The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-07-30

our steps homeward. My aunt re-
auested Arthur to stay for tea, which
he did, and when he left promised to
call again next time he was in London.
That night, when we retired to our
room, Ivy was not so talkative as us
ual, but before we lay down she put
her arms around my neck, and leaning
her cheek against mlne she said: "Nel-
lie, l wonder if he had seen me before,
which OF us he would have chosen"
] stroked her soft cheek with NV
hand, drawing her nearer me as | did
so, and wondering why such a precious
gift had been bestowed upon me, who
seemed so little worthy OF it.
Time went on, and every second or
third day brought me u letter from
Arthur
My aunt and Iagreed that Ivy should
undertake the education Of our little
cousins, thus saving the expense of
their schooling, and Isoon obtained a
situation as daily governess to family
living i'll the South Lambert road.
| also procured some additional pu-
pills for music and singing in the eve
nings.
Iwassvery busy. but ryhappy, all
my labors were lightened by the pros
pect OF the bright future in store for
me; through all the dreary monotony
OF teaching ran q vein OF unallcyed
happiness; beneath the mechanical
routine of my daily life swelled an
untlercurrent Of bliss, md while nv
hands were at work my heart was con-
stlnually singing a song of grateful
Joy.
But now and then came a little dis
appointment. Arthur had called while
Iswas out. He hadwa a long time,
butwas at last Obliged to 60 without
seeing me. @ -
Three or four times this had hap.
pened, but at length there came a hap.
py day when, returning earlier than
usual and having no evening lessons,
] found Arthur in the little sitting
room and Ivy making him tea
They hardly noticed my entrance,
so merrlly were they talking, but in a
moment Arthur came toward me and
drew me to the window to see how |
looked.
Nellie, you are working too hard"
he said; you are getting quite thin
and pale. Give up these evening les
sons; the daytime is quitelong enough
for work"
Ah! he knew not that the product OF
the evenings work was ali had to re-
ly upon for the purchase of those lit
tie things which girls SO love to col
lect against their marriage.
Arthur sat down to his tea, Ivy
waiting upon him as before, and in
sisting that should Join him in the
meal. They both seemed quieted
by my presence, and in a
short time Ivy slipped away and left
us alor.a.
The first time for two whole long
months that we had been quite alone
together. He held out his hand to me,
and there was more than love; there
was what seemed to me a kind of a
yearning pity in his eyes as he fixed
them on me.
went over to him and knelt by his
side, laying my head upon his should.
er, and feeling that this was worth
waiting for through all these long,
weary weeks.
After a minute or two I pulled his
arm a little tighter around me and put
my face nearer to his for the caress
that was so long in coming. His lips
touched my forehead, sending thrill
through my whole frame, but neither.
OF us spoke 81
felt that no words We're needed to
enhance the intense pleasure OF the
moment kNIEEF&E
But presently Arthur broke the sill
ence, and these were his words: "What
lovely creature your sister is, Mel
lie"
eyes, Arthur, she is very lovely" |
answered "Who would ever takeus
for sisters?" h
And then came the sound OF Ivy's
voice, singing as she came in order to
let us know she was coming. / rose
from my knees and sat down in an
armchair, while Ivy y'entered and then
seated herself beside Arthur on the
sofa.
~ Conversation commenced again, and
brightly and merrily the evening glided
by. ] talked but little; it was pleas
sure enough to me to see them both be-
fore my eyes-the two l loved best in
the world-to listen'to the rich deep
voice,of the one and the sweet, siverv
voice OF the other.
+ Was Il NOT jealous do Won
ask? True love knows not what
jealousy means. 1t trusts blindly and
implicitly in it's object, doubling
Iieitheractions nor motives, ANNOYED
by no petty anxieties, worried by no
needless wonderings. In the strong
fortress OF simple, loving faithit dwells
ofdou biting it's own Identity as the
idolit has made for ITSELF 4s 81
"Are YOU staying in llondonfor any
length of.time?" asked Ivy, presently.
asFill thetend ofsthis week. Arthur
answered. "May call again before
| return to Lilbourne? he added, tur.
ming to ME as he spoke
And then l remembered that the
pleasure of seeing Arthur had tempo-
rarlly driven from my mind that Miss
Lester, the elder sister of my pupil,
had told me that the Sunday school
at which she taught gave its annual
treat next day, in the grounds of
Lambeth palace, and that Mrs. Les
ter hoped Iwould not mind taking the
children there instead OF working with
them at home. >,..z,- .ly.-,..
She had also given me two tickets,
in case any OF my friends would want
to use them. These tickets | now pro-
duced, handing them to Ivy and Ar
thur, who received them like couple
of children looking forward to days
holiday.
"Oh, how sweet OF her, Nellie! l
shall go at once and ask aunt if she
will excuse school for tomorrow.
And away she went with the priced
tickets in her hand.
When Arthur left that evening he
promised to call for us at L o'clock
next day-or rather to call for Ivy, as
Twas to start with the Testers.
1t was nearly 3 O'Clock before / saw
&lo.,a 1 L IL