The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1885-05-15
OF the girl he loved. What if it induced
her to give him her hand without her

complained OF the dizziness of her life.
re remembered how her cheeks had
flushed and her eyes sparkled with ex
element when he had spoken of the gay
world OF fashion, or described the differ
ent places he had seen.
mo, | will not ask her to be my WIFE"
he told himself with intense bitterness.
My money is to great a temptation for
any woman to resist. She would accept
my offer if she didn't love me, and [
should discover it afterwards, and be
wretclled for life. I will leave S--as
soon as possible, and try to forget her"
he had risen 0 and turned his
back upon the sea, and some children
who were playing in the sand gazed af-
ter him in surprise. wondering what
made that big man look SO cross. He
certainly had anything but an agreeable
expression on his face as he walked
along nibbling the ends of his long
mastache.
Halo, Mr.. Maur," said somebody
at his elbow, in a clear, young voice.
oh, is it you. Jack 2" returned Rich
ard. "Where are YOU off to now?"
Jack was Edith Palmer's brother, and
Richard had shown him many kind
nesses, completely winning his boyish
heart.
II was looking for you," said Jack.
Come up to the house and see Joe,
will you? Father says he does not like
the look Of him. Do come; there is no.
body at home; Edith has gone to see
Susie Brown"
"All right, I'll come" returned Rich
ard, relieved and yet disappointed that
lie would not see Jacks sister.
The Palmers lived in o small house
near the sea-, and Jack dragged Rich
ard into a small back parlor, commu
nicating with the drawing-room by fold
ing doors.
Wait here" he said, "while I go and
look for Joe."
And he dashed out of the room in
search of his retriever before Richard
could utter q word of remonstrance.
The young man sat down on II of
the shabby chairs, and relapsed into
thought. The more he saw of the pow
erty of the Palmers, the stronger grew
his conviction that his money must
have some influence on Edith.
Presently he began to grow impa-
tent at Jacks prolonged absence, and
the next moment he heard a sound of
voices.
II am so glad 1 persuaded you to
come back with melt was Edith
Palmer who spoke-"I should have felt
so dull all by myself"
Il am very glad I came" said Susie,
for he instantly recognized the voice as
belonging to Arthur Renmore's sweet
heart. what on earth is the matter
with you, dear? You are not the girl
you were"
There is nothing the matter with
me-" cried Edith, and to prove it she
burst into tears.
Don't cry" said Susie, wiping away
the bright drops with her own little lace
handkerchief. Il do believe you have
some secret you are keeping from me.
Have YOU seen Mr.. Maur lately ?" she
added abruptly.
do you think l am crying about Mr..
Maur?" asked Edith, coloring with an
ger.
II don't know, / am sure" returned
Susie. 81 could cry if I was in your
place. The man ought to propose
after all the attention he used to pay
you"
"Susie"
"Don't look so cross" cried her
friend. "You know it is true. He did
take up your time, and led people to
believe he was serious. It is shameful
Of a man to treat a girl as he has treat
ed you, l Will say what / think-there!
He is a mean thing, and l would like to
tell him so to his face"
Now it happened that Miss Susie
was sitting opposite o looking-glass,
and happening to lift her eyes, she saw
MIR. Richard peering in upon them.
She was a very quick witted young
lady, and did not regret at all the allu-
sions she had made to him. As she sat-
looking into the mirror a plot was be-
ing formed in that youthful little head
of hers within soft golden curls.
Her own engagement vas such n hap
Ply one, in spite of its length, for she
had been engaged eight years, and had
two more to wait until Arthur would be
III a position to marry, that she longed
for her friend to experience the same
happiness.
Perhaps a few judicious words would
bring the laggard in love to the point.
She hoped so, for he had looked very
affectionately at the back of her friends
head.
She felt strongly inclined to indulge
n q fit of laughter, but she resisted the
impulse, feeling that it would spoil all.
She resolutely averted her eyes from
Richards reflection, after satisfying
herself that he was waiting eagerly to
hear what they had to say, and said, in
q preternaturally solemn voice:
Edith, l do believe you love the
man."
The words almost caused Richard to
betray himself. He trembled like a
leaf, for Oh Edith's next words depend
ed the Joy or misery of q lifetime.
There was a deep silence for q few
minutes, and then Susie lifted her
friends head and looked at her tear
stained face, which was srffused with
bushes.
at is but too true" said Edith, edo
love him. You have discovered my
secret, and l know you will not betray
it. would die with shame if he knew
l had given my love unasked."
"But, Edith, he loves you" said Susie.
coloring at her friends words, for she
could see the delight in Richards eyes
Us he listened to Edith's avowal.
He loves me" cried Edith, almost
contemptuously. "Why, Susie, he
might marry anybody with his wealth
and position"
Bother his wealth." cried Susie.
"You don't love him for his wealth."
Heaven knows I dont!" said Edith.
eff he were to lose all his money it
would make no difference to me-"
"MY darlinrln