The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-01-01

what seemed to her an endless inter-
val, she asked doubtfully, "Papa,
where are we going them"
al don't know" he replied with a,
mixture of resentment and fretful per-
plexity in his tone, which at once
brought Argyle to his side to caress,
and comfort him with vague words OF
hope and cheer that sounded woeful-
ly hollow to her own sinking heart.
'.It is Very strange, "atlast obser led
her father ENORMOUSLY, that it has
been five months since your cousin
sam has entered the house. He used
to bea frequent visitor-in and out of
the house likemy WI spn-but now |
suppose he is Ike other fa~ir-weather
friends and fears being called upon to
help us in adversity.''
"oh, no, papa, I don't think that
would keep sam away. Besides, you
know, he is with his regiment, and
may not have been able to get leaveoi
absence"
He has been at homefor the Christ
mas holidays" replied her father
shortly, Tom Chadwick met him the
day he arrived n week ago"
Argyle did not reply.
HAS he written you one line?"
asked her father.
"No," answered Argyle feebly, ''but
don't believe Sam has forgotten,-
she a interrupted by a brisk knock
at the door. W.T.
Come in" called Mr.. Meriweather,
and Argyle stole Il little farther back
into the shadow OF the door, intend
ing to make her escape unnoticed-
She had burned the front breadth OF
her alpaca and tori the sleeve, in her
efforts to restrain Aunt Dilsey's Gu.
linary extravaganza, and her hair had
tumbled down in a confusion OF curls
from it's coil.
Sans CHEEKY voice replied, and the
familiar comfort o. the sound brought
a throb OF delight to Argyle's heart.
Are you all by yourself, Uncle
James? | have been trying hard to
get a bit of business done, in order
that | might get here in time to wish
you a happy New-Year, and give you
some proof | had remembered you.
You must let me have the pleasure of
it in my own way, uncle" he said al
fectionately. Then he poked the en-
bers into a bright blaze, and added
eagerly, "Where is Argyle?"
why, she was here only q few min
utes ago" said her father, looking
around uncertainty.
"Well, never mind" said Sam, but
his voice sounded so disappointed that
Argyle would have stepped forward
burnt breadth, scent and all-ifhehad
not added, "tThe fact is, | came here
specially to see you tonight"
II am glad you remembered US"
said his uncle n little sti!ily. sit has
been a very painful year to us, and
few OF our friends have tried to make
shall have to leave our old home next
month";"
mo, you will not, uncle" replied
Sam, handing over bundle of papers.
There's your bond, which | secured
myself by purchasefrom yolr auditor
and you won't mind, uncle, that l
have secured the old place in Argyle's
name instead OF yours? | thought it
would prevent it from being sold any
more and would be best for both"
and he paused alittle anxiously, to see
how his uncle would regard this al
ransement.
'My dear boy" his uncle began in
his old pompous manner. but quickly
broke down into natural tears OF re-
lief and gratitude. 'This smore than
l have deserved-I have been u very
selfish old man. | have not thought
enough OF other peoples troubles-of
my daughter-and ! have misjudged
my friends and thought them selfish.
Sam, this will be a lesson to me in
human goodness and he grasped the
young mans hand warmly.
ooh, uncle" SAID Sam, overwhelmed,
II am so glad you like it," and in his
and praise, he bade him goodnight
most incoherently, and precipitately
retreated.
But he was mistaken in thinking the
way was clear, for q little figure stole
after him, and a very low but II very
sweet voice said, Sam arresting his
flight abruptly on the steps, and then
Argyle's hand stole into his.
you thought you could steal away
without my saying a word? Oh, you
naughty boy" said Argyle reproach-
fully.
"Argyle-I didn't wantyoutok know.
l was afraid you might think |
was going to trouble you again"
and he broke down rather in
coherently a second time, not being
endowed with SO great a talent for
words as fordeeds.
But you won't?" asked Argyle very
sweetly, her hand still in his.
"No; wouldn't take such an adj
vantage OF your kindness. 1willnever
love you any less, but | won't worry
you, dear. You must not be afraidoi
my ever speaking of my love again."
and poor Sam forgot that he was at
that moment breaking the very
promise he was making.
"Well, Sam, if you really won't ask
me for a gift for the New-Year, l shall
have to give it without the asking.
Will You take ito" shyly.
Sam was not too blind to see the
meaning, and as the sweet face hid it
self against his shoulder. Argyle her
self was taken as agiftfor a New Year,
and a new life, together, through
shadow and sun, and "all the changes
and chances of this mortal life.