The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-04-04

.. tAAS HOSASot AAS lIO llstll
directed to his uncle that afternoon and
left unsealed, he took the letter from it
n handed it to her,
Read it.n
AS he spoke all traces of his CUSTOM
airy languid, careless manner left him.
and his eyes sparkled with inward ex-
cltement as he eagerly watched her IN
fold and read the letter.
In an undertone, half aloud and half
70 herself, she read without changing
her set expression:
DEAR UNCLE,-I have changed nv
plans somewhat since 1 last talked with
you, when you desired and I acquisced
fthatNL should pay my court to the
daughtefef your old friend. AS l say
since then my plans are altered. and
feeling that you are low my nearest liv-
ing relative, it is right you, should know
OF my Intentions. The amount of it all
is l have given my heart into the keep
ing Of Miss Isabel Whyte, who has
yielded to my love, and consented ia be-
come the wife of ycur affectionate
nephew, LEONARD"
"P. S.-Let us hear from YOU"
As Isabel finished Leonard dropped
on his knee, and taking her hands, cried,
quietly
Isabel, darling! may 1 send it?
Will you give me the right? Say YOU
will, dear. See i am waiting. You
love me, You do love me, Ihave seen it
in your eyes and in your words. Speak.
Isabel: do not look SO cold and calm"
She turned her eyes upon him, still
with that strange expression, and, with
a half smile, said,-
Would not that be carrying the joke
o tritie too far, Mr.. Ashley?"
Joker" gasped Ashley. "What do
you mean, Isabel? You cannot think /
am speaking in jest!"
II mean, Mr.. Ashley, that the old
gentleman, your uncle, would probably
echo the sentiments of your friend, Mr..
Mayne, and yourself, that I might make
a man a very clever little wife, only
there is not a penny in the family and,
Of course, as it is, it is quite out of the
question, quite! And not having any
personal ~ill-feeling against your nncle,
/ must decline to make him the subject
of so practical q joke, and possibly put
him thoroughly out of humor with his
excellent nephew, all on account of "a
little firtation'!"
As she finished speaking she rose to
her feet, her lips set, and her eyes flash
ing with indignation.
Ashley SAID not q word. He felt the
sting of his own words and was silent.
The conversation which had occurred
in the morning when he was yet strug-
Cling with the love whichathis girl had
planted in his heart even during what
with him was but a Irritation, but with
her a cruel reality until his cruel words
had undeceived her, came quickly be-
fore him, and he knew that he had lost
her; and oh! how doubly precious she
seemed now that all hope of winning
her had fled! He couldno unsay those
careless words which had so hopelessly
wounded her sensitive soul, though he
scarcely believed in the truth of them
at the time. He knew that even if she
had loved him that love was dead, or
her womanly pride would hcnceforth
smother it within her. He had no
word to say, and bowed his head as she
swept by him with aquiet nod.
o.
She did not r~e-enter the drawing
room, but went at once to her apart
ment, where as o as she had closed
and locked the door, she threw herself
upon the bed, III the agony of her heart
found a vent III tears.
On, how L loved him she sobbed
aloud. "How / loved him!' and then
with a new burst OF tears she walled:
And now, even now, l. love him. but l
cannot forgive those cruel words" y
"Reall.y, MIR. Ashley. this is very sud-
den Cannot your business be put of
Tor a week or more? or better, still, can
not Mr.. Mortimer, who goes up to town
to-day, attend toit for you?" inquired
the lar hostess, at the breakfast-table,
when Leonard had made known his
OF leaving that morning.
Thanks, Mrs. Mortimer, but unhap-
PLY the nature of my business requires
my personal attendance. lam extreme
ly sorry to have to shorten my stay,
which you have rendered so enjoyable
that it is a pain to have to leave"
We'll, at leastyou will lunch with us
on the cliffs as proposed, and l will
have you driven direct from there to the
station in time for the afternoon train"
II shall be only too happy to enjoy
the few extra hours in your society"
answered Leonard, politely bow
ing to Mrs, Lorrimer, and castings COW
ert glance at Isabel, WHO still retained
her place beside him, having no reason
able excuse for changing it.
As he left the table he paused behind
her chair u moment, and then with asud-
den movement as though having nerved
himself to speak, he bent over her.
Miss Whyte,"he said, "will you go|
mot this morning." she answered
coldly. Il have q headache! I may
join them after lunch, when the sun is
not SO hot"
She, was avoiding him. He felt a