The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1895-12-26
CHAPTER XVIII.

SCI. II Il lllDSl lStOUTN%iiS LtfldItN
Diana knolIys. giving Il vicious hit nj the
bah remaining in her hand, and sending
it high into The air.
Miss KnoX improves every time she
plays said Barry |I.arron.
And ] grow worse. Jane. you are one
OF those provoking creatures that do ev.
erything better than any one else.
Jane smiled and shook her head.
THAT is a miSstatcment which | shah
not be vain enough to contradict; though
| might ask. what about painting. draw.
ing. music
oh. those are mere matters of educa-
tom replied Diana, carolcssly.
She had meant no inyidious compari-
son. but .I&nc. who was undl!y sensitive,
flushed crimson.
Let Ms have anoth,. match,' said
Major Larron. gayly, - cover her en-
harraSSmcnt. ~"lEducatior md al the ac-
compliSImcnts which is you. Miss Knoll
lys. and G~"cy-against skill and natural
talent. which modcsty forhids me to more
than hint is represented by ny partner
and myself"
Laughing AT his sally. Jane forgot that
she had he'n hurt by Miss knollys'
thoughtlcss remark. 1t was now nearly
n week since the TIL IIuSsarS' dance,
and each day Major Larron had made
himself more necessary 10 her, making
good his claim to her friendship. Though
very gentle with her. he never seemed 10
consider her n subjert for pity-which
would have CALLED her mOrc-but always
when she needed help. however trivial,
She found him ready ri her side.
They had played two sets. lame AMI
Major j.arrpn against liiSS knollys and
Colonel Grey.
"Quite = rerimcHtal same. l feel an
outsider" Mis-, Enoilys had observed.
You need not be SO longer than You
Ike" answered Colonel Grey, impress
siyely.
You are very pcrscvcrins,' smiled
Diana.
what ! want is worth trying hard
for" he returned. stolidly, missing Il
casual ball, which struck him smar;ly in
the face.
They changed courts now. and began
the third set.
Janc was only a beginner at the game
but she picked it up very quickly, and
like all graceful women. looked well with
n tennis bat in her hand.
~ was playing better thar usual that
afternoon. until turning. with hand up
raised to catch n ball that was thrown
10 her. she espicd Colonel prinscD on a
seat behind her. watching the progress
OF the game. After that she scarcely put
".c over the net. and when Colonel Grey
and Miss Knollys scored an easy victory,
profeSscd herself tired and would play no
more.
Just aH they stopped playing. Valentine
Gracmc drove up in his high cart and
called out to Major Larron. The Major
obcyed the summons, and Jane was left
standing alone until Colonel Prinsop
Joined her.
Wont you sit down. he asked.
Thank you, | am not tired"
Sometimes Colonel Prinscp lost his tom
per, as was the case now.
You mean that YOU will not admit to
me that You are tired"
Il mean that ! do not wish TO sit down."
she returned, composedly, ignoring his
innuendo.
Major Larron came back, looking rather
glum.
There's Graeme hurt his foot Mt
cricket-ball hit his ankle. This will stop
our theatricals. nm afraid"
Poor Mr.. Graeme-I'm so sorry!' said
Jane.
lie wants to talk to yon about those
same theatricals,' vent Oh Barry L.arron
'Will You olne:'
She went al once, both gentlemen fol-
lowing.
docs it hurt You very much?' she
asked of Valentine Graemc, ms he leaned
down from the cart TO hold the proifcred
hand.
Not much, only when l move it; but
the doctor says | shall feel it for the next
three weeks. What bothcrs me is our
play. / did so want to act with You. and
/ can't possibly limp about the stage
Can You not get some one to take your
part: asked Larron.
why won't YOU said Jane, quickly.
fearful lest another substitute should
offer himself.
Because it is not at all my style. l
should only make YOU ridiculous aud my
self. 1t was just suited 10 Mr.. Graeme,
and to him only in the regiment, l should
suppose"
The Colonel was Al when he re-
hearsed it with Mrs. Dene last year. Col.
oncl, l wish you-"
The Aijulani stopped short. remembers
ing the reason why his chief could scarce
~ share The ,itlo role OF "Swccthlarts''
with the quartornaSlcr's daughter. For
q moment there was al awkward pause,
Il shall be very happy to take The part
if Aiiss kI.oX has 10 objection" the Col
oncl said. maliciDusly.
Its q matter of perfect Indifference to
me with whom | act" replied Jane,
colby.
The Colonels attempt ut retaliation re-
coilcd upon himself. Thinking she would
certainly refuse him rs a coadjutor, he
had proposed 10 help them out of their
difficulty merely to annoy hcr in return
for the many -annoyanccs she had heaped
upon him. lie was not prepared for her
assent, and foroseeiEg the many awk-
Weaknesses that might ensuc. and the
trial 1t would be TO himself TO play at
nulEIMm lANn 10 tLn nunrunn uha .,.u q.