The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1888-05-18
lliE SECVND W7ILI.

AGe sunlight glinted through tho
leaves and foil caressingly on the girls
lissomc form, sitting erect and fearless
on the beautiful animal, who seemed,
as he curvetcd and arched his glossy
neck. MS Il proud Of his lovely burden.
Her companion was o young man in
the first pride OF manhood. They rode
slowly through the long avenue Of
trees. "~knce-dcep in fern" and at last
emerged from the park gates. Truly
1t was no wonder that tho villagers
turned and looked with admiration af-
ter the handsome pair.
Alice Grey was tho niece Of old
Squire Durham. For long time the
squire had lived in his ancestral homo,
with his sister. Alicc's mother, for his
only companion. But the years passing
away. each loft their mark on his fur
rowed brow, and at last one came, and
as it closed, the old squirrels life closed
too, and he was gathered to his faith
EFT.
In his will he loft an annuity to his
sister, and the Towers to his dear niece,
Alice Grey, and his nephew, Roland
Audrey. on condition that they obeyed
his often expressed desire, and became
mau and wife.
1t not, the estate was to be sold, and
tho proceeds to endow an asylum which
should bear his name.
So, Q year before, Alice Grey had
been called from boarding-school, and
had met her destined husband. Roland.
Audrey. whom she only remembered
rs q little frolicsome boy.
Alice was very young, scarce seven-
teen, and Roland, with his dark haugh-
ty face, seemed very handsome in her
eyes; and whether 1t was true love she
felt for him or not, she hardly stopped
to think.
She liked his manners Of courtly
grace. and enjoyed his society.
So the betrothal took place, and ON
Alice's little finger. underneath the rid
ing gauntlet, sparkled tho diamond
pledge that slle was to be Roland's
wife and the mistress of the Towers.
Tho perfumed air blew softly through
the primrose hedge. swaying the pale
pink blossoms to and fro; and over
head the birds sang out their little
hearts in rapturoils melody.
Gaily they conversed as they canter-
: ed along, until suddenly, at q turn Of
the road. they mot . solitary figure.
Refining up her horse. Alice stopped
and held out her hand.
"Why. Nita, il it your It is q long
time since I have seen you"
Tho girl addressed, coming to Alice's
side, took the little extended hand. She
was q beautiful creature, notwithstand-
ing the simple peasant dress. 1t was
strange to see in an English lane such
an olive skin, and such flashing Orient
al eyes.
.'Where have you been. Nitap" ques-
toned Alice.
The girl did not reply Immediately.
but stood as fascinated. looking at the
young man. who sat indiffercntly
switching the wild.rose hedge with his
riding-whip.
Alice noticed with surprise her in-
tent look. but asked tho question again.
Then Nita told her that she had been
very much confined at home. and the
great dark eyes filled with tears as she
explained that her mother had been
sick, and was so still.
As tho two girls talked. Roland Aud.
rey glanced furtively from time to time
at the marked contrast they made.
Alice, with hcr fair skin and golden
hair. and the dark girl. with her swart
black tresses hanging in heavy braids
tar below her waist.
81 will come and see your mother
very soon. Nita." said Alice a. they
rode away.
The girl stoodand looked after them,
and the tenderly mournful expression
her face had worn as she spoke of her
mother vanished. while the dark eyes
flashed with Q fierce and bitter light
Anita came rightly by her dark Span.
tsh beauty. which was 4 different from
the milk and rose tints Of the maidena
Of her adopted country.
The old squire's mother had spent
mott Of her life in travelling abroad,
and while in Madrid had seen and I'D.
mired . poor little Spanish girl To
che had succeeded In taking the child
away with her. After many wander
ings abe had settled down At last q
Durham Towers.
In the course Of time the young
lodge-keeper had loved. wooed. and
married the Spanish maiden. and Ants
was the offspring Of that union.
When she was still q babe her father
died, and soon after Lady Durham, hel
mothers b~enefactress. passed away.
But the squire, Lady Dunham's son,
had allowed them still to live on in the
lodge house.
As Roland and Alice took up their
interrupted conversation, Alice noticed
Q change in her companion. He talk
Cd NO longer In the bright entertaining
way which 90 amused her. and seemed
ebcent-minded.
A. Last, layings little hand on hil
arm, abe said:
..Cougin Roland, Il anythingwrongl'
His face Aushed - he replied quick
.Wrongl what could DO. wrougp'
Then, with IN abrupt change to his m
usl, merry tone: .Come, b0nny Alice
for racs-whoW reach yonder clumI
Of bushes 6rstp1
Away they went the two spirite,
horses each trying his best 70 reach th'
goal, and soon Al1ceNs hery little chest
nut began to creep ahead-At frst onl,
. little, hut st as4NaWides nner.'