Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1920-08-26

relsome, and fought him back,
1t seldom was matter Of sObriety
or iasobriety with him. He was best
natured to me at times when he was
most intoxicated. He was surliest aat
times when he was perfectly sober. Ut
other times he quite reversed this One
never knew from his physical condi.
ton what his disposition might be al
the time.
He served Mt dinner when Mrs. Sid.
ney, IsObel and I. more tremendously
than we cared to, dined. Certain do
mestic ceremonies pleased Mr.. Sidney
and he liked to know that in some re-
spects the barOnial character of his
place was being maintained as he
would have maintained 1t If he had
been active.
When Jed was in good nature, he
frequently sought me out for talks, and
when he was IN good nature, / en-.
couraged him. did not want to open
up any secrets the house might have.
merely to learn what they were, but
knew Mrs. Sidney needed help, and l,
also thought that Jed some evening
when pleasantly and good naturally
drunk and garrulous might say more
than he intended. There were many
opportunities. but he never did,
One night-this was in September
was walking about the place with the
mastiffs ut my side. i stood while at
the edge of tls' woods looking at the
house. In its shndowy bulk it seemed
fit container of mystery. Only a few
windows were Illuminated. It was the
river side Of the house that was bright
ut night.
walked slowly across the lawn
toward the side where Mrs. Sidney's
rooms were. A small balcony opened
off her sitting room. could hear her
talking to some one on this balcony.
The person she was talking to, as l
heard in another moment, was Jed. I
was then almost Under the balcony.
Il am a resolute man." Jed was say
ing. ''l'll have my own way. I'll have
what want. I'll make you glad to
come to terms. I'm reasonable man.
too. Now. admit that Eve been con-
siderate."
started to get out of hearing as
quietly and rapidly as ! could. but
heard Mrs. Sidney, her voice vibrant
with Indignation. say:
II ought to have you whipped"
"That is silly, unreasonable passion"
said Jed.
Il shall not hesitate to kill you"
said Mrs. Sidney.
Then went out of earshot The
fact that Jed gould threaten Mrs. Sid.
ney in this fashion was inexplicable.
1t couId not be explained by his serv-
iceability to Mr.. Sidl,ey. great as that
was. walked about for while. dis
tressed and depressed; then patteh
the heads of the m.stiffs. went indoors
and to my room.
Al hour later l opened my door in
response to a light rap. Mrs. Sidney
was there.
MAY ] come in a. moment?" she
asked. THANK you. ] have request
to make which you cannot help but
think is eXtraortlinary--prep :"
placed chair for her. She thanked
me but remained standing. ! thought
she must he in an agony of mind, but
she smiled.
"1\hope It is to ask me to take Jed
In hand" sail.
NO; 1t Is to ask you to permit me
to announce the engagement of my
daughter lsobel to you. Don't be
alarmed. 1t shall not make any diff
ference in your life. 1t Is desperate
eSpedient l am using out of diff
Guilty"
felt as If were in spiritual fog
us that the only way can help you
out?" l asked.
'The only one" she said. II have
thought Of everything" :.
"Has it to do with Jed agaia?" l
asked.
with things cannot possibly ex-
plain. Is there any one who would be
distressed by such an announcement 2"
Not a SOUL" said, Except Miss
Sidney"
81 would not cause pain" said Mrs.
Sidney. "Are you sure there is nc
one?"
"Mrs. Sidney" I said, "you are the
only lady who ever has given me a
thought since knew my mother l
am merely wondering what Miss Sid
ney will think of me in such role.
Will she understand why take It? /
am not hesitating. I hope I do not
seem to be, but Know suspect
that your decision is sudden"
J "Isobel's affection for us is greater
than her demand for independence, .
said Mrs. Sidney. IF she knows that
l asked you to consent to this an
nouncement, she will think OF you as
a proved friend"
! had suggested all the precautions
that were reasonable "You certainly
may make any use of me you want
to-" I said. She thanked me and said
good night.
-. 80
| Isobel's view of our engagement was