The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1895-09-26
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You never told nc where you got il
ALL" she observed. nodding vaguely At
the evergreens that were the innocent
cause of her admirers first ~offense.
But you never asked me- was his
prompt reply. only too eager TO snatch
at the proffered olive branch. 1T was
quite by chance as il happened. l was
up AT the Colonies with some letters when
a big hamper arrived-from Simla, !
think. he said and | helped 10 open it as
if | would Ike a bit thought of you
dircctly-for he gave me as much as |
could carry. ana told mo TO give it 20 my
swectheart-and-so brought j, To YOU"
Indeed" remarked Jane. frigilly.
II brought it in a basket for fear any
ono should ask me for n bit. and | wanted
ii all for you. | don't suppose there's
another in .Alipore. besides tho Colonel
and yourself. that has a piece of real mis-
tletoo or holly
DID You say il was for me-"
Il mentioned no names, but | expect he
guessed. | don't think there's much mis-
take about my feelings any way"
Jane remained frowningly silent.
While she was still silent, the outer
door was thrown violently open. and Mrs.
Knox came in hurriedly and sunk upon
n chair.
Have you heard the news!' she asked,
turning a white. excited face first to one
and then to the other.
I'VE have heard nothing" replied the
Sergeant. - 80.
What is it. mother:' asked Jane.
The quartermaster-he is
"Not i'll. is he: saw him out this
morning" said the Sergeant.
Not married: There has hardly been
time for that" smiled Jane.
He is dead was the solemn answer,
and when the first shock of their surprise
was over. Mrs. Knox began TO tell her
story.
II had been So sudden, So terribly sud
den. He had been at orderly hour that
morning. Then he had returned home to
breakfast. and afterward had gone into
q small room he used as an Office, and
where he never permitted himself to be
disturbed except on urgent business. 1t
was the Colonel himself who, wishing TO
speak to him, had sent in II salam. The
terrified bearer came back with the news
that his master was dying or dead. And
dead he had proved to be. While sitting
quietly writing in his chair a sudden at
tack of heart disease had seized him, and
life had been extinct for several hours
when at last they found him.
"Don'tyou see what this means for your
father" Mrs. Knox said. eagerly. when
her auditors had both expressed their
sympathy and surprise. He will be
quartermastcr in his stead. The Colonel
said as much just now, when he asked him
to take over the work until permanent ar
rangements could be- made. He will be a
commissioned officer at last. and we shall
mix with gentlefolk; and you, Jane
don't you see what Il good thing it will be
for you:'
Miss Jane will marry u gentleman
now. She must forget all that l IA
said" remarked the Sergeant. sadly. look
ing SO handsome and noble as he re-
nounced all his hopes that James heart
warmed toward him, and she stretched
out her hands impulSively.
But Mrs. Knox rose hastily from her
seat. ard answered for her daughter.
of course she will forget. She is en-
tering into a new life. and will make new
friends. You see yourself how impossible
4 IL llIdt JUN w ny 1 Z
you now"
why not asked Jane. sha rply.
Neither Of us has altered: it is only the
circumstance that have changed"
You mean" began the young fell
low eagerly.
Il mean that | should be ashamed to let
this make any difference; and-and l
will marry YOU if you like, Sergeant
Lynn"
Bat when the Sergeant, radiant with
delight, came forward quickly 10 take
her in his arms. the mother threw herself
between the two lovers.
"She is mad: she does not know what
she is saying. If YOU have a spark of
manly feeling. Jacob. you will go away at
once. Jane. | forbid you to say another
word
Talking still for fear of either of them
disobeying, she pushed him from the
room, SO that he could only turn his head
and gaze regretfully at his sweetheart.
whom he had so Unexpectedly won. She
was standing with both hands clasped
tightly on her breast. her face white and
frightened, as she realized to what she
had pledged herself. But her eyes met
his bravely, and spoke eloquently of her
intended fidelity and truth.