The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1892-06-04
fair, placid brow had never seen runled b

fair, placid brow l had never seen rufIied bo
fore.
Heavensl shall ever believe in my own
sex againl But this libelagainst Bernard.
would hasten to him at once; / would hear
from his own lips tho truth, and nothing but
the truth.
"Remain where you are, woman" l cried;
u Will be with yoh again in short space"
! entered the drawing-room.
My manner was that Of one who wanders
IN dream-cold, icy, almost lifeleSs. Colo
mel McGregor evidently perceived a marked
change in manner and appearance. He rose
half-confusedly.
Gertrude" he said, humbleda and abashed,
show shall ever dare hope to obtain your
pardon"'
My proud spirit was fully reused.
did not rclent.
Sir" l cried, II have come to release you
from your engagement with me. You have
this morning offered marriage tc another wo-
| man."
"Oh, Gertrudew he cried, looking white
as death, forgive mel impore it of you;
was mad fool, and hardly accountable for
what said; 1t was trying hour forme, and
all men are fallible."
Isnecred contemptuously. "If man is
so weak that he cannot resist pretty face,
Heaven knows what will become of himl
You asked Grace Merton to be yours, strand
she desires to hold you to your word"
"Oh,Gertrude! Gertrude!' he cried, wiring
Ing his hands despairlngly, II tell you, upon
my honor, was speaking under the intlu-
! cnce of mere passion. Gertrude, must ap-
peal to you in vain9' he continued, falling
on his knees at my feet. "Confound that wo-
man! despise her far more than you do!
should have awoke to sense of shame at
my folly before it ever went any further. If
! you leave me, Gertrude, you don't leave me
to marry another never loved as / love
you, Gertrude. For Heavens sake hear me
forgive me--wthout you my life would in
deed be blank!"
| His appeal was most earnest: doubtless he
bitterly repented of his folly. We had been
very happy together for years. Why should
we allow worthless woman to separate us?
"Are you willing to speak face to face with
Grace?n asked.
| and throwing openthe door, Now madam"
he cried, addressing himself to the occupant
of the next room, "lindly step this way"
l shall never forget the detected appear
ance my friend presented as she came for
ward and faced us.
Miss Merton" said, looking at her with
undisguised contempt, 'you lave been our
enemy and mischief maker; hear what Colo
mel McGregor has to say to you.'
Miss Merton" he said, bowling, " am
sorry to have to speak such words to you.
speak them on my own account and in my
own defense. l ask you to forget the words
uttered to you short time back. They
were not meant seriously. There is but one
woman in the world whom l love and re-
spect, and that one is your friend, Gertrude.
l was weak enough, mad enough, TO listen
to your avowal, but l have since repented of
my folly. Had you proved yourself sincere
friend of Gertrude's, should have at least
cherished kind feeling towards you; as it
is, l thoroughly dcspise you. You are false
| friend, and dangerous rival: but ] tell you
that with all your beauty, would rather re-
main single man III! my days than wed
| you"
| She laughed bitter laugh.
"Grapes arc sourw She cried. "You are
q coward and a sneak; you cling to your
golden treasure because you can't live with
out 1t. soar above you both. Gertrude is
blind fool, and you are amercenary knavel
| l-Adieuw
| She was about to 1iounce out Of the room,
when my aunt appeared at the doorway, a
rigid smile upon her lips. She fixed upon
Grace Merton look had never seen from
under those green glasses before.
| 1t was not a look exactly of anger. but a
penetrating, scrtltinising gaze full of con-
| tempt and disdaiil.
She had heard the latter portion of my
! friend s--or rather my enemy 's-speech.
INN HE NONTINTTTD