Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1886-11-12

nothing. say nothing. until you have seen
my dearest Ruth.
George, reluctantly making the required
promise, was tcarfully thanked by his
mother, who seemed now to regard him as
a remarkably innocent young lamb III the
clutches of an unusually ferocious wolf.
/ With a somewhat heavy heart he escorted
his motherto the ball. His advertisements
had remained unanswered, and the most
careful scrutiny had not given HIM
glimpse of the face he pined for. After
greeting his hostess, he leaned listlessiy
against pillar watching the dancers, when
I Mrs. MacLean approached, her face beam
ing with smiles.
Ruth is in the conservatory, she cred
81 promised to conduct YOU to her,"
feeling Of anger thrilled him. Was
this girl, then, SO foolish that she too con-
sidercd that old compact binding? Re
solving TO throw himself upon the mercy of
his fair tiancee by confessing the truth, he
scarcely observed his surroundings until
he was reused by his mothers voice.
Ruth, dear, here is the wanderers"
Raising his eyes he beheld a tall, slight
figure standing beneath great fern. He
remained an instant spellbound. Before
him arose u vision of the little cabin on
ilontana's plains-for above the floating
waves of silk and lace shone the Doctors
liquid brown eyes and glory of
auburn hair. Forgetting utterly his
mother, his fiancee, oblivous to all the
60; io1
he had vainly sought SO long, he sprang
eagerly forward exclaiming:
doctor, has fate at last relented? Have
l then really found you?"
Clasping her hand, he poured forth an
impetuous avowal of his passion. The
doctor listened demurely, but with flicker
ing color.
"You forget" she said, ct the close of his
rhapsody, chat you do not know my name,
and that you came here to meet Miss
Allen"
"a childish affair that neither the lady
nor myself could consider binding" he
cried, holly. ooh, darling, let me call you
by the sweetest name on earth, 'mifr,' and
Ill rest content. Doctor" as the sweet
rose color flushed the girls face and her
hand trembled in his eager clasp, "lool at
me-"
Slowly the fringcd lids raised and the
soft brown eyes, more eloquent than
speech,
Looked love to eyes which spoke again
Sweet, you love me, you mast love me, "
he murmured, drawing her slight figure to
his heart and pressing eager, tender kisses
upon her quivering lips.
"And Ruth Allen, she said at last, lifting
her head f-om his breast.
"My heart is yours, he cried, passion
ately; "why do you speak of her, strong
minded little hoyden, whom I could never
have loved even had never met YOU" The
girl sighed, and George, with fond caresses,
was again vehemently protesting his love,
when Mrs. MacLean, who had vanished at
his recognition of the Doctor, appeared at
the conservatory door.
Mother, cried George at once, "this
young lady is my promised wife, and your
future daughter. Will you not welcome
her as such?"
Mrs. MacLeans face was wreathed with
smiles. II am happy to greet your future
wife" answered she with great urbanity,
"but you have not told me her name"
George looked from his mother to his
betrothed, while a flush mounted his fore
head.
"Let me assist you," continued his
mother with pleasant malice. "a regular
introduction, although late in the day, may
straighten matters a little. Mr.. George
MacLean, Miss or Doctor Ruth Allen"
Accident, or the genius who presides
over the affairs Of lovers, had accomplished
that which design would have frustrated.