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

s1aSB ~ fS ially Ut Ile1r cigars
in Il ~ ~endeayored to while ava the
eoaase besNsen breakfast and dinner in
- 2pyers4tion and smoke.
One of them, who had lust laneu;dIv
informed his companion that his,.sfy
marked attention to Isabel WI tie,
Nais hostess's pretty but impecurious
piece, was nsught but 90 little iirta-.
Ken" WAS q tall, handsome nsn
abotss thirty yearssofa ge, With ,at M
nistSsks8aso distinotionY which
travel ana good bresdihestznphdefbly
upon the face of those whom tickle for
tune favorsswith her smiles. Leonard
ashley /was a thorough man of the
world
dhe room in, which the two men sat
smoking opened through wide, French
fdo on to the lawn, but on account
o the heat of the morning sun the vene-
tan blinds We're drawn and the view of
the garden shut off.
"Well, well, old boy, nmuse yourself,
If you are not in any deeper than a bit
OF a Irritation, ? said Tom Mayne, after
his friends drawing reply to a little at
tempted advice. "But ] tell you, old
fellow, it looks extremely like an old
fashioned courtship to outsiders, and
the aunt has got her eye on it, and APP
pears we'll satisfied with the turn affairs
are apparently taking. There will be
quite q 'cut up in that quarter when
you throw her over, and you had better
take my advice and do it easy; COM
mence now and cool off by stages, for
you can't carry it much further without
coming tosome understanding. Oh, by
the way, is the girl flirting too? Quite
a bright little thing, she. Pity there's
nota penny in the family; that's the
only drawback to her making a man a
very clever little wife; but of course as
it is, it's quite out Of the question"
Quite" drawled Ashley, lighting a
fresh cigar. Lets godown to the river
and have n paddle before dinner" and
the subject of Isabel Whyte was blown
away in smoke, rs he lazily rose from
his chair and walked to the window
leading to the lawn.
AS Ashley drew up the blinds and
stepped out on to the terrace, a white
muslin bustled round the corner of the
building out of sight.
"Will Mr.. Ashley join us at tennis
this afternoon?"
1t was Isabel who spoke, looking up
brightly into the face of Leonard Ash
ley, who sat next her at luncheon.
Pretty little Isabel, whose penniless
virtues as q rich mans wife had. been
weighed in the balance and found want
ing, wa gazing into the eyes of the man
who was playing with her heart, with
hel. innocent, trusting. captivated soul
looking ont through hers.
With all my heart, Miss Whyte, if 1
may play as your partner"
She blushed her assent, with her
blue eyes fixed on her plate.
The game that afternoon must have
proved remarkably pleasant to Isabel.
whose flushed and eager face beamed
with enjoyment and satisfaction as she
accompanied Leonard across the lawn
after having been ANONYMOUSLY de-
feated, in five games.
Victory did not seem to be necessary
to complete their happiness, however,
for evenAshley showed an unusual
earnestness as he walked by the side Of
Isabel iwithlSthe racquets slung over his
shoulder, andhis tall form bent slightly.
As he talkedin low tones to the girl.
His languid expression had given way
to one of pleasure, and his handsome
eyes snappedin q way that was in sharp
contrast with his usual languor.
Remember, Isabel" he whispered.
as he parted With her at the house, II
am to have all the,dnnces this EVENING""
"sYes, all.n
With a telI-tale blush she sped up the
stairs.
Leonard walked thonghtfully off to
his apartment, q mixture of strange
feelings creating a turmoil in his heart.
When he reached his room, before
changing his toilet for the evening. he
threw of. his coat and hastily seating
himself at writing table began hurried
~ a letter. He never ceased until the
task which was a long one. was COM
pleted. except now and then to pause
for a moment to find some suitable ex-
preston, for the wording of the epistle
appeared toned considerable care.
He finished it at last, and carefully
folding it placed itin an envelope which
he snperscribed in his hest hand:
"Wilfred Ashton, Esq, the Pines,
Devon"
'sThere, uncle mine, this will be q
little surprise for you at dinner to-mor-
row."
With these words he laid the letter
upon the table and began with unusual
care to arrange his evening dress.
"Come, Isabel, ont here the moon
light is beautiful, and the air sweet with
the june flowers. We have ample time
to enjoy a walk among the shrubbery
before the next dance. The breeze will
cool you your face is flushed and heat
ed. Besides" he whispered, bending
tendariy over her, IT hive something
to tellSyon which can be said better I'M
der tue stars aud in the silvery moon
light. Come" 4
A strange CLEAN came into Isabel's
eyes which Leonard did not see, and
the thin lips were set a q straight line;
but withotitsa word she slipped her arm
through his, md they moved ont to-
gether into the glorious night.
For. some; moments they walked on
among the traesand plants Of the excel
leltly kstitt sisark. withopS either speak
inn, Haseeme1 nervous and i'll ut ease,
apparentlE4seekkisg for words to express
Ills thoitRhts.s She was waiting.