The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-07-09


ones, she did not find his. How he
would have dashed in among those
gaping idlers with that fiery impetu-
osity of his. 1t is not the fashion to
consider the average man OF business
picturesque, but to Margaret there
came an idealized vision OF the Knight
OF Commerce as he laid his lance in
rest for Fortune.
But he did not return till the following
day, when he came to find Margaret
gone. He was not what one would
term sentimental man. The direct
ness, the candor, the educated com
nonsense OF his mind precluded any
thing like morbidity in him; but all
the same he found it difficult mat.
ter III the days that followed to keep
his mind upon his work. He felt deep
y chasrined. lie could not perceive
how he had made himself obnoxious
to Margaret, but that he had in some
way done so he could not doubt.
The dull farm house with its desolate
garden, its commonplace interior
grew distastefui to him. His cousins
Hattie and Nora going on about their
domestic round were utterly savorless
to him. With inherent frugaiity they
still thought only OF saving, and had
not the remotest realization OF the
possibility OF their possessions. Seth
was filed with heavy sort OF pridea at
his new Importance, but it seemed to
weigh upon him and take from him
what little lishtness OF heart he ever
had.
David Scott plainly saw, however
unconscious it may have been, that it
was the fascinating hope OF sccirg Mar
garer, though he received no welcome
from her, that had taken him so FIRE
quently to the house in the intervals
OF his busy hours. But he would al
low himself no tenderday dreams. Am
| a man to waste the best in me on
woman who cannot love me?" he pro,
tested with himself al am no batba.
rian that | should pursue ii woman
with attentions that She resents."
| But the longing for her grew almost
insupportab!e. He could not rid him
self Of a haunting. ghostliEe Margaree
that seemed TO dog his steps and 70
vanish whenever he turned his eyes
upon her. Her strong, active frame
her clear eyes, her haunting mouth, her
musical voice, seemed to prevade his
atmosphere and he felt them abou'
him increasingly.
at is simply because Pm Il human
being" he told himself cynically.
My time has come for mating. My
scornful cousin Margaret chanced to
be within range OF my visjon-and
thereby hangs this tale" After all OF
this comforting philosophy it was
somewhat humiliating when, Il week
later hepassed the farmhouse on his
way to the works and saw her at the
rear window, to have every drop oil
blood in his body suddenly stop and
| then race madiy through his Veins
' like the surging waters OF a spring
time flood.
"lou are back again?" he said stu
pidly.
"Yes," she answered 81 hope you
are WELL sir" Then. without waiting
for a reply, she hurried away. After
this David never ventured beyond the
threshold OF the house when necessity
took him thither
"Come in" Seth would say to him.
"Ge wouldn't know tn house. Mar
garet brought a hull car load OF truck
home with her besides two iellers to
do th' iixin' fur her. Tn very walls
is like picturs, an as fur th' cheers,
swan they d make loafer of man
in no time. An carpets, man, an
rugs, an curtains. Well | be busted
ii she amt the greatest on cur.,lns
ever see. Blow me. man, ef they aint
upatth' doors as we'll as the windows
Then tn books Thet's what you'G
like, now Why, the room the girls
KEEP for kumpany bedroom is list
papered with 'um. We set there most
ly now, an mighty pleasant it is. y
But these chronicles had only the ei
feet OF keeping David ut his naughty
| distance.
"She makes sunshine for all but
me-" he complained bitterly to him.
self. He saw Nora and Hattie in un
accustomed splendor. and noticed
that their place in the kitchen had
been taken by buxom German girl
I'll stay here till I've made money
enough to invest i'll something that
will give me a comfortable living, and
then get as far away from here as pos,
sible,' he vowed That night, as he
was about to hurry home in the early
dreary dusk, Seth met him with a
Very anxious face.
Margaret is down with a fever, u
he announced. IN goin' fur the doc.
tor"
Let me 20, cried David. You &C
and stay with the girls" In two
hours the doctor was in Margaret s
room. David paced the parlor below
waiting for his verdict.
"She's bound to have run of ty
phoid, said the doctor. But she's
got a good constitution, and | trust
she'll pull through. Then came days
OF suspense which made him ashamed
that he had called the sentimental
moodness OF the last few weeks mis-
cry. At length one day Nora rushed
across the cold fields, hatless and beg
ged him to come to Margaret.
"Shes been calling for you, Dave
for the last two days, but Hattie and
me thought she would be best pleased
when she got well ii we didn' { call you
But can't stand it; really can t
Come, quick" Trembling in every
limb, he reached the room. Ghastl,
as the moon when it breaks through
storm-clouds, the girl lay tossing il
the shadowy gloom. What did hs
hear?
david! David! Dear love 70,
are tired. Rest, dear one. Do they
think you never tire? You are grow
ing pale. am watching you, deal
one, though You do not guest it. All
you must carry me by storm, my
knight. | will not coax your favor
: A staunch heart or none will have
Yet do not look so grieyed, love. 0
. Nora, what a fool am. I've lost my
common Sense. Seeif Won can find i