The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-09-19
Her HERO.

exclaimed Miss Cornelia, leaning back
in her chair, quite overcome by the
lovely apparition in the doorway.
eyes, Kitty has come" said Kitty's
w clear sweet voice.
And Harry, the elegant young law
yer, sprang up from the table, all life
and animation to greet her: but Farmer
John rose more deliberately, though his
bronzed cheek flushed slightly, and an
unwontedly bright glow filled his eyes.
when Kitty comes home!" had been
a household refrain for two weeks or
more, and 10! here she stood among
them-sweet-voiced. bright-eyed Kitty,
with her white brow, and the indescrib-
able air of fashion about her.
They were all glad to see her. Miss
Cornelia, the old maid, who lighthouse,
and raised such fine poultry; Harry,
who had come out from town to spend
a few weeks. and who found the country
so dull; and Farmer John-grave,
handsome Farmer John-who had been
Kitty's guardian and friend ever since
that sad day her father died and left her
alone and unprovided for.
She was but a wee girl then, and John
Dangerfeld a young man Of five and
twenty; but he took her upin his strong
arms, stroked her tangled curls gently,
and poor, forlorn little Kitty ceased to
tremble and be afraid.
He was now five and thirty, and she
was a blooming girl just home from
boardlng-school.
John Dangertield was a hero; though
unknown to the world and unhonored
of men.
He had once cherished ambitious
dreams; but just as the future seemed
opening up before him, his father died,
leaving hun to take care of his mother,
sister, and little brother.
There was but one way to do ito
remain quietly on the farm, and work
as he had always worked, sowing and
reaping, with only a day now and then
for self culture. 9
He accepted his lot unmurmuringly,
putting his dreams of a different life
forever from him. His mother died,
his sister grew to old maidism, and
Harry received the education he had
once intended for himself
Harry couldnot endure the farm, and
the rough work of q farmers life and
SO had to be sent to a lawyers office to
read a little law and a great deal of
trash.
John remained at home, added to the
farm as the years rolled by, studied
books as well as farming, and watched
over Kitty with untiring devotion
until the time for her to be sent away
to boarding school to finish her edu-
cation. g
His watchful care did not cease then,
and if fever a girl had cause to feel CRATE
fuf, it was Kitty Mclean.
Kitty had come now, and in less than
an hour the whole house felt her intiu-
ence. All bowed before her as the
household d~ueen--even Harry, who fol-
lowed her around, was her most devoted
slave. .
Kitty certainly made a great change
in the quiet old house. She filed it
with music and gay laughter, and even
created a hutter throughout the neigh
borhood. H..
That was when she first came home,
and her freedom seemed so new and de-
lightful. After awhile a change came
over her.
aunt Cornelia, what is the matter
with John ?"
She always called the plain elderly
spinster aunt.
Miss Cornelia shook her head.
II do not know, child. Why?n
"He is SO grave and quiet, and-and
he will never go with us, or take any
part in our pleasures" l
"1ou must remember, dear, he is not
young like you and Harry"
II nm sure he is not old" said Kitty
Indignantly.
"No, not old, but approaching middl.
age" with calm cruelty.
"Kitty, Kitty! where are you?"
It was Harry calling her, and she
frowned impatiently; and, instead of
answering him she ran away to her own
room.
But John seemed to grow quieter and
graver, to devote himself more steadily
than ever to his work and his books.
John, come and play croquet with
us this evening"" said Kitty coaxingly,
meeting him in the hall.
She had on fresh white dress. with
roses on her breast and in her hair, and
looked o very picture of fresh youthful
beauty, while he stood there in rough
working garb, brown and stained with
the soil of wood and field.
He smiled half-sadly, and just touched
her soft hair with one broad toil-hard-
ened hand.
"Nay, dear;I would only spoil the
game with my stupid blunder1ng.'
mo you would not. Please come!"
"Not this evening. Ihear Harry cal
ling you"
He hurried by her into the study, and
she walked slowly out to where Harry
waited for her.
Come, Kitty, or it will be dark be-
fore we can play one game"
Il do not wish to play this evening.
i have changed my mind about it."
"Then we will take q walk. I want
to tell you something"
Late that evening as John Danger
field sat reading, or trying to read, a
new magazine, hisyoungbrother entered
looking rather pale and detected.
John, may l ask a favor of you?,
he began abruptly, and f1uttering the
leaves of a book nervously.
Certainly, my dear fellow. What
is it: he said kindly.
You have great influence with Kitty.
Use it for me-"
The elder brother flushed, then grew
pale.
why. Harry"
ii love her, John"
"And she-
"Refuaed me this evening. Please