Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1886-01-07


thought to be alone where Ro human
eye could add to his torment with its
questioning glance. There, under the
trees, where he and Dora played in
childhood, he walked to and fro, one
sentence ringing in his ears like sent
ence of doom: ave can all see she
doesn't love him" 1t was hard to
come down from the pinnacle where
he had imagined himself crowned king
of one heart.
When Dora, only fifteen, had given
him her hand so cOnldingly as they
walked together in this very grove
only it was morning then, and spring
time. and the air was filled with the
scent of wild crab-apple blooms, and
she wore them at her throat: how
plainly he could see her now, all in
white. and the pink Of her cheek SO like
the dainty blossoms he had taken the
gift unquesiionably and no doubts had
ever assaulted him. He knew her devo-
ton to art and was proud of her sue
cess. hut he had never dreamed that it
would be his rival in her affections.
''Haye ] been so blind?" he cues
toned. 80, my little Dora!'
Something must be done, and that at
once. Should he 90 to Dora and ask if
thCSe things were trae? That would be
like saying: "Have you been deceiving
me all these years." He could not do
it. He must wait, with what patience
he could, until he could decide for HIM
self. He was very thankful that Dora
had not quite decided to be married in
the fall, as that would be one test he
could put her to. 1t is something to have
an idea that can be acted upon at once,
and he retraced his steps toward the
house with this one purpose in view.
How shall he find a minute in which
10 speak alone with Dora? He feels
that h. can not bear the suspense until
another day shall come, and then NUT
tiers to himself: Fool! What if it
must last lifetime? What if am
never to know?'
As he reached the piazza a girlish
voice erred out eagerly: 80, Mr.. Long!
where have You heen hiding yourself?n
and in an instant he was surrounded
by A laughing group, who scoldcd and
questioned with such vivacity that their
victim found it unnecessary to say
word; it was. in fact, quite impossible.
Then Dora rose from the piano.
Here, Dora!' cried Edith Stanly,
there is the desertcr. What shall be
done to him?" And they led him be-
fore his bright-eycd judge.
Dora had never before seemed to
him just as she did at that moment
so far away, as if a great gulf were
fixed between them. He could scarcely
believe in her bright looks, everything
seemed so unreal, his life was so shaken
to its foundations. 1t was only by
great effort that he aroused himself to
make some commonplace excuse.
Dora's first careless glance at his
palid face changed to one of alarm.
The light from an open window fell
upon il and she saw its deadly pallor.
why, Frcd.' she cried, '.you careless
boy. You will be sick again. Come
aud have some tea" And she led the
way to the dining-room. How he
longed to say: Come, Dora, l have
something to tell YOU and then, hay
ing her ali to himself. pour out these
miserable doubts and fears ia her ear
and so be free from them. But no;
here was this crowd Of chatteriDg girls
besides. she must not know he had
such doubts. Even if she said, Il love
you," could he be sure she was not say
ing it because she believed it to be her
duty. And so he finished the evening
as best he could. and all night long his
heart tormented him with ceaseless
questionings.
Several days passed before he found
an opportunity to speak alone with
Dora. The house was filled with
number of young guests, and Dora
must be everywhere.
Fred Long was just now taking
wcll-earncd vacation. After years IF
hard work and months of illness he had
come back to the home OF his childhood
to regain lost health and strength lie
had called this the happicst summer he
had known. but now an untimely frost
had spoiled its beauty. Among the
friends whom Dora was entertaining
her cousin Florence Freeman was the
only one he had previously known.
Naturally they driftcd together during
these miserable days. With Dora he
was suddenly i'll at ease and restless;
her quick eyes noted the change, and
looked about for cause. Those same
quick eyes noticed the walks and talks
with cousin Florence. "No wonder she
admires him." she said, with a sharp
little pang at her heart, mentally con-
trasting tall, handsome Florence with
her own little self.
Presently the flock of merry school
girls took fight. Only Florence, and
you, and l." said Dora; Just as il used
to be-" But for both the old charm was
destroyed.
One day they walked together along
the bank. and Dora said: sour play
time is done"
Yes he answered.: Il must 90
back to my law books and you must
have time for your painting
A light came into her eyes. "Then
| am to 90 on painting?'
Yes" he said, slowly Il am max
ing this sacrifice for you. l do rot wish
you to marry me until you have finished
this work you have set your heart
upon. 1t will occupy your whole win
ter?n
''Yes; perhaps more. Give me q
year." she said, eagerly, quite mcor-
scious of the pain her words inflicted,
and only anxious for time wherein to
prove whether after all these years of
devotion, Fred could be won from her.
A few weeks ago she had asked for the
length of time simply because she had
some painting which che
wished to finish, and had plans to be
carried out which she felt would be
sadly interfered with by the necessary
for wedding. Now
sac had this additional motive.
Every WE'LL came the answer, calm
and steady. No trembling in the quiet
tones to betray the hearts unutterable