The Red Cloud chief., 1886-01-15

dream down through the garden and on
/ into a little grove beyond. his one
thought to be alone where no human
eve 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 a sent
ence of doom: I'VE 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 ~confidingiy 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 lik.
the dainty blossoms-he he'd taken the
gift unquestionably. and no doubts had
ever assaulted him. He knew her devo-
ton 10 art and was proud Of her sue
cess. but he had never dreamed that il
would be his rival in her affections.
Have / been so blind?' he gues-
toned. 20, my little Dora!'
Something must be done, and that at
once. Should he 20 to Dora and ask if
the>e things were true? That would be
like saying: "iIave you been dcceiving
me all these years. He could not DO
il. He must wait, with what patience
he could. until he could decide for HIM
sell. He was very thankful that Dora
had not quite decided to be married in
the fall, rs that would he one test he
could put her TO. 1t is something 10 have
an idea that can be acted upon n: once.
and he rctraced his steps toward the
house with this one purpose in view.
How shall he find q minute in which
TO speak alone with Doraa He feels
:iiat h: can no. bear the suspense until
anothrrday shall come. and then NUT
tcrs 10 himself: ''Fooi! What if il
must last = life!ime,: What il l am
never To know
As he reached the piazza n girlisi
voice cried out eagerly: 80, hlr. Long.
where have You hccn hiding YOURSELF"
and i'm IN instant ne wa surrounded
by Il laughing group, WHO scolded and
questioned with Such viyacity that their
victim found IL unnecessary to say 4
word; it WAS. in fact. quite impossible
Then Dora rose from the piano.
Here, Dora!' cried Edith Stanly.
..hcre il the deserter. What shall be
done to him?" And they led him be-
fore his bright-cycd judge.
Dora had never before seemed to
him Just rs she did at that moment-
so far away. rs if Il great gulf were
fixed between them. He could scarcely
believe in her bright looks, everything
seemed 50 unreal. his life was SO shaken
To lis foundations. Ii WAS only by 4
great effort that ne aroused himself to
make some commonplace excuse.
Dora's first careless glance at his
pallid face changed to one of alarm.
The light from al open window fell
upon il and she saw its deadly pallor.
'.Why. Fred she cried. '.you careless
boy! You will be SICK again. Come
and nave some tea And she led the
way to the dining-room. How he
longed to say: Come. Dora. | have
something to tell you." and then. hav-
ing her all to himself. pour out these
miserable doubts and fears ia her ear
and so be free from them. But no;
here was this csowd Of chattcring 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
duly. And so he finished the evening
As best he could. and all night long his
heart tOrmcnted him with ccaselcss
q~uestionings.
Several days passed before he found
an opportunity to speak alone with
bora. The house was filled with Il
number of young guests, and Dora
must be everywhere.
Fred Long was just now taking a
wcll-earncd vacation. After years Of
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 happiest'summer he
had known. but now an untimcly frost
had spoiled its beauty. Among the
friends whom Dora was entertaining
her cousin Florence Freeman was the
only n he had previously known.
Naturally they drifted together during
these miserable days. With Dora he
was suddenly i'll at ease and restless:
her quick eve noted the change, and
looked about for Il cause. Those same
quick eyes noticed the walks and talks
with cousin Florence. No wonder she
admireS him. she said. with a sharp
little pan| at her heart. mentally con
trasting tall, handsome Florence with
her own little self.
Presently the flock of merry school
girls took flight. Only Florence. and
You. and l." said Dora; Just AS it used
Ia be- But for both the old charm was
DESTROYED.
One day they walked together along
the bank, and Dora said: .'Ouy play
time is done
Yes he answered: Il must GO
back TO my law books and you must
have time for your painting"
a light came into her eyes. Then
am to 60 on paintinC?"
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?"
Yes; perhaps more. Give me p
year she said. eagerly, quite uncor-
sciouS OF the pain her words inflicted.
and only anxious for time wherein 10
prove whether after all these wears OF
devotion. Fred couid be- won from her.
A few weeks ago she had asked for the
length of time simply because she had
undertaken some painting which she
wished to finish. and had plans to be
carried out which she fell, would be
sadly interfered with by the necessary
arrangements for a wedding. Now
| she had this additional motive.
VERY WELL" came the answer. calm
l. AVID Sfa,1y NJ tramhlinu in tn. nuiat