The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1895-09-26

ing coarseness. The sun-touched nrr-
brown hair fell into the softest curls on
her low brow; the darker eyelashes shad,
ed two lovely hazel eyes and dcepened
their dreamy. laughing light.
If only she would fall in love. Thought
the anxious mother. "she would see
things in n more reasonable light then;
and once she began 10 compare a gentle
man with him. il would be all UP with
Jacob Lynn
They had been nearly a month in their
house when some regimental sports were
announced to lake place. and Mrs. Knox
determined to take her daughter 10 see
them.
The first step must be made, and Ali
pore society had had time enough TO de-
eide whether they were to be admitted
within its sacred precincts or not. She
would at least show that she considered
herself worthy of the honor. But. boldly
as she had looked the question in the face.
her courage failed her when they had
been on the ground some minutes. and
not one had come forward To welcome
them on their first appearance.
She had turned her back on both. and
strove TO appear deeply interested in the
polo-pony race that was going on, when
presently a gentle, drawing voice sound.
ed in her ear.
How do YOU do. Miss Knox: Have
you decided which is to be the winner"
1t was Colonel Prinsep. the colonel of
her fathers regiment. the til Hussars.
Il was not thinking about the race"
she confessed, b~lushing.
He did not press the subject but stood
beside her. making a remark now and
then, and listening courtcously to the tim
idly hazarded replies. But when Mrs.
Knox joined nervously in the CONVERSE
ton. he found his interest flag. and after
a few desultory remarks moved away to-
ward a group Of three people, among
whom was a young lady. who were stand
ing several yards away.
Her eyes were fixed upon the ponies
that were being walked up and down pre-
paratory to a race, but she saw as little
of what she looked at as Jane Knox had
seen some twenty minutes before. Per-
haps it was because all her thoughts
were with the what might have been"
that she could not see what actually was.
The most casual observer might have
guessed She was a woman with a story
a story in which both her companions had
played a part.
Nora Dene was not yet twenty-five, but
looked older on account of the gravity of
her expression, which seldom relaxed into
a smile. Her mouth had a little pathetic
drooS which seemed to compel pity in
spite of the pride which would not stoop
to ask it. Her eyes We're sad with the
sadness of those which seldom or never
weep, and are the "saddest eyes of ALL"
Her face lightened when Colonel rrin-
sep joined them. and she made a move
ment toward him, which he forstalled by
quickening his pace. They were as good
friends as it was possible for man and
woman To be without p~rotestations and
with no thought of anything beyond.
You are looking tired" he began.
Won't you come over 10 the ~seats:"
Thank you: | think we have a better
view from here, and l am interested in
this race" she answered. only now be-
ginning to see the ponies as they can
tered up and down.
As she spoke one of the member hus-
band-came and placed Il chair beside her
which he had brought over from tho
tents.
why did you not say you were tired,
Nora:" he reproached her gently.
Because l did not feel scat least,
not with standing. There is always a
certain amount of fatigue in watching
things like this. Don't you think So"
turning to the Colonel.
II dare say-at lcast-Of course there
is. Regimental sports are always an in
Fiction. They are one of the sacrifices
we feel obliged to make for the men,, and
for which We get no thanks" Then, al
her husband fell back and resumed con-
versation with his companion. he added,
in a lower voice. Mrs. Dene, l want to
interest you in some one if can"
An l so difficult to interest In any
thing, that you take such an humble
toner she asked. looking up at him in
some amusement from the low seat of
which. in spite of her denial of fatigue,
she had availed herself.
Il am distressing myself rather than
you-l don't know whether l ought to
ask it, in fact. She seems very quiet and
refined. but | should never forgive my
self if any unpleasantness came to you
through granting my request"
Are you speaking of the new quarter
masters d~aughter:'
Inc yer! person-Dut you must De q
witch to have found it out
Not a very wonderfully discovery, con-
sidering you have been talking to her ex-
clusively for the last half hour"
Ten minutes. | assure you"-smiling
| good-humoredly.
Il dare say it seemed no longer" dry
ly. 'She is n very pretty girl"
rs she: | scarcely noticed. / was
| sorry to see her and her mother standing
all alone. and Joined them out of purest
pity"
And you want me to emulate the no.
bility of your conduct
II should like you to be good to them
if you can. Theirs is such an awkward
position. You see they canno associate
| with their old friends, and gain no new
ouo. In plaao &c +haSo thar loSaN