The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-11-30
TRUSTED TOO WELL.
Cassell's Magazine.

There were not g few people in the
circle OF Beatrice L.tham's friends who
shook their heads dolbtfully when the
news was announced of her engagement
to Robert Head.ey, lieutenant in her
MaJesty's service, after an nc luaintance
OF only three weeks. 1t was easy t o talk
about love at first sight, to assert that in
this brief space of time they had reached
a degree of intimacy which many happi-
ly married people had failed to achieve
in three years, to point out that his an
tecedents were jas completely salts ac-
tory as his presence, which nc one de-
MED to be singu!arly straightfor ward and
winning. In spite Of all plausibilities,
two sets Of cavillers Recommendations
men and girls, namely, who we're jealous
either of him or OF her, and those few
older people who had some actual or
personal experience of untoward posi-
bilities in love affairs. Besides, in this
case the shortness Of the acquaintance
was not the only hazardous cir :um-
stances of the engagement. Only a few
days later, Headley ard Captain Erskine
(the friend at whose house he ha! been
staying, and who had introduced him to
the Lathams) sailed for India, and Bea.
trice was left to live on the memory of a
months surprising appiness and to
wait patiently for the return of her lover.
The girls trust in him was asbolut..
She had, as it were, been taken by storm
tor IN the unreserved urdor OF Headley's
wooing she did not perceive the want of
depth, the absence Of self-restraint in
his nature, but only an entire devotion
to herself, which made her brim full
over with delight and responsive aftec.
ton. Tnush her passionate belief in his
loyalty enabled her to face the weary,
weary years o! separation with 4 mar
vellous courage, which served to increase
the respect and admiration already &C.
corded her as one Of the sweetest and
most beautiful girls in the wide district
of kersam. Captain Erksine, who was
an old playfellow ofthe Lathams regard
ed her as little less of an angel than her
sister Connie, and when at the leavetak-
ing she appealed to him to stand by
Headiey through thick anu thin, he reg
stored a silent view that his promise
given in return should not be an idle
one.
For more than a year Beatrice never
had a moments anxiety. Headley was
well and happy, and his frequent letters
breathed the same ardent affection that
she had learnt to believe in from his
bps. When, however, the report Of dit
6culties i'll Afghanlslan was followed by
the news II at both Headley and Erskine
bad been ordered to The front, 1t was no
wonder that She should be soreIy tried
by the fears and uncertainties otthe long
campaign. Letters reached her only at
long intervals, aid were usually so short
Ind hurried as to give her all increased
sense OF the hard work, the insecurity
the Stir and turmoil with which her low.
er was surrounded. She bore up brave
ly by dint OF constantly impressins upol,
herself the necessity Of fortitude IN a
soldiers bride but her great love made
confidence and composure very hard
sometimes. Then at last one day a let.
ter came which dissipated all her fears
and filed her with joyful an icipations
Connie, who was in the room when it
arrived, noticed the start she gave and
the light that flashed into her face as
she read, and asked, smiling
"Well, dear, what is the news?"
Beatrice rose and impulsively flung
her arms round her sisters neck.
"Oh, Connie!" she cried, "Rob is con-
ing home!"
eyes, really" re peated Beatrice, hal
sobbing with excitement and giadness
81 suppose l ought to be sorry for he
has been wounded; but he says it is
nothing tospeak of-only just enough to
get leave for-and | can think Of moth.
ing but seeing him again. He and Rich
ard Erskine were side by SHE and both
got hurt. They sail this month-how
long does it tnke? Connie. Connie, he
will be here in a few weeks"
Hash. Beatrice, you mustn't excite
YOURSELF said Connie reprovingly; but
her own heart was beating now at the
thought of Erskine's return, and she
wound is only eight, teo."
"Oh, yes" sad Beatrice, laughing and
kissing her, e.they will both be nearly
well ty the time they reach Enylani,
And Rob has, got his captalncy-isn',
that splenIiil?.ss
The girl assre| gradually more com.
posed, briY she !, ,usd not sober down Il
together.f and everv day that brought
the vesaSs, baari az Headley nearer hone
seemeI Ia add 10 thu brightness of mel
eyes Y:.a the irlescribably happy light.
hesIrYsednsss a her manner. Headie.
seHit Il iettef overland whenever they
touched ut a port. anu IN the last ont
. from G,bra!tar. he wrote that ae nope,
to be witts ht.r on the following Sunday
bat she mus not wonder if he we're de
layed a dayor two; he would telegrap 81
The momeht he landed.
To the Impatient g,li tlS :ctervenin,
days pissed with almost intolerable dill
atoriness; they were SO long, so hot, s,
still, so full OF a Summer drowsinose GU
Of ali SYM .,athv with the highly strrn,
state Of aer emotions. She could moi
wait upietly; unless every hour wal
filed up by some active occu pation she
frettod and .hafed against the unhast
ing Ieisureliuess OF time. and wore her
self out with restless longings for Head
ley's coming.
On tha Satnrdav tha Latham. tool