The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1919-03-20

ter made it extremely probable
that the Count might soon be re-
leased from custody.
Pleasantly enough the two men
conversed, and Count Charlier
gave the impression of one glad
of help from ali outside source.
1T is such a%bsurdity," he de-
clared, "to think / would in any
way wish harm to the lady. Why,
| admired her above ali, and it
was my hope that she would do
me the honor to accept my hand"
Honestly, Count Charlier?"
and Stone looked at him with a
man to man glance that caused
the Count to hesitate in his pro
testations.
"Well, | was considering the
matter in my own mind. You
know, Mr.. Stone, it is a great re-
sponsibility, this seeking a wife.
And Miss Darlington was not
not in her first youth. Of a fact,
her years outnumbered my own.
So, l asked myself was it wise,
was it altogether just to the lady
TO-"
"Never mind all that, Count"
said Stone, a little impatiently,
Just give me a few details of
that evening, SO far as your ac-
tions were concerned. You were
at the house till midnight7"
eyes, Mr.. Illsley and I left to-
gether. We had spent the evening
there at cards and music"
-"You had had any private con-
%versation with Miss Darlington
during the evening9"
eyes, we walked alone in the
conservatory for a time"
"You proposed marriage7"
"Not exactly that-but I have
limited at such an event."
"And the laag seemed agree
able7"
ENTIRELY so. If may say it,
she met my advances half way,
and l could not misunderstood
her feelings toward my unworthy
self"
"She spoke to you of money
matters? OF her will9"
eyes, to my surprise, she told
me she had %bequeathed to me
$4,000" sn*<xnzzaSssyzsz,
W not this a strange be-
quest to a casual acquaintance"
"Oh, we were more than casual
acquaintance. | have known Miss
Darlington for two or three
months"
(Which? Two or three?"
Perhaps nearer two," and the
Count showed a slight embarrass-
ment.
do your friends often leave
you large sums Of money on such
short acquaintance"
sit has never happened be-
FORE" and now the Counts dig
nifty was touched and he spoke
shortly and coolly.
"Then, Of course, it struck you
as peculiar" and Stones smile
ASSUMED an acquiescence.
But the Count returned: "Not
at all. Miss Darlington was an
unusual woman, and I never ex-
pected her behavior to be entirely
conventional. When she told me
of this | was simply and honestly
grateful, as [ should have been to
any one who showed me such a
kindness"
"You were glad to get the
money then9"
eyes, indeed!' the Count ex-
claimed, with sparkling eyes, then
realizing his slip, he hastily add
ed: "That is, / was glad Of the
knowledge that it would come to
me some day. Surely I did not
want the lady to die, that I might
receive it, but / was pleased to
know she thought enough of me
to make the direction"
What did she mean by saying
Tomorrow all will be differ
EMIT"
"That | do not know. Gould
she have meant"
"She did say it, them You
admit she said it to you?"
Breathlessly, Fleming Stone
waited the answer. Miss Caring.
ton had said this to the person
who was with her behind hel
closed door at l o'clock !. Gould
, the Count be going to incriminate
himself9
AZ "Nnt To me only She said = =