Kimball enterprise. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1883, 1883-06-15

By-and-by, found myself in quad
rille, opposite Miss Everingham. She
did not notice me. might as well have
been made of wood. It amused me, at
last, to watch kher studied neglect and
scorn of me, her brightness tor every
one else. Yet why did she treat me in
this way? l had never heard her name
in my life before. How, then, could 1
be guilty in any way toward her? One
thing noticed. Rene was not there. l
had expected her. of course. as she and
Roselle We're dear friends. Once l
not seem natural without Miss Snowden
it is like the play of Hamlet with
Hamlet lett out, don't you know"
81 have not seen her out, even for a
drive, for a week or two. wonder
what new whim it is?"
The people had begun to 60. had
stepped into the library, seeking Mrs.
Chanfrau, to make my adieux, when I
heard voice I recognized.
tSee if you can find my fan, please"
it said. 81 left it on the window cushions
in the music-room, l think. / will wait
for you here"
The next instant young man brushed
pest me meekly, in search of the fan.
Half hidden in big chair, saw Miss
Everingham. l went over to her, and
she looked up scornfully, aud in dis
pleased surprise. But was determined
to know the reason of of her conduct.
"When man is condemned to be
hung, Miss Everingham," l said, coolly,
"the judge always distinctly states the
nature of his crime, before administering
the sentence. Have you any objections
to letting me know what have done?"
She looked at me moment very
steadily, ,leyen contemptuously, 1 am con.
strained to say.
MIR. Hawthorne. when tell you that
l am Rene Snowden's cousin, and dear
est friend. you can hardly ask for fur
the, information. The fact that no one
but l will ever know of your baseness,
is the reason that you will still be treat.
ed as gentleman by the world at large" !"
Before could reply, the young lady
bad swept from the room.
I passed a sleepless night. What
could she mean? BY morning I had
reached conclusion. l called myself
weak and poor in spirit; but would go
to Rene. would, at least, hear what
she had to say.
The servant ushere ne into the morn
ing room. 1t was untenanted. But I
heard voices behind the curtains that
concealed little inner sanctuary, that
was Rene's boudoir. AS stood uncer-
tain whether to go further, and cursing
announced me, I heard Rene's voice.
My heart, in spite of myself, leaped up
at the sweet, weary tones.
"Phillys, darling,"' she was saying,
Papa has consented to go so we need
not be separated"
"I am so gladw fervent voice an
swered, that recognized also. But it
isn't the old Rene-dear, can't you for
get?"
l did not wait to hear Rene's answer.
Something within me compelled me to
push back the portiere, and found my
self in the presence of Rene and Miss
Everingham.
The latter looked up at me, perfectly
mutinous. She stepped back with a
gesture of aver sion, and stood at Rene's
side as if to protect her friend.
Rene herself started and turned pale
as she saw me, and drew herself up
coldly.
"Mr Hawthorne" she said, icily, "you
were unannounced. Isuppose.you wish
to see Papa?"
'tI wish no onein he world but you,
Rene" cried, the scales seeming sud
denly to drop from my eyes. ~ have
been the most miserable wretch on the
face of the earth. 1 could not live long.
er without you, and came this morning
to hear your extenuation-and tell you
mine. have been an arrant fool, per
haps worse; for l have doubted your
truth" She gave another quick start
'But I love you-I have always loved
you-I will love you until die. And
ask you fo forgive the wrong l see l
must have done you; for, looking upon
you now, in the face of everything, l
know you to be high and pure"
Her face had grown whittier and whi-
ter, and her great sweet eyes were
looking at me wistfully. Miss Eyering
ham stood by her, but little in ad-
vance, and was facing me with mutinous
dark eyes.
Before Rene could speak her friend
broke forth, scornfully:
"You think you can abuse and wrong
the tenderest, purest heart that ever
beat" she said, "and then come in youn
own sweet time, and be forgiven? How
dare you? What right have you to be
pardoned?"
"Hush Phil"
1t was Rene's low, even voice that
thus broke in upon the others passion
ate anger.
A light at once flashed upon me a
that word "Phil,"
Listen to me, Rene" I cried breath
lessly. ''The morning that l waited fo1
you, the last time was here, wan
dered around, and finally committed
the unpardonable ofense of reading a
slip of paper on your desk-a page,
filled with despairing and passionate
love, signed Phil
"Miss Everingham started violently
and then stepped forward with an eager
gesture. But continued, passion ately
81 have set you up so high in my soul
Rene, and this blow crushed me. The
whole world was changed to me, and I
believed you false. But l came here
this morning willing to believe you al
that once believed"
Suddenly bright, joyous voice broke
''I am Phil" it cried;" Creme always
said l would get myself into trouble
with my theatrical notes, in the days whe1
we had sworn eternal maidenhood anC
feality 20 each other. Why didn't yor
speak, Rene? You won't let him 90
now dear? He has loved you all the
time-and what if you had read note
like that, written to Mr.. Hawthorne, and
signed Maud-would not you have
been cruelty hurt?'