Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1892-06-04

i've simplicity, did not dream OF the arts and
deceits a cunning woman Is capable Of when
she acts with an object Days passed with
very little incident; but the sixth day struck
tne key Of my iife's song.
l happened TO be watering the plants In
the conservatory; I had entered by the gar
den, and having my slippers on, my presence
there was unperoeiyed 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
guidly reclined upon the sofa She wore a
dark blue d~ressing-gown, and her hair fell
carelessly around her shoulders.
j stood for awhile admiring her. thinking
what o striking attitude she formed for a
fresh picture. She was neither reading, nor
doing the fiimsy fancy work she usually In
dulged In; but seemed TO be I'm deep medita-
ton, and was pulling to pieces the leaves of
q rose, which lay beside her on the table.
Bernard" she said, at last half-pettishly,
somewhat annoyed TO think that my intend
ed should so far ignore her presence, 'do
throw aside that horrid book r.
My lover closed the book, and looked Mt
her Observation-Disclosures at the mention
OF his Christian name, or whether at the tone
of the speaker, l knew not; but he certainly
looked very much surprised, as II he was not
used to such familiarity from her.
do you dislike reading, Miss Mertong' he
inquired.
NO; not exactly that" she replied, with
perfect good taste; 'but-but don't you like
my company a little, Bernardo
She uttered these words with a well-as-
sumed simplicity, which would nave deceiv-
cd a cleverer person than /. She would been
irresistible 10 stronger men than Bernard.
looked on rs one In a dream, fascinated
by the lovely picture, though 1 can't say !
felt gratifed TO hear that low-toned, win
ming voice directed towards the man | loved.
She blusled, and held down her head, as
" she had too deep a friendship for Bernard
McGregOr, and 1t held its fatal influence over
him. He rose TO her side. What could he
do less? What could any man nave lone UNI
der such a trial? | was a fool to suppose tina
such a siren could pass his attention uaob-
served.
my bonnie little girl" he said, encircling
her waist; us she so very sensitiyeT"
She did not wait for further encourage.
ment; but threw her fair arms round his
neck. Here was d situation for him! What
human lover could resist such an enchant-
ressp
Bernard, darlingv' she murmured, "say
you love me. l feel so lonely-so forsaken!"
My lover seemed too taken aback to find
words.
He stammered out something about being
engaged; but | could not catch his words.
He made one ~effort--a feeble effort, / must
confess-to e~xtricate himself from this STARE;
but finding the arms too tightly together TO
sever without possible violence, he finally
yielded to her charms, and began pouring in
to her ear all the soft, meaningless speeches
a man is often guilty Of when influenced by
a passing passion, and which weak women
so love to listen TO, putting all down for
gospel truth.
my beautiful angelT' he cried, 'be mine
miner
He spoke in the frenzled accents OF a man
who Is hardly accountable for what he says;
who Is uttering random words, goaded on by
an unconquerable passion. i had never seen
my calm, digniied Bernard, speak so much
like a mailman, and i, though l felt a yio-
lent beating Of the heart still did not lose
my self-possession.
made every reasonable allowance for this
outburst from him; he no more intended the
words he had uttered than / did. He had
been lured into a 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, hush r. she cried, suddenly un-
clasping her arms, do you forget your idol
Gertrude is In the house?-your beautiful
ideal of perfection and l~oveliness?"
She uttered these words with a scornful
.---z A.. H.. .-I Al.
hard and cruel.
Bernard Immediately became himself
again. She had sought the wrong means of
winning him, thank Heaven!
The words had a wonderful effect over
him; they brought him TO his senses.
Miss Merton" he suddenly exclaimed.
'is this the manner in which you speak or
your friend? Gertrude is a true and good
woman. In our folly let US not profane her
pure name"
No longer feeling able 20 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
cumming a soft tune, although my voice had
a tremor in II which II was impossible TO sub
due.
wondered whether shame would be writ
o1i pb Nldt Noludl > lace, HOW Sut WONlu
meet me face to face after her wickedness;
but my wonder was soon set at rest She
rose as / entered-not a particle of shame or
embarrassment depleted itself IL her man
ner. She actually smiled at me, displaying
her white pearly teeth. Ye godsi / never
felt SO inclined to hate her rs when l saw
that smile; II was to my then aching heart
A Judas kiss.
k4lI Harfx,la ~ eka aotI x-fth eu,Aak elm.
plicity, II have been talking of you, dear
longing for your return your ungallant lover
has not spoken a syllable TO me all the morn
Ing"
/ felt my face turn pale, my heart swell;
but | endeavored 10 suppress the pain.
Miss Merton" l said calmly, "if you will
step this way, l will speak with you"
opened the door, and led the way to the
breakfast-room l shall never forget Ber-
nard's face, as | did so-he, at least, had not
10 blush; he held down his head consciously
as l led Grace Merton into the adjoining
room.
what is the matter, Gertrude?" she said.
when we had entered and closed the door;
''you look quite tragic. Have you been wit
Messing a melodramag'
mo, Miss Merton" l replied icily, II have
been witnessing q scene from real life" She
colorcd quickly at these words, the first harsh
words l had ever uttered to her.
"And l have profted by the lesson" I add.
ed. 'rhave discovered that l have a false
friend instead of u sincere one, In Grace Mer-
ton"
She hung her head; she knew by my mar
ner that II was no use telling lies; that !
must have seen and heard ala.
II am not Jealous Of you" continued; u
never felt before that l was your superior"
She glanced up quickly, almost savagely.
superior" she echoed.
"Yes,"I answered. superior. ! do not
mean In position, nor do l consider myself
nearly your equal In looks"