Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1888-03-08
A DAKOTA ROMANCE.
BY IRENE G. ". ADAMS.
CHAPTER v.

the streets of an eastern city late into
the night in dispairing mood, clinching
his fists and shutting his teeth until
blood started from the pressure on palm
and lip. "She thinks 1 am of no &C
count" he muttered disconnectedly,
have no profession, no stamina, love
ease and luxury more than / do her, in
short that / could not make home for
her, and il she must earn her own living
she prefers to do it unmarried; these
were her very words-my God, how they
sting yet. There were tears in her eyes
when she uttered those horrible, viper
Gus words; perhaps they hurt her, too,
the darling" His pace slackened and
the defiant expression of his counter.
ance softened. 1t was handsome fare.
with bright, restless, expressive brown
eyes, broad forehead, silken black mus
tache shading a fine, cleanly mouth that
belied the fear the somewhat retreating
chin betrayed, that under strong tempta-
ton the character might fall into evil
ways, profusion of curling chestnut
hair dressed in fashionable style, as was
the well-built figure, of medium height,
broad shouldered, full chested. easy Of
manner and genial temperament, except
as in the present instance, when some
strong, deeply cherished wish was
thwarted he could flame like volcano
aud smolder indefinitely in his wrath
In his aimless, wretched walk be had
reached the wharf where lay hundred
pcean craft. Mechanically walking
aboard one Of the finest steamer tngs, he
asked to be conveyed to the ship, and
purchased ticket to Boston. There was
hut one thought that sc.uated him-nev-
er to look on the face of one who had
lacerated his pride, disappointed his
hopes, and refused his hand; further
than that he had no plans. He found a
seat on the upper deck of the steamer,
and there ground his rage until the gray
dawn gave way to the rising sun. 1t was
!, twenty-foGr hours voyage to his destl-
nation. He put in the whole of think.
ing such bitter thoughts as had never
,,urned in his brain before, He review.
ID every event and action of his lie,
every look and smile of the woman he
had intended TO make his wife. He dis
ected himself with merciless knife,
and her with scarcely less fry. But the
mobility of his nature overcame anger
and chagrin at the close of the terrible
conference, and he could be just to both
Of them in his summing up of the lives
Of each as they passed before him in that
memorable ocean ride.
Il have lived TO enjoy myself-she has
lived TO make others comfortable; have
lived for pleasure. she for duty; have
been failure, but believe could have
won any object with her for eompan-
ion; to test the truth Of that conviction !
will apply myself for two years in the
profession she has so many times sug-
gcsted to me. If win recognition and
competence as journalist, will seek
her again; if 7 fail shall Know she was
right in her estimate of me, and As there
is God in heaven no other woman shall
have the opportunity 10 refuse the heart
she has scorned."
Holland Emmett had lost both his pa
rents when he was in his teens attending
college in distant city. They had died
Of cholera, and their only child was not
allowed 10 visit them because of the
contagion with which they were strick-
en-. Their death never seemed Ikea re-
Atty to the boy, but more like troubled
nightmare, it was all so distant and sud-
den. There was only little money left
when he had finished his course, which
was considered best for him by his guar
dian, who wished to fulfil the wishes of
his parents as nearly as possible. They
had toiled and sacrificed more than their
son would. ever realize, to crafty their
pride in educating him. HIS brilliant
mind was to them shining signal Of fu-
ture greatness. Perhaps if they had
been spared to guide his intellect and
make him feel the responsibility of their
iged feebleness. he would have applied
himself more diligently to business but,
he said. 'ffherc was only himself I" care
for, he Nas goi.g ~ base good ,ti.s
while he coud.' He WAS ever ! ftv T.
lie in society, and 10 aGelues@ :; d Of
sufficient Importance to prevent his
| acceptance OF invitations 10 social gath
erings. He was a pleasant writer and
sometimes furnished very regularly for
weeks at tine several columns daily to
the city papers, receiving liberal reward.
nd was often engaged as correspondent
or excursions, conventions. BE, always
giving a spirit and zest to his reports tHat
opularized his efris. but h. lost SIT
'ations and the reputation fpr reiiab,i;Iy
until even his admirers began to les!air
of his future. At this era he proposed
: > the young woman he had at first rc-
4pected, then admired, and nos low I'd.
We irst met him on the eve of his DIS
lnissal, and know with what favor is
proposal was received. ...
He stood in the reception loom of a
leading journal Of Boston the morning of
his arrival. His card had gone to the
city editors private Office. AS he waited
he glanced at himself in the opposite
mirror. 1t was satisfactory strutiny.-
"Young, strong, handsome, two Hundred
pounds of body. and mind to balance
in two years hope to own as fine an Of
fee as this"
The city editor recognized the name of
an author from whose writings ne had
frequently clipped. He was gracious
and cordial. Emmett asked for little
private conversation. They retired to
an adjoining room where they would be
undisturbed. Emmett began, II want to
begin practical business life to-day.
have idled away time enough. wish
success as journalist; am willing to
work long and hard for it."
"How long?" the city editor queried.
''Two years." the young man replied.
The city editors lip curled. ~ haye
been in this office for twenty years, ten
of which have proved successful. Before
that 1t was hard struggle to pay expen-
ses."
swell, advise me how to make be-
ginning" Emmett persisted.
"Haye you capital?"
mo"
Have you practical knowledge of
printing!"
"No."