The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1892-06-04

i've simplicity, did not dream of the arts and
deceits cunning woman Is capable of when
she acts with an object Days passed with
very little incident; but the sixth day strucl,
the key of my life's song.
happened to be watering the plants in
me conservatory; had entered by the gar
nei', and having my slippers on, my presence
thefc was unpercelyed by the inmates OF the
drawing-room.
The glass reflected two forms to me-one
Bernard, who was seated In the armchair
reading, the other Grace Merton, who Ian.
! gnlaly rcclined upon the sofa. She wore a
dark blue dressing-gown, and her hair fell
carelessly around her shoulders.
stood for awhile admiring her, thinking
what striking attitude she formed for a
ffesh picture. She was neither reading, nor
uoihs the tiimsS fancy work she usually in.
ol!gcd IN; but seemed to be in deep medita-
tioi, and was pulling to pieces the leaves OF
u rose, which lay beside her on the table.
| .5ernard, she said, at last half-pettishly,
somewhat annoyed to think that my intend.
Ell should so far ignore her presence, "do
throw aside that horrid bookw
| My lover closed the book, and looked at
hcr -astoniShed-whether at the mention
OF ms Christian name or whetherat the tone
OF the speaker. knew not; but he certainly
| looked very much surprised. as If he was not
used to such familiarity from her.
| 'Do you dislike reading, Miss Merton?' he
| inquired.
NO; not exactly tha:," she replied, with
| perfect good taste; ''but--but don't you like
my company a little, Bernardo"
She uttered these words with well-as-
sumed simplicity, which would have deceiv-
ed cleverer person than l. She would been
irresistible to stronger men than Bernard.
looked on as one in a dream, fascinated
by the lovely picture, though l can't say |
felt gratitied to hear that low-tOned, win
ming voice directed towards the man l loved,
! She blushed, and held down her head, as
II she had too deep friendship for Bernard
McGrcgor, and it held its fatal influence over
him. He rose to her side. What could he
do less? What could any man have done un-
der such a trial? was fool to suppose that
such siren could pass his attention uaob-
served.
MY bonnie little GIRL" he said, encircling
her waist; sis she so very sensitive?"
She did not wait for further encourage,
ment; but threw her fair arms round his
neck. Here was a situation for him! What
human lover could resist such an enchant-
reSs?
BERNARD, darlingw she mlrmlred, "say
you love me. feel so loncly-so forsaken p
My lover seemed too taken aback to find
| words.
He Stammered out something about being
| engaged; but / could not catch his words.
| lie made one etfort-a feeble effort, l must
confess-to eXtrcate himself from this snare:
but finding the arms too tightly together to
sever without possible violence, he finally
yiel,cd to her charms, and began pouring in.
to her ear all the soft, meaningless speeches
a man is often guilty of when influenced by
passing passion, and which weak women
so love to listen to, putting all down for
gospel truth.
My beautiful ansoI!" he cried, "bc mine
-mine!"
He spoke in the frenzied accents of man
who is hardly accountable for what he SAYS;
| who is uttcring random words, goaded on hy
an nnconquerabe passion. | had never seer,
my calm, digniiied Bernard, speak so much
like madnan, and l, though felt vio-
lent beating of the heart, still did not lose
my sclf-possession.
| l made every reasonable allowance for this
ou,burst from him; he no more intended the
words he had uttered than did. He had
been lured into butterfly bower, and was
not strong enough to resist its attractions.
He was acting weakly, ] thought; but not
guiltily. On calm reflection, no doubt, he
would curse himself for his folly
Bernard, hushw she cried suddenly un.
clasping her arms, "do you forget your idol
Gertrude is in the houSc?-your beautiful
ideal of perfection and lovciness?"
She uttered these words with scornfuI
of tbn lins aud thn Ia
hard and cruel
Bernard Immediately became himself
again. She had sought the wrong means of
winning him, thank Heaven!
| The words had wonderful effect over
him; they brought him to his senses.
Miss Merton" he suddenly exclaimed,
us this the manner In which you speak OF
| your friend? Gertrude is Il true and good
woman. In our folly let us not profane her
pure name''
No longer feeling able to contain myself ]
determined to enter the room; but to give
| them fair warning so as to allow them time
to assume different attitudes; SO ] began
htmuiins soft tune, although my voice had
| tremOr in it which it was impossible to sub
due
| wondered whether shame would be writ
ten on that womans face, how she would
| meet me face to face after her wickcdness
but my wonder was soon set Mt rest. She
rose as entered-not particle of shame OF
embarrassment depleted itself III her man.
ner. She actually smiled at me, displaying
| her white pcarly teeth. Ye gods! | never
felt so inclined to hate her as when saw
that smile; it was to my then aching heart
| A Judas kiss.
| "Oh, Gertrude" she said, with sweet sim.
pllcity, u have been talking OF you, dear
longing for your return; your ungallant lover
has not spoken syllable to me all the morn
ing
felt my face turn pale my heart swell;
but cndeaNored to suppress the pain.
Miss Merton,' said calmly, "f yon will
step this way, will speak with YOU"
| opened the door, and Jed the way to the
brcakfast-room. / shall never forget Bcr
nard's face, as did so-hc at least, had not
become so hardened but that he knew how
to blush; he held down his head consciously
as | led Grace Merton into the adjoining
room.
"What is the matter Geltrudc?" she said
when we had entered and closed the door;
'you look quite tragic. lave yon been wit
Messing a nclodramaT'
NO, Miss Merton" 1 replied icily, 81 have
been Witnessing scene from real life" She
colored quickly at these words, the first harsh
words had ever uttered to her
"And have rrotited by the lesson" add
| cd. 81 have discovered that have false
| friend instead of sincere one, in Grace Mer.
TOM pug
Shc hung her head; she knew by my mar
ner that it was 10 use telling lies, that
must have seen and heard all.
81 am not jealous Of YOU" continued; 81
never felt before that was your superior. u
She glanced up quickly, almost savagely
| "SnperiorW she echoed.
YES" answered, superior. I do not
mean in position, nor do consider myself
nearly your equal IN looks"
81 should think not!' she exclaimed, will,
that same cruel curve again round her lips
which had never seen toward me before
She must have worn mask to me during
our friendship, and now it no longer suited
her purpose to wear 1t, or rather, she was
conscious that saw tho face through 1t.
NO" added, II am not the beautiful