The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1892-10-22
A PRIVATE REHEARSAL.


don University, reading hard for the
NJ. \. degree, sat alone in his dingy
bachelor lodging on the second floor in
Cover street, one perfect night in June.
Books strewed the table, overioWing
on to the floor, and filled every availa-
bic chair; but Gilbert was evidently
neglecting his studies, for no lamp was
lit, and he sat in darkness at the VIM
COW, gazing across the road so absorb
edly that he did not hear the quick,
bounding tread up the stairs that LED
to his room, followed though it was
by loud knock, and then the uncere-
1nonious entrance of his bosom friend,
Ned Haslam, who exclaimed:
why, Gil!-sitting in the dark!
What's the matter, man?'
For answer, Gilbert beckoned his
friend to the window and pointed to
the first floor of the opposite house,
through the windows of which could
be seen a handsomely-furnished room,
and, seated at piano, a young lady,
all unconscious of the eyes which were
watching her every movement.
"Well, she is stunnern' was Ned
enthusiastic comment "Divinely fair!
l quite admire your taste, old fellow"
Hush! she is going to sing" whis-
pered Gilbert.
And through the open windows they
could hear every note of the rich, sweet
voice, as the slender fingers ran lightly
over the piano-kcys.
She was SO absorbed in her music
that she did not see what the watchers
across the street saw plainly; the door
opened, and gentleman entered,
stood for a minute as if listening to the
sweet notes of the singer, then came
noiselessly behind her, and leaning
over, gently lifted one of her long fair
curls in his hand and pressed it to his
lips with an appearance of the most
tender devotion.
The music ceased abruptly, and the
young lady sprang to her feet, appar-
emily not at all pleased with the liberty
her admirer had taken.
She evidently reproached him, and
by his gestures he seemed to be apollo
gizing.
Really, this is as good as going to
the theater," remarked Ned. Il wish
we could hear what they were saying"
Meanwhile the newcomer talked
long and earnestly; but if he was urg-
ing his suit, he received no encourage
ment from the young lady, for She
shook her head now and then, and
once, when he sought to take her hand,
she shrank from him as if his very
touch were loathsome to her.
At last he grew desperate, and
throwing himself at her feet, seemed
to be entreating her to alter her decis-
ion.
The young lady was quite overwhelm-
ed at his persistence and dramatic at
titude, for she covered her face with
her hands, and sobbed violently; but
she evidently was firm in her denial,
and after brief interval he dashed
from the room, banging the door be-
hind him.
Presently the door reopened, and
young girl came in and threw her arms
about the young lady, dried her eyes,
and tried to comfort her with caresses
and tender expostulations.
That little girl suits my taste better
than the other one, if you will excuse
my saying so,'' remarked Ned. II
grant she isn't quite as pretty, but
there is something about her that takes
me-"
The young girl persuaded her sister
to lie down and rest, and after cover
ing her lightly, and watching to see
her eyes close, she left the room again.
"Well, I suppose that is the end of
the DRAMA" remarked Ned Lets
20 out for walk now, for the excite
ment is all over.'
mo-" answered Gilbert. "See, the
door is opening again!''
This becomes thrilling'' cried Ned.
"Ihe villain reappears, with revenge
in his eye. Now we shall see sone
fun"
The rejected suitor crept towards The
sleeping girl, with stcAlthy, cat-:::e
'"rvrment, and standing beside t!.
g.. .>.r. looked down at her, as she l"T
t., ':.lronscious Of his presence.
=. .,nelt down, and lifted his harl:5
tow I'D heaven in an attitude of de-
spa;r, then raised his arm, and the ter
roi-s licken spectators saw the bright
CLEAN Of steel.
Hes numbering her!' cried Gilbert
"Quick! we may be too late to save
her!'
And he darted downstairs, closely
followed by his friend, and rushed
across the street: The door of the op-
posite house was open, and they sprang
upstairs, and dashed open the door Of
the room in which they had just wit
messed the tragedy, to find it full of
people, laughing and talking.
This surely was the room in which
they had witnessed the cold-blooded
assassination of helpless girl. What
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