The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-02-22

voted himself to her entertainment in a
quiet, nnobtrusive way.
Lettie's wedding preparations went
merritY on, and the bridegroom's best
friend sesmed to be deeply interested
in them. He certainly called on the
Harveys as often as he could, and
never failed to seek out Alice.
As time passed on she grew almost
frightened at herself, she felt so changed
girl OF former days.
an losing all the practical common
sense I have gained in two years, and
going back to the romantic dream of
younger days. Imust stop. / must 20
home she thought" with q troubled sigh.
But Lettie married, and went away on
q short tour, and still she fingered, fer
she could not get away for the urgcnt
entreaties of the family to stay and help
arrange Lettie and Arthur's horse, and
her mother wrote for her to protong her
visit.
Half laughing, half yexed, she con-
scented.
ut seems as ii the whole world has
conspired against me, mother included.
What would she say il she knew? But |
MI not be q coward and run away!"
q ~ q SASiNiIihs lG1iSBll4ulH cUUplOys
ment furnishing q house, SOMETIMES
she would make elieve,it was her own,
and many sweet thoughts fitted through
her mind while she helped to arrange
the pretty Sooms.
MIR. stuart had his share of the work,
too, and once she stood at the front
door waiting for him. a bright, weicom-
ing smile on her lips.
He sprang up the steps, and catching
her hand. kissed it warmly.
II could almost imagine this home,
and vow
But snatehirg her hand away, she
hastily retreated TO the little kitchen,
where Lettie's younger sisters we're put
ting away dishes and pots and pans.
At last it was all ready for h%abitation,
aud they went through the house a
merry inspecting. party, late one alter
the younger people went on out into
the garden, leaving Roy aud Allie alone.
A small tire had been kindled in the
CRATE, for it was September. and frosty,
and the girl sat down before il to warm
her hands. She looked rather pale and
tagged out, not from physical labor, but
mental unrest.
Roy stood Of the hearth rug neal her,
and iFhen h started up unable to en-
dure his earnest steadfast look any
longer, he gently detained her.
Your work and miae has been fin
ished here, but must we partP Will you
not marry me. Allie-be my dear, hon
ored wife7 I love you SO truly, dar.
|lingl'
You have learned the lesson quick
ly,'1 she said, striving hard to keep cool
and composed.
But none the less surely, my dearest.
you will say yes2n
mo, mol" SHE cried, sharply, finding
It terribly hard to resist his tenderness.
! have resolved never to marry. My
mother is an invalid. She needs me, and
my duty is TO remain with her"
YES, I know all Your trials, | only
ask to share your duties, not to take you
from them. Your mother shall be nv
mother, and together we shall take care
of her. ] am q lonely fellow, Allie. /
lave no mother"
No. l will not be tempted. You
would feel burdened after awhile, and
wish that you had been less rash.n
de drew back, Il change passing over
his face.
DO You really think that? Is that
your opinion OF mel"
Eyes"
er!p ioi
And before she could make any reply,
he had left the room, and the house.
A moment of brcathless silence. and
then she called to him to come back
that she had overratel her strength-she
could not make the sacrifice. But he
did not hear, and only the children
rushed IN to tell her it was time to 90
home.
The next day she returned home, and
to work; hut not much satisfaction did
she feel. AMI none at all when her moth
er, IN one oftheirlong confidential talks,
told her it was her dearest wish to see
her married.
Allie never breathed a word about
her romance, but she laid her head
down on her mothers knee, with Il long
,qniv ring sigh.
When she returned home from work,
one evening a few weeks later. her
her innocentlv crushed the last liz
gering hope she might have cherished,
loy telling her that a gentleman had
called to see her.
"a Mr.. Roy Stuart from Australia. He
called to bid you goodbye before going
to Australia
ITO Australia? Then l snail never
bSG III = fSSdttls SBic lIUtIEl1l, pulo 0[1l
faint with bitter Disappointment.
After that she settled down in earn
est; and when, after a wear from the
date OF her marriage, Lettie wrote, urg-
ing her to take another holiday, she
consented knowing that to keep up her
strength she must rest occasionally.
Her happy friend had n thousand
things to tell, but lot once did she men.
ton Roy StnArt's name, AID Allie could
not question her.
In the evening she went into the par
Tor and Sat down. MS on that other
evening when she had 30 rashiy thrown
happiness away. She looked into
the fire, so busy with bitter-sweet mem
cries she did not hear the door open, or
turn to see who entered-,lntil q well-re-
membered voice said,-
Good evening, Mrs. Wooton, Arthur
she sprang up, then, with a joyful cry.
"Mr. Stuart! Is it p%ossibie?"
Then they stood, hand clasping hand,
looking at each other With silent lips,
but eloquent eyes.
Il Thought you were in Australia"
said Allie at.iast, her glance falling.
| returned q lew days ago. Can
1T De true you are glad to see me?"
lis IL hard to realize?' she enid, in a
low-very low tone, her checks deeply
flushed.
"Oh, yes after your unkind treatment
last lime we were together in this room"
"Did | behave badiy?"
Eyes, cruelty"
AMI is it too late to make amends?"
Her y were sparkling. andademnre
little smile played round her lips.
Not if Allie, you are no
tria ng with me2'
been miserab'e!' she cried, tears rush
ing to her eyes.
And so have +, my darling!D he
said. drawing her near to him.
1T was all a inisteKe. I could not be