The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-11-28
MADAME STEPHANIg.

ing hunting, found rooms to suit him ct
last 10 south Audley street. Not an i'm
portant circumstance apparently, for
she rooms were but required Pre- tenn,
while his family mansion in Grosvenor
square underwent r~edecorating, yet the
fact was destined to affect his whole af-
ter career.
A lucky fellow, Algy!' was the con-
slant comment of his friends. and they
numbered many Of both exc His
lnck consisted of his good looks, his
popularity, his unfailing spirits, and
last. but not least his immense wealth.
Bnt there was q crumpled leaf even in
his luxurious couch Of roses, though he
kept his trouble to himself and hid his
sorrow beneath the mask Of gayety.
THAT lovely house ought to have o
Mistress o frisky matron said to him
one day, though in truth it was the
last thing she wished to see come to
pass.
AIgy laughed the matter off viii, o
retort, and believed implicitly that at the
mature age Of three and thirty he and
owe had bade adieu to each other for
everLlore.
"T've been hard hit once" he said to
himself; IT shan't run the risk again, /.
and he sighed q little regretfully as he
shaved his firm, rounded chin and let
his eyes wander sadly across to the
empty house that faced him. The blank
windows began to appear as the emblem
Of his own life, the vacant room served
but to remind him of his own untenanted
heart.
One day, to his great Joy, the bill OPP
posite was taken down and the premises
handed over to the workmen. Hs found
himself almost unconsciously watching
the progress Of their labors and hazard
ed nm idle conjecture as to the future
owner. While yet his own house was
in . state Of paint and whitewash, this
dainty little abode was compile in its
freshness. The wooden door had been
replaced by q glass one, across the
panes OF which Madras muslin was
closely gathered in delicate folds. The
one large window was draped with cur
tains of eastern stuff, cnnningly parted
- 49,
to reveal large palms in blue pots.
The house, from its outward appear
anee, might have been the pretty most
Of q pair OF turtle doves, but for the
two words, Madame Stephanie, which
glittered in large gold. letters over the
door. Only those two words! Moth
ing to enlighten the passing crowd as
tothe nature of the trade or occupation
Of this mysterious individual.
But that Nine. Stephanie was not al
together unknown was speedily mani
tested by the string Of carriages SO con-
stantly standing before her door. Algy
became Interested in spite Of himself
nay, more, absolutely curious. He
longed to part those tantalizing curtains
and take o searching glnnce at the room
80 artfully hidden from the range aver
of his opera glasses. His interest was
still further excited by the daily APP
pearance Of n female form so en-
veloped in q long black mantle that nc
trace Of figure could be distinguished,
while q thick lace veil covered the face.
Tint this woman came every morning
st eleven and issued forth again at sia
speedily convinced him that shs was nc
customer. Her gait. which was grace.
full, and the plaits of golden hair peep.
ing from beneath the simple black bon
net, revealed that she was young. He
began to conjecture as to the face sc
persistently hidden, and ever to long
with surprising fervor for q glimpse o.
the beauty he felt certain was con-
cealed.
One evening he sauntered to and fro
before the house at the hour he knew
she was likely to take her departure.
His heart beat fast as the door opened
and the well-known figure issued forth.
Her garments almost souched him as
she approached, but at the same mo-
mant another form appeared iii the
doorway and . shrill voice exclaimed
aAh. Nine %Staplanie, mile pardons,
mais-s
Nine Stephaniet turned and re-entered
the shop. Algy had never CONNECTED
this mysterious daily visitor with the
gold letters, and the truth was 81 revela-
ton to him. He strolled to and fro med
~itatiyely, awaiting her second advent
and then deliberately followed hel
across Grosyenor square. He saw hel
glance up at the scaffolding before his
own house and fancied he heard u sigh.
Was aware he was following her
He could not tell. She neither slack.
ened nor increased her pace, hut sud
denly hailed q passing hanson anG
jumped in. He failed to hear the Civ
en- direction, and there was not anothe,
hanson in sight; SO with a sigl
of disappointment, he abandoned III
search a;ld returned to his lodgings
Tomorrow he would try again; th,
shop could not disappear in the night
neither could Niue. Stephanie neglec
her business.
But many days elapsed before he saw
again the well-known form, and Ii,
grew impatient at this Illustration of hi
desires. He marvelled at his " keen
ness in the matter. but could not shak,
off the haunting memory of the golde,
hair and graceful figure. At last lie dis
covered by chance that Nine. Stephan
had altered her hours Of entrance an,
exit. He had risen early to join som
friends in q country expedition, when
glancing from his window, he saw tn
familiar form gliding IN Ut the shoI
door. In a moment his resolve wa
taken. Sending off a hasty line of ex
ctlse to his expectant friends, he 81
down TO await a more conventional hon
inwhichto pay the opposite abode visit
Penetrate that sanctum he would, anG
il possible, see Nine. S.sphani
face to face freed from q