The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1895-07-18
IL NNNI

CHAPTER NNVI.
II was still early; the fragrant sun
mer evening had given place To a dim,
cool night. With n strong distaste for
the interview awaiting her. Lady Hilda
hastily put on a large dark shawl. which
shrouded her figure, and went out to the
Iady'S Walk. She could reach ii by the
staircase which led from her W private
suite of rooms. In the distance she saw
the tail figure of Mr.. Fulton coming
quickly toward her.
1T is sorcly against my will that I am
here. she began: but you asked me TO
come for my mothers sake. Tell me
what you have 10 say"
Much" he replied. that cannot be
hastily uttered. Lady Hilda, do not fear
me. Look at my face. Have | the APP
pearance of a man who sought this inter
view for any foolish. vain reason of his
own%"
She looked at him; there was a faint
CLEAN of light coming from the moonlit
sky, and by it she saw that the handsome
face, usually so careless and gay. was
sad and full of deep emotion. Her calm
eyes dwclt upon it. but they read nothing
there.
You may trust me- he said; you
might trust me with your life. Let us
walk down the path; you will be cold if
YOU remain standing"
They then Went down the broad path
together. My time is very precious.'
said Lady llilda. coldly. Il run great
risks by remaining here"
II know it, he replied. Il asked YOU
to come, for your mothers sake. DO
you know who she was, and what was
her story"
Il know it ALL" said the young girl,
sadly. My mothers fate has cloudcd
my life
Thank Heaven. l am spared that long
explanation" he replied. 81 half feared
YOU might still believe you were Lady
Hutton's daughter"
Il never thought that she replied:
and one must not over so lightly blame
the dead; but | wish | had been left TO
share my mothers fate. should have
frightened her life, and have been saved
all the sorrow and shame of feeling my
self half an impostor."
1T was done for the best he said,
dreamily.
Il suppose So" she replied: but this is
not what you wanted me for. You knew
my parents-what have you to say of
them to me?"
You speak of your mother" he con-
tlnued; did you never hear of YOUR
lather! Did no one ever mention him to
you?"
Yes" she replied. bitterly. "My moth.
er, on her %deathbed. told me of him."
May ask what she said?" he in.
CURED. Some people do not POSSESS the
art of painting an agreeable portrait"
THAT cannot possibly concern YOU"
she replied. Tell me your business
quickly, and let me go. My fathers name
brings no music to my ears. Pertains
before now he has met my mother. and
rendered her justice"
She raised her pure. calm face TO the
night skies as she spoke. and Paul Fulton
stood abashed and humbled before the Sc
rene innocence and dignity of his child.
"HiIda.' he said, has it never struck
you who | ann"
a cold dread seized her. She had
never thought of him until the day he
touched her golden head with his lips.
and looked so sadly upon her. Now an
awful fear came over her; who could he
be that knew the secret her mother had
kept! She turned and looked at lin
coldly and calmly her eyes rested on his
agitated face, and by the faint light Of
the moonbeams she resembled a spirit
more than any living being.
Have you never thought of me- he
said. "or wondered who / WASP"
"Never" she replied.
Would you not care to see your father.
ililda? With all his faults, he loved
YOU"
My father broke the sweetest and
truest heart that ever beat" she replied.
passionately; how could | wish to see
him."
Hush, child. hush."' he said, sadly;
your words stab me. Try to care for me.
lIilda. | am your father, Stephen Hurst,
and | place my life in your hands"
Her fair face grew even more deadly
pale.
My words of greeting to you. father"
She said. sadly, ARE, that | wish | had
died when was a child. before l knew
my hopeless, dreary fate"
Can you say nothing kinder, IIilda: :"
he asked; and for once there was real
dignity and true feeling in his words.
Il have not been a saint; but you are my
child, and l owe YOU"
She walked on unheedingly. her fair
hands claSped passionatrly; the fate her
dying mother had predicted and feared
had conc to her.
What have | done:" she said, wildly.
looking up at the still serene heavens.
why should this fate have fallen upon
me-"
Hush, Ililda..' said Paul Fulton. Il
shall do you no wrong. child; we can
keep each others secret. I do not want
To Interfere with you. / should not have
said one word, but ! feared you would
tell Lord Bayneham about what occurred
the other afternoon; you looked so like
your mother when | saw her first, that /
! could not help it,"
A. har husha DI's pame n low cry CANA