The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-05-23

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everything but her misery.
The house was SO quiet that the
sound of . footstep crossing the hall
below fell upon her ear and aroused her
to q momentary interest. She heard a
door open-the library door-and then
q voice uttered . few words of common
place greeting. She remembered it
well, and spIang to her feet with a des-
pefate, insane thought of fight. But
the door was closed, the house was still
again and she was calmer.
She crossed the room iistlessly and
drew back the curtain Of the window.
The scene without was beautiful. The
moonlight lay broadly on the garden,
turning to silver the tops of the trees
and making the little lake beyond look
like q great white pearl. Gazing earn
estly downward she saw o tall, shadowy
figure, standing beneath the shade Of
the old elm. With u low cry she sprang
from the room and a moment later stood
beside her lover.
Come ct last, my treasure" cried
Mark Winchester, folding her in his
arms. She remained leaning passion
ately against his breast, while he
pressed passionate kisses upon herfore-
head, cheeks and lips.
why have you made me wait so long,
dariing?' he said, softly, and taking
both her hands in one of his, he pressed
them to his lips. Why, how cold you
are! How you tremble" he continued,
rs she chung to him. "What is the
matter, MayY
Il waited because 4 dreaded to meet
Won, Mark"
why? What, do you mean
And, bfkenly, through her tears and
sobs, she told him all. He did not
speak or stir while she was talking, and
when she had finished there was a long
silence. She lacked courage to say
more-he would not task. She repeated
the last words, "And tomorrow I
must give him my answer" Still he
did not answer.
She looked up at him. In the dim
light she could see his rigid, agonized
face. white lips and cleaning eyes. She
stole her arms about his neck, and drew
his forehead down to her lips.
Speak to me Mark; say that you do
not blame me-"
He knew then that she had decided
and what that decision was.
and you will leave me, May, and
marry that old mana"
Heaven pity me, Mark, for 1 must.
l will become his wife, and will be true
(.and faithful to him, for he will be kind
to me. You will hear of me thus, and
when you do remember my words, Mark
that ~,n,, - ,o,y 1,coxA " a-Hs1
II will remember, May. God help
us both, for / shall never forget you.
They shall bury me with this upon my
heart. /"
And lie drew o tress Of soft brown
hair from his bosom.
For s moment more-one little pre-
cious moment-he held her against his
heart and then kissed her, put her gent
~ from him, and was gone.
For q moment she stood alone under
the trees, with clasped hands, and face
appraised to the quiet sky, and then she
turned silently toward the house. A
bright light from the library window
streamed down on her, and as she looked
up she say the shadow of q bowed fig
IRE fell across the curtain,
Father you are saved!" she muir.
INJURED.
A hand was laid suddenly upon her
arm, and size started with a low cry.
Good evening, Miss May, saidC Colon
Eel Leighton. Il have been seeking
you
She bowed, and stood silently before
him with q calm downcast face.
II have been talking with your faith
err" he continued, carelessly pulling a
rose from q bush near them. He told
me that you have promised to think OF
my proposal, and let us know tomorrow.
LIS there anything | can say which will
Influence yon to form that conclusion in
my favor?n
"You cannot say anything which will
influence me inthe least, Colonel Leigh
ton. As my father has said, you shall
have my answer tomorrow"
He glanced at the young face so sad
in its calm dignity, and then looked
down at his fingers again, which were
busy tearing to pieces the blossom he
held and allowing the crimson petals ts
fall ut his feet as if they were the frag.
ments Of the heart he was breaking.
In the long silence that followed she
glanced up at him once, with the thought
of finging herself upon his mercy by
giving him her confidence; but the
stern expression of his face repealed
her.
Miss May" he said suddenly, ''you
are ayerse to this marriage"
His tone aided intrendering his words
an assertion. She was startled, but re
piled quietly. do You think SOP"
II must be blind If i could think
otherwise" he continued, with sudden
energy. May Warren you know that
you hate me-that you would rather die
than become my wife, were it not fol
your fathers sake"
Before she realized what she was do
ing the monosyllable yes" slipped
from her lips.
And in doing this do you realize
how you would wrong us both?"
She was silent.
ut shall never be shall never call
lyou my wife, knowing that you do moi
love me-that your heart is not in my
keeping. I will not tell you of my
hopes, how / have dreamed that my last
days would be my happiest ones--it
would not interest you. NowI have
only to say that You r $ free as if ]
had never seen your sweet face"
He paused for . reply, but she made
none, Bewildered by her position, she
did not know what to say.
II know that I have only myself tc
~reproach," lie went on. 4My motive in
offering your father my assistance was
purely selfish one, The consequences
are only what I deserve. [ had nc
thought OF the long years during which
he had been my true and faithful friend,
but took advantage of his position tc
gain my own ends. Yes, lam properly
nnniahed.8