! told you the other
day I'd be glad to see YOU marry Dick
Mannersley. Manneriy's a good fellow,
n of the best in congress. Marry him
marry anybody you choose. but cut
out this Smith person. That's my last
word on it,"
More than ever, his daughter looked
IKE a strong. graceful lower.
Rather" she said, her voice n whole
octave lower, II can't"
what" he stamped his foot. RI tell
you there's something wrong with him
something wrong sure, l tell you he's
init for you to associate with. The
first thing o know, there'll be some
thing in the papers about his coming
here SO much. I can't stand it! |
rant stand hc Iri,,p N 1,,o1,4n,, ,.t>.
up in something that would hurt the
family reputation. 1t Will get into the
papers sure
That" she said, in the same low
II would make not the slightest diff
terence in the world to NE"
The atmosphere was becoming VOL
canic.
Then" said he senator, his head
thrust forward on his long neck, his
tall body bent forward almost like a
half loog, I'll forbid him the house!'
oh" she breathed, you Wouldn't"
"Wouldn't 1? The next time he comes
here Ill-if it's necessary-I,H throw
him out. Fiji"
The threat was interrupted by some
BODY who burst through the hangings
at the door into the hall. The in
truder, in riding costume, was blonde
and chubby and bubbling with laugh
ter. The laughter still dubbed, even
when she saw hat her precipitate en-
trance had cut off the anger on the
senator's tongue tip.
"Ah!" she cried, her face a conspir-
acy of dimples, "a serious discussion
at breakfast! What a mistake! NV
dear senator, no one can he human so
early IN the morning
Mrs. Griswold Kane had TO her credit
WldoWhood, charm, and Z great heart.
still aslow from her gallop in the park,
she brought With her the suggestion
| of fjln I'll CGnt. q. a Nd I,.a,r,,c n ,,t ,..J,- -
the changing foliage there. She turned
to Edith.
That is" she added, not unless you
ride; Give me some breakfast, dol"
The senator started out Of the room,
with the explanation:
:! was lamcnting the unreasonable
demands OF my constituents, Mrs.
Kane
On" she corrected him, "constitu-
ents are things to be left at home.
Never bring them to Washington with
you. Politics wouldn't be any fun if
YOU did,
She was all animation, excitement.
glow. After the butler had brought her
the coffee and rolls, she began TO say
to Edith the things she had made M
her mind TO say.
There is" snc remarked, munching
a roll. only one way for a man TO make
a woman love him forever. That is, to
die within Is months after he has mar
ried her"
Edith poured her a cup of coffee.
You know, Edith" she said, next,
you are the most wonderful eaten in
this fair city of OURS. You are rich
and you are beautiful-forgive me, my
dear, If engage in this ~saccharinc con-
day--and, what's more TO the point,
you haze brains. Behold the moler1
miracle-a really lovely woman with
real brains
Really, Nellie" Edith expostulated
indlfterently.
tion-so delightful Mrs. Kane bulb
bled OH. Think Of me! ] am not bean
tlful, and | have to oyerwork my brains
to appear charming, to make my AIMS
look chubbiar. to gown myself stun
ningly, TO ~diGarran2e my blond hair at
traetively-oh, everything. But you
Q can a your Thursdays for girls. :
dear work of telling the poor things
how to make q living and not lose a
virtue, and do all our other queer
charities, and yet-and yet, be the belle
of every BALI"
Honesty. Nellie, what does IL all
lnean2' the younger more serious
woman asked.
Mrs. Kane put down her piece of roll
and brought matters to a climax.
My dear Edith she asked. sin,u-
lating real concern. why don't you tell
ME whether you intend to marry the
man."
What MANI
Yesterday afternoon I played golf
with Eddie F'oster-stupid thing to do;
my knees always crack when I stocp,
and that's not tofaance-and later we
encountered his mother. Wonderful
creature. that old woman! She impart-
ed to me the interesting information
h a you are going to marry Dick Man
nersley."
Which, of course" commented
Edith, zig absurd"
Naturally. ! knew it was false. F.v-
erything about her is false except her
eardrums. And that's why I ask you
to tell me whether You intend to marry
Mr.. Smith. Mr. John Smith"
Miss Nallon looked MS. Kane full!
In The eyes.
How IA I. Nelliee He hasn't asked
nc
This was not sufficient answer for
the Young widow.
Il know she said. What i mean
Is. when, according to your plans, is he
TO ask your
Edith. her face grave. showing nei-