The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1885-07-31
EVEN AS STRANGERS.

OH L6UnOA
chow could I tell him-now 2"
1.-THE task may grow harder if 20,
wait. If he is to become your friend
Clytie, you must confde in him, or i
were better he remained always
stranger"
The last words we're uttered yer,
gently, but with an earnestness tina
gave them a tone of authority; and tn,
girl to whom they were addressed sa'
silent, her eyes full of wistful thought.
II cannot tell him." she decides afte1
a long ~pause-"what need is there.
He is nothing more to me than all the
other men and women I have met. VIII,
should l tell him the story of my life?'
ut would be better, 1 think, dear
He is unlike all the Others"
Clytie sighed, and lapsed once more
into silence.
1t was evening-calm, cool twilight
after the glare and scorch of a July
sun-and Clytie was sitting beneath the
porch of q quaint, r~ose-covered cottage,
that nestled like a great bouquet amidst
the foliage of a shady valley.
Lilyvale it was called, and the sweet
white bells clustered thickly in the
messy hooks, making the air fragrant
with their breath, as the breeze stole
amongst them.
ut is because he is unlike everybody
else that 1 cannot let his friendship pass
by me-" she said at length, a strange
WEAKNESS in her voice. 81 wish to
know him more"
Then why not make yourself known
to him."
The girls pale face flushed, and she
pulled restlessly at some h%oneysuckle
leaves growing up the side of the porch.
: II couldn't" she answered, her eyes
suddenly growing misty. 81 said 1
would noticing, long ago, and 1 shall
keep my word. Don't speak about it
any more, dear Mrs. Aubrey;you only
make Inc mlserable-and Sir Lennox is
the last I would have know"
Very we'll, Clytie," laying q carress.
ing hand on the girls shoulder. "Be
advised by your own heart, and act al
ways as you think would be best for
your happiness; O are too true not to
think wisely"
Mrs. Aubrey bent and kissed the
girls soft cheek, her seeing her
thoughts had wandered away, she left
her and passed into the house.
Clytie was not left long to indulge in
her dreams. Some n from a distance
seemed to have waited this opportunity
OF speaking alone with her. Some one
with a tall manly form, clad in an old
velvet suit, which looked as if it had
borne the water of many seasons.
He walked leisurely toward her, lift
ing his dusty felt hat with a very easy
grace as she glanced in his direction.
Il am glad to see you in the midst of
your roses" he exclaimed, in q deep,
rich voice, when he came within speak
ing distance. II was afraid you were
not very we'll, and might perhaps be
prisoner. l am delighted to find you
looking so bright"
A warm blush had tinged her cheeks
and lips at the sight of him, and her
dear, blue eyes had grown strangely
brilliant under their dark lashes.
what made you think I was ill?"
she asked, steadily meeting his admir-
ing gaze.
Il heard something to that effect
when l was passing through the village
Just now, and strolled over to see what
truth there was in the rumor."
Clytie frowned.
II wish people would not interfere
with what concerns them so little" she
exclaimed, petulantly. II object greatly
to being made a subject for village
gossip"
"You should take it as a compli-
ment," he replied, laughing. II believe
all who live within ten miles of this are
your slaves, and would die at any mo-
ment In your service-myself not ex-
copied, he added, dropping down into
the seat next to her.
II should be much obliged if you
would not talk such nonsense, Sir Len
nox," she said, coldly.
He looked hurt.
How soon l displease you!" he NUT
tered, a sudden earnestness subduing
his voice; will you never say one kind
word tome?"
Were l to, would you value that
word?"
TRY me-" with persuasive eagerness.
She shook her head.
You have no right to expect kind
ness from me" she said. sadly, her eyes
resting re%proachfully on his handsome
face. "No right even to ask for it,"
DO you think I am less than hui
man he exclaimed bitterly. cam l
so accursed that my life is to be cast
into desolation-left void OF all hope,
all light? If you knew how lonely, how
dark my days are, you would pity mel"
II do pity you," with a flash of scorn
that buried cruelty into his soul.
Not as I would have you pity me"
he retorted, bending his head to look
into her eyes. "1ou, who have made
me feel this bitterness! A wanderers
life commended me till 1 found you here
now l feel the course of the bondage
that holds me away IRON you-that
seals me down to an irrevocable fate;
I know now what l have missed"
"His voice was broken with passion,
fierce, vengeful. hopeless; and, rising,
he paced restlessly up and down. his
hands clenched, his brow darby knit.
Clytie watched him as though she
would penetrate into his very soul.
"You speak SO strangely" she falter-
ed; II cannot follow you, sir Lennox. +"
How should you, when you have SO
little suspicion of the truth! One