The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-09-21

hS was AhppHs liz
spoke cheerfully to this n and that
when they passed.
he did not looklike aconspirator. One
would not have dreamed that he had
made a plan which for audacity would
find few rivals, while for simplicity it
might find fewer.
Its better to have it over as soon as
possible" he said to himself; "better
for them and for me-"
Alice Arnden was passing him. He
leaned forward.
will you come Tor a little drive with
me, Miss Arnden? The night air is per-
do you good"
She accepted at once, hoping as she
did 80 that George Fenby would see her.
de was no there to see, however, and
Ralph had taken good care to know
that. He was already half way home.
But Miss Arnden was in no mood to
refuse, She was reckless in temper
and Ralph Warden had accounted on
that. One DESTROYS of widening the
breach between Alice and George would
have found it an easy task to begin that
night.
he seated himself beside Alice, but we
will not determine what he said to him
tAu' CA1SiS IA uloTe lives II one.
II admire your cloak and hat" ex-
claimed Ralph, Though the saying NAV
be as much a compliment to my sisters
Is to your own taste. Hers are like
them, are they not?"
every nearly; not quite. But I didn't
know you aver noticed what your lady
friends wear"
II don't very often. I did to-day
! Would the masculine eve detect the diff.
ferences2"
81 think not. But it is a pity to talk
of dress on such a nightas this. What a
strong and helpful sermon we had this
evening"
Yes" said Ralph,
They made q turn in the road, and
there wat George himself only a few
yards ahead. Alice put down her veil
at once. Surely fate was on the side of
Ralph Warden's plans that night.
Get in George. l won't take a re-
fusal."
"Who is with you? Your sister,"
eyes," said Ralph, witha promptness
which should be admired and pardoned.
"Sit on this side" said Ralph, as
George got in; III will sit between you.
The night is beautiful isn't it?"
VERY %beautiful!'
every beautiful" said George who
really had not thought of it before.
"You needn't go home at once. I will
turn here, and we VIII drive oyer to-
ward the Shore"
He had turned his horse down the
road leading in that direction before
either Of his companions could say u
word. The two lovers were gazing again
ON the scene they had looked upon in
the morning. The moonlight may have
Boltened the %harshness of it II little, but
the man between them heard a sob
from the woman at his left, and saw tho
moonlight sparkle suspiciously on the
eyelashes of the man on his right. And
he thought grimly Of himself as the i'm
age of tate-fate, with the destiny of
two human beings in his hand.
81 found a paper of yours this MORN
ing" said Ralph, slowly "and here it is,
| could hardly help seeing what it was.
l. congratulate you on your bargain.
You have bought the finest estate about
here, George. 1t is remarkably cheap
at the price. l believe the deed was
signed last evening""
YES"
"Mr. Kingsley had not fully decided
to sell until then, had he?"
MOT fully. lie told me his daughter
might decide to want it herself when
she is married. Mr.. Kingsley will, of
course give her a handsome residence
somewhere, when that event takes place,
for Mr.. Jones who is to marry her has
no fortune of lis own"
at has been your highest ambition to
own that estate, hasn't it,"
Certainly, I wanted the finest place
here"
"You ought to be supremely happy.
You said last night that you would he
| u,har rr,nI ~ .l,
yes"
The answer was short. Ralph could
feel the strong man on his right tremble
in spite of his efforts to control himself
and he knew that the woman on his left
was crying softly.
"You said something last night about
your ambition to be master iot that es-
tate. Do you remember what it vast"
Eyes, | think l do. Something boast
full was it not?"
George Fenby was beginning to I'M
derstaad dimly why he had received the
letter he had.
Worse than that. Did you ever
think that II overhearing it might think
Never until now. No what have T
done?"
mo matter. Did you ever intend to
marry her? Not a word Of objection.
You've been led into answering too
much already to stop now, l demand an
answer, George. Did you?"
The eyes Of the two men met. In
Ralph's there was the determination to
know, and, perhaps something more. In
George Fenby's there was surprise,
which changed to satisfaction and indig-
nation, which gradually faded out.
Never on my honor!" he answered.
Ralph Warden stopped the horse.
They had driven far to the south, and
had now turned back toward the village
again. IN front OF them was the level
sweep of frozen marsh but farther on
was the peaceful village, with its lighted
windows, and with its range of shelter
ing wooded hills behind it. On their
right was the sea-, calm and bright.
He stepped into the road and placed
the reins in George Fenby's uninterest-
ing hands. "Bring the horse home when
it is all right" he said, ''but take
all the time you wish. Here is another
paper Of yours which / found this morn
ing. Be thankful tonight that SO med
dlesome a man found it. Alice Arnden
and George Fenby, I give you back
your future-and my blessing!"
He spoke to the horse, and obedient
O his word, it dashed down the road
and LETT him alone.
There is no more need of following
the lovers, to be sure that all came right,
than there is of following the rushing
mountain stream to be sure it finds the
sea.