The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1885-12-11

ant terms with her enemy. But this
feeling soon O away. The ride in
the mountain air was delightful, and
ere long she found herself talking with
Alfred as she had never talked before.
He was an uncommonly intelligent
young fellow and q good student, but
not in the least absent minded. Moth
ing seemed to escape his observation,
and with it all he was so full offun and
boylsh spirits. Laura found him a
most agreeable companion, and
he on his part saw her in O new
light, and began to feel de-
cidedly cousinly and affectionate. AL
ways bright and a~rtless, she was this
morning really amiable. Only once did
a little sarcastic remark escape her,
whereupon Alfred, without a word.
pointed smilingly to the handkerchief
still waving from the parasol that Law
across her lap.
A bright colorrosein Laura'scheeks,
but she looked up sweetly and frankly
into his face. "Please forgive mel
she said; 81 had no business to fire
that shot, but l did it from force OF
habit"
She turned away her head imme-
diately. Alfred's keen eyes noticed
the slight culver of her lip, and that
She had to wink hard to keep the tears
back. He changed the conversation at
once, and they were soon chatting gay
ly again.
cousin Aired" broke out Laura,
suddenly-'I beg your pardon, Mr..
Hitler, correcting herself with a laugh.
Suppose we drop these formalities
while we are under the flag Of truce"
said the young man, pleasantly.
"What is it you want ofCousin Alfred,
Laura?"
"Why there's Sophie Higley and
that Mr.. Palmer" rejoined Laura.
"TheyH want to stop and speak to
us; but don't do it, if you can help
it."
Asmile ofamusement curled Alfred's
lipin spite OF himself. GLOW do they
come to be driving out together:"
ooh, he's her cousin, AMI staying
there, you know. Dear me! Sophie
is waving her hand to you to stop;
you'll have to do it, Alfred"
Alfred refined up the pony sharply,
and bowed with his usual politeness
to the young lady, whose eyes were
fixed with envious scrutiny upon him
and his companion. MIR. Palmer
looked equally discomposed, but
Sophie was the first to find her
tongue.
so the two enemies seem to be
reconciled," she said. with a laugh.
"How are you both this morning."
"We are enjoying u usual health,
thank YOU" said Alfred.
"Miss aur alooks-aw-like a rose
I'm sure simpered her companion.
"Thank you, Mr.. Palmer" said
Laura;''I always enjoy your compari-
sons-they are so original"
Mr.. Palmer looked immensely flat
tered. Alfred Inconsistent mortalN
felt not the slightest inclination to re-
Duke his cousin.
"Well, we must bid you good-morn-
ing, as our business is pressing" he
SAID, gathering up the reins.
But, Laura, dear Laura!" cried
Miss Higley, as they were moving off;
do let mespeak one word to you!"
"Well?" said Laura, coldlv, for the
expression, ''stinginglittle cockatrice,"
as still ranking in her soul.
"My cousin Georges comingin from
New Jersey this afternoon. He can
only spend one night with us, and if
you like l will bring him in this even
ing"
1--WE shall be very happyt to seehim,"
sald Laura, more g~raciously, for
George was a favorite of hers. ."Then
We shall expect you this evening, and
Mr.. Palmer also if he feels inclined to
call upon us"
when do feel otherwise" asked
Mr.. Palmer, sentimentally; "at least
so far as you are concerned"
'Drive on, Alfred, for PHYS sake, or
| shall scream." whispered Laura.
Alfred, with a decided, though per-
fectly amiable, "good-morning,"
started the pony again, and they went
off at a brisk trot toward the vii
lage.
That evening about q dozen young
people were gathered in Miss South
wells pleasant parlors.
The Ransoms, who were old family
friends, had arrived that afternoon.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ransom were upstairs
talking with Miss Southwell, while
the younger members of the family
formed part OF the merry group be-
low.
Miss Higley had arrived early with
two cousins, and shortly after two or
three other friends dropped in, for
Miss Southwell,sh ouse was very pop
ular with the young people.
Laura, sorry as she felt for her aunt,
had found this a very happy day.
she was proving herself indeed 20
capable little house-keeper." Then
Alfred had been so kind, so good, so
efficient. He was always on hand to
assist her, and to help entertain the
company, which none could be better
than he.
Theeveningpassed pleasantly away,
while they played games, sang and
danced by turns.
Miss Higley, who admired Alfred in
tensely, and who had allowed herself,
IN spite OF the difference in their ages,
to entertain hopes in that direction,
marked with displeasurc how friendly
he and his fair cousin had become.
Towards the close OF the evening they
danced together, and hereyes followed
',iVi'i ih"iiSiioIitiJ aus, l!ie ddilce over.
they retreated to acorner of the Groom
and seemed absorbed in conversation.
''They are polite to desert their
company that way!' she said with a
sheer, to her cousin, George Lane.
"Why, they've been doing their best
to entertain us all the evening, and
the company seems happy enough,
I'm sure, SAID good-natured George,
g~lancing around him. "Every Jack
has his jill and nobody looks e
lected. Why shouldn't they have a
little friendly chat together"
Meantime Laura is saying with a
sigh, Eve have a telegram from uncle
he will be home tonight.