The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-02-05
ONLY A YEAR AGO.

"But you have known me SO short
time-only six weeks-how is it posi-
bic that you love me?"
"How is it possible? Rather ask how
;s it possible to avoid loving you?
And besides, is it really so incompre-
hensible, Avis? You have known me
just the same length of time, and yet
yeti have yentured to hope that
you-that you love me, dear. Oh,
Avis, is the sweet hope false? Have I
deceived myself? Or will you, indeed,
confirm it by promising to be, some
happy day, my wife?"
He would have caught and clasped
the fair girl in his arms, but she, keep
ing him back by gesture of her little
hand, while her great dark eyes were
fixed with beseeching earnestness upon
his face. answered:
"It is not what wish, or even what
yon wish, that must be thought of, Mr..
Roy, but your mother-your mother,
who has been like mother to me also
so good, so generous. What would
she say"
A voice tremulous yet stern, inter-
rupted her-a voice that made them
start and turn in confusion.
"She would say you are right in re-
membering her, Avis, and that she is
glad of this proof Of your gratitude;
for the rest, Roy Livingstone's mother
looks farther than her own family circle,
and higher than poor dependent, how
ever good or fair, when she seeks a bride
for her only son and future mistress
! for The Laurels. Leave us, Avis.
do not blame you, child; forget this
folly, it has been no fault Of yours.
will speuk to you further presently
wait in my room"
"And so" she went on turning to hel
son, when AVIS. silently weeping, hat
| left them-"and so this is the result o
your artist folly. You would paint m,
| pretty companions picture, forsooth
and while so doing have stoasn her hear
and lost your own. might have look
ed for this; l should have been mor'
careful. But do you hope that shall
tolerate such folly? I overheard yo.
ask the girl just now to be your wife.
"You did" The young man answer
ed gently, but with resolution tina
was unmistakable. II love her ant
will marry her.
"Without my consent? Without you
mothers blessing? Is this the affec
tion-the duty of my own child?"
He put his arms around her.
"I shall never set you at defiance
mother, and least of all for Avis sake
She is too good, too ardently attaches
to you to do aught that could woun
you. But will you not have compassio
for us, also, mother? We love. Ayi
has been to you as daughter always
let it be mine to make her so indeed
Where could you ever find child S
truly yours-whose heart and soul 20
know-whose mind is of your own pur
training? l love her with love tbs
will not change. Unless you give n,
Avis for wife shall not marry"
"Absurd!" Mrs. Livingstones eye
flashed scornfully. "When our gues
arrive to-day you will find many fl
superior to Avis. A foundGng! 1t
not her poverty-we are rich enough
but her birth"
eve know nothing of it, and cal
nothing. 1t is herself Hove"
listen, Roy" The lady's prot
face softened Us she laid one white har
on her sons shoulder, while his ar
stole around her fondly. "You are n
only child; all my hopes are bound I
|, in you. Let us not quarrel about til
girl. She is dear to me, also. Let
take time to think. Compare the gi
with others. When our guests q
gone, if you are in the same mind, '
will see what is best for all. Will "
promise?"
"To wait for your consent until o
, guests are gone? Yes, I can promi
that"
"And, meantime, not to speak of tt
to Avis"
"That's harder, mother. Put if y
will tell her that you may consent,
will obey you"
II will tell her every word that b
passed between u.s." said Mrs. Livin
stone.
: And she meant to keep her promi.
But Avis was not waiting for her,
she had expected. The girl had gone
her own room, sending to Mrs. Livin
stone piteous little message of excu'
Her head ached. Might she be allow
to keep her own chamber.
!, The lady smiled.
II will set her heart at rest so-m.
row." she thought "There is no til
y now" For her expected guests W,
: arriving.
!. And when Roy looked at her inqu
: ingly, as he missed the girl his notl
said:
. "She wished to keep her room
d night" she whispered. "Au will
well to- morrow"
). But when tomorrow came sad 8,
prise came with it. Avis had dis.
g peared.
"That may not cause you grief
ms pain-you have been to me Q tl
q q motheS-I fly from temptation I
would prove too strong if I remain
When / am gone, your son wills 81
3..-.SA r ,,ror, 1n1 Af,of ho m