The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1890-04-11

oGIlCSiy SOlAANACAltldl.
Yes he said, vacantly.
Richard, this is midsummer: hut I
suppose you know people wear tlannels
in winter-time--ladies do"
Her seeming i%rrelevancy might other
times have startled him; now he only
sighed gWli in9aquirinsly.
"Well, last winter-you remember
how cold it was-how many 1annels do
| you suppose mother andI had apiecepn
Three, perhaps he ventured ,weari-
"No, indeed; we had three between
us. This kept us washing one twice a
week, which was tireson1e, beside wear
ing out the garments. Fancy having
n such article of clothing and taking
it eff at bedtime to wash it that it may
dry by morning. Isn't the thought
a~bominable?"
The long, quivering breath that he
drew smote her painfully, as she felt
that, through her, his heart must ache
q long time, perhaps forever.
She could not look at him. He rose
without speaking. Perhaps he could
not trust his voice.
you are not going, Dick? But per-
haps you haven't been to supper"
Il don't know" he faltered. II must
go and finish some work. IL hope
you will not do anything hastily. Rob-
ertine, Observation-Disclosures lam YOUR
friend-always." Then he went out
and away.
Mrs. Ferris slid the doors ajar and en-
tered.
Gone at last?" she asked, glancing
through the window at the tall form
crossing the street with slow. dispirited
gait. IF he doesn't look common!n
Robertine had gone to the piano.
Mother" she said impatiently. "If
Maj. Drummond proposes again you'd
better marry him. He's uncommon
enough to suit you-especially his lem
per-"
She could have sobbed aloud, she SO
hated herself. She fancied Richard
ascending to his poor room across the
way--his gray, cheerless, pathetic room
and sitting down uncontrolled among
his manuscripts. She could see his pale
face, his sad, brown eyes. She hated
Wales, and all the cruel, bitter world!
She tried a strain of Memberships
music to soothe and strengthen her, and
hSr mother spoke. as if reminded:
1.-The piano rent is due tomorrow,
Robertine. Don't let me forget;they are
very exacting."
Robertine changed TO fierce opera
melodies, and Immediately MI. Wilfred
Wales arrived. Mrs. Ferris had made
her escape and closed the folding-doors.
II was thinking of you" said Rob
"Of me? | sthat SO? Then Pm glad"
He pressed her hand with all a lovers
fondness.
Nor was he really so objectionable
well-built man with a prepossessing
cOuntenance and a frank, easy speech.
He never romanced, nor paused for
exactness, nor unfolded quaint dis
coveries, nor indulged in ben tropato
poesy, as poor Dick Ethel was wont.
He was a cheerful caller and often
made her laugh; still there were times
Poor Dick Ethel might have talked all
night and never wearied her.)
Take the rocking-chair, she begged,
land | will sit right here on the sofa.
We can both see the street and feel the
"Thanks,n said Mr.. Wales, twinkling
his great third-finger diamond by care
less motions of the hand.
II say, what do you think? am 60
ing to change hotels"
your place so much?"
Il did, until this morning. Never
was more surprised in my life. What
do you suppose | found in my cotfee?'
~ fly" the young lady suggested.
Not exactly"
Then a roach?'
ooh. no; dear me, not so bad. But it
was a shred of something esembling
cotton.,'
"Oln said Robertine in a relieved
tone. "a piece of the dish-cloth. And
you will change because of that?"
AI La 1,a nri1, ~,l% --,
She turned to the window and gazed
htently.
What are you looking at?' he asked.
"That literary friend of yours coming
out across? Clever fellow, isn't he?
Wish ] could write. But, do youknow.
Robertine, I fancy-though i may be
Mistaken fancy the poor fellow hasn't
got a good tailor
Robertine answered very deliberate
~: Il think it more probable that he
hasn't any at all"
What! you don't mean he is dis
tressed? That would be rough! A fel-
low that a reel off such things. I'd
like to help him out some way or other.
DO you think he'd be offended if | ask
ed him to accept a PRESENT."
II know he would be offended" she
answered decisively.
Wales heaved a sigh, but she knew
he didn't feel greatly disappointed. He
was excellently disposed as far as offer
ing to be liberal went. 80. l suppose
proud as the dickens"
But about your hotel?3
well. l have nearly decided to make
a change. a hotel is very comfortable,
but a man gets to thinking. he'd like a
home of his own lie left the rock
ing-chair for the sofa precisely as Ethel
had done so short a time before. Rob
ertine.n he said softly, and took posses
sion of her hand; sRobertine, you know
what | mean. don't you2"
II do not know what you mean" she
answered in a low, firm tone.
Don't you. darling: don't you know
| love you and want you for a wife?
Yes. | want a wife and a home!'
She had caught every word; it had
not escaped her that he wanted O. wife
as an adjunct to-a home. And she re-
sisted no longer, but allowed him to
draw her face nearer and nearer, until
it touched his lips.
1t was really arranged. thought Mrs.
Ferris, signing ~contentedly in the other
room, where she had not missed a word.
After all Robertine was a sensible girl:
and she thought she would 90 in and
light the gas and receive the news.
Here are some matches. daughter"
she said innocently. SIT will soon be
dark
Wales arose bowling, and managed
after a fashion to announce the engage
ment.
Mrs. Ferris stood a moment as if
astonished, then approached, smiling
~benevolently. Her little speech had
been well rehearsed. II am not wholly
| c,,rrrtcnJ - rI,r .ail ksIDHt-ry.,~ .,,