The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-10-12
a SISTERS VENGEANCE.
"A bouquet. sir?"

"A bouquet, sir2"
Elmer Richards starts suddenly, and
glances apprehensively at the speaker.
Surely there is nothing to fear in the lit
Tie pink-lobed figure before him with shyly
dropping eyes, and white dimpled hands
that were now engaged in wrapping bit Of
silver leaf around the stems OF q bunch Of
flowers.
Bouquet, sir2" she repeats. aEere is
one amssure you will like, myrtle and tea
roses. Shall I arr nnge it for your"
He ben 1ssforward that she may pin the
blossoms on his coat. lapel.
He, notices how small and white her hands
are and wishes she would raise her
fringed lids.
"There; don't you like it," she says.
"The price is shilling"
Elmer draws coin from his we'll filled
wallet, and lays it on the counter.
Keep the remainder for the cause" he
says.
The young girlsmiles, and raises her eyes
to his.
Can it be that he, man Of the world,
who has been admired and sought by doz-
ems of beautiful women, has fallen in love
with pretty foger-seller at a charity fair?
He moves cway, and accosts an acquaint.
ment.
Who is this young girl with the hand
some black eyes-the fower-seller?"
George Ellis looks up at his companion
with an amused smile.
What. Richards, ale you smitten2" he
says. We'll, you are by no means the first
one with whom those eyes have made sad
havoc. Her name is Beatrice Irving"
Irving! Elmer gave an involuntary
start.
All, yes, that name is familiar to him.
A sad pale face rises before him with
wietful blue eyes and trembling lips.
1t appeared to him once before this even
ing, when he first heard Beatrice Irivng's
voice; it haantP him all the evening, and
when the fair is over, and he returns to his
handsome apartments, he secs il still, and
beside it glows the fower-seller's brilliant
face.
Elmer Richards starts like guilty thing
as this thought comes to him; he knows
why the sweet lire ended SO early; why the
little grave was made 80 soon for her whose
last words were Of him-pretty Milly
Irving.
why indulge in these morbid fancies?r
he thinks. 1T is thing Of the past now,
and as such should be forgotten.
So he dismisses tho sad, unpleasant
memories, and leaning back in his chair,
lights cigarette, and, watching the curling
smoke wreathes as they float upwards, he
sees in their midst O dim vision OF the rose
tinted face Of Beatrice Irving, the flower
seller.
aWhat, Richards, are you going to snub
your friends in this manner2"
Jerry, old boy, is it you2n he ex-
claims. Pom my honor, did not know
you! Step up into my room and tell me the
news"
Nice place you've got here,n says
Jerry, as they enter the luxurious apart
ment.
When did you return?" Elmer asks.
Only two days ago, > is the reply. Been
there-a whole household. Oh, blythe.
bye, Richards, Esther sent you an invita-
ton to come down and enjoy yourself!
Nothing else on hand have you? Nof
Then Of course you'll accept. II will be a
good chance forSou. Almosta dozen girls,
Esther says, and everyone either beauty
or an heiress.
aWhat. are you married." Elmer in
quires.
No, but engaged, and that amounts to
about the same thing" Jerry replies.
Bessie Townsand-don't you remember
her? Well, she's there, too. But say, you
haven't told me whether you are coming or
not.
Yes, will come.
Soon as possible, mind, says Jerry. AEs-
ther will be looking for you. Au revoirir
He goes out, and few moments later Ell
mel, looking out Of the window, sees his tall
form striding up the street with the same
careless, Hwingipg gait he remembers Of
old.
A few days later, Elmer Richards enters
train enroute for the Trows' country resi-
dence. That evening he makes faultless
toilet, and descends to the lighted rooms.
Esther presents him to the other guests,
and soon he Is engaged in q lively conversa-
tion with Jerys betrothed; Bessie Towns
end. Then Esther comes and carries him
recumbent figure rises, and in the dim light
Elmer secs the yellow flash Of Jewels.
Are you here2n cries Esther, Miss Irv-
ing, Mr.. Richards. 81 s5s I
The figure takes step forward, and . ray
OF light streaming through the haif-open
door, falls upon her face, the brilliant face
and lustrous black robes Of Beatrice Irving.
Beatrice is ch.zminQ conyerstionalist,
and Elmer thinks it is infinitely more
agreeable TO pass the time With her in the
dimly.lit observatory than to chatter with
this one and that in the Illuminated room
beyond.
At last they arise, and join the companye
Ashley emerge into Light, Elmer glanct
u his companion: she looks wonderfully
fascinating tonight.
The summer days pass quickly By, and
some Of Esther's guests take their depart
sure. Beatrice Irving and Elmer Richards
are among the last that lnger; it has been
i blissfull summer for him, one he will
never forget. 1,s
One morning Beatrice announces her in
tention Of returning to her old home on the
morrow, aud that day Elmer determines to
know his fate.
During the evening, he requests her to
walk with him in the garden. and she com-
plies; perhaps che has an intuition ct what
s coming. &.
A few commonplace remarks pass be-
tween them; then Elmer Richards begins
his passionate declaration Of love, and Bee-
rice listens with elasped hands and DOWN
cast eyes.
Az he ceases speaking, he ventures TO
glance into her half -averted face. ltwears
fierce, triumphant expression. strange
look that one would not expect 3 girl
to wear when listening to Q lovers plead-
tngs.
She turned and faces him, and. in the
moonlight he can see the yellow lights in
her eyes flame like those irradiating from
her jewels. s 81.