The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1895-08-10

GnuuuCEStTlCk Nv inc discovery OJ lLtEu
Harry and Miss Henley, together.
The presence of a third person seemed,
some degree, to relieve Lord Harry, He
ran upstairs to salute Mrs. Vimpany, and
was met again by a cold reception and a
hostile look.
Strongly and strangely contrasted, the
two confronted each other on the stairs.
The faded woman. wan and ghastly IN
der cruel stress of mental suffering, stood
face to face with Il fine, tall. 1.-the man,
In the prime of his health and strength.
Here were the bright blue eyes, the win
ming smile, and the natural grace of move
ment, which find their w way to favor
In the estimation of the gentler sex. This
trreclaimable wanderer among the peril
Gus by-ways of the earth-christened
Irish blackguard," among respectable
members of society, when they spoke of
him behind his back-attracted attention,
even among the men. Looking at his
daring, finely formed fnce, they noticed
las an exception to a general rule, in these
days. the total suppression, by the razor,
Of whiskers, mustache and beard. Stran-
gers wondered whether Lord Harry was
an actor or a Roman Catholic priest.
Among chance acquaintance, those few
favorites of nature who are possessed Of
active brains, guessed that his life of ad-
venture might we'll have rendered dis
guise necessary to his safety in more than
one part of the world. Sometimes they
boldly put the question to him.. The hot
temper of an 1rishman, in moments OF ex-
element, is not infrequently u sweet EN-
per in moments of calm. What they call
ed Lord Harry's ~good-nature owned really
that he had been indebted, on certain oc-
c%asions. to the protection of a false beard,
and perhaps q coloring of his face and hair
to match. The same easy disposition now
asserted itself. under the merciless enmity
of Mrs. Vtmpany's eyes.
"lf l have done anything to offend you."
he said. with an air of puzzled humility,
Pm sure am sorry for II. Don't be an
CRY, Arabclla, with an Did friend. Why
won't you shake hands?"
II have kept your secret anu done your
dirty work" Mrs, Vimpany replied. And
what is my reward? Miss Henley can tell
you how your Irish laundering has ruined
me in q lady's estimation. Shake hands.
indeed? You will never shake hands with
me again rs long as you live"
She said those words without looking at
him; her eyes were resting on Iris now.
From the moment when she had seen the
two together, she knew that it was all
over; further denial in the face of plain
proofs would be useless indeed! Submis-
sion was the one alternative left"
Miss Henley" she said, IF you can feel
pity for another woman's sorrow and
shame. let me have a last word with you
out OF this mans hearing"
There was nothing artificial in her tones
or her looks; no acting could have initiated
the sad sincerity with which she spoke
her us she assembled the stairs. After a
little hesitation, Lord Harry followed
them. Mrs. Vimpang turned on him
when they reached the d~rawing-rooW land
ing. Must | shut the door in your facet
she asked.
He was as pleasantly patient as ever.
You needn't take the trouble to do that
my dear; lll only ask Your leave to sit
down aud wait on the stairs. When yor
have done with Miss Henley, just call mi
in. And, by the way, don't be alarmed ii
case Of a little noise-say a heavy mar
it's your misfortune to be married t.
happens to show himself, I shall be under
the necessity of kicking him. That's allN
Mrs. Vimpany closed the door. Sh,
spoke to Iris respectfully. as she nigh
have addressed a stranger occupying ,
higher rank in life than herself.
"There Is an end, madam, to u shor
acquaintance; and, as we both know, ~
end for ever. When we first met-let m,
tell the truth at last!-I felt a pallciou!
pleasure in deceiving you. After thu
time | was surprised to find that you grew
on my liking. Can you understand TIN
wickedness that tried to resist you. l
was useless: your good influence has beef
too strong for me. Strange! isn't 1t.
have lived a tito of deceit among the peo
pie. What could yOu expect OF mo ate
that! henped lies upon lies-1 woule
have denied that the sun was in the heav
sns-rathef than find myself degraded il
your opinion. Welt that is all over
useless. quite useless now. Pray don't
mistake me. am not attempting to ex'
ctse myself; a Confession was due to you
the confession is made. 1t is too late e
hope that you will forgive me. If you will
permit it, I have only one favor to ask
Forgive me-"
She turned away with a last hopeless
look, which said as plainly as If in words
II am not worth a reply"
Generous Iris insisted on speaking tt
her.
II believe you are truly sorry for what
you have done," she said: 81 can never
forget that eau never forget you" Sht
held out her pitying hand. Mrs. Vtnlpan!
was too bitterly conscious of the past t
touch it. Even a spy is not beneath thu
universal reach of the heart-ache. Their
were tears In the miserable woman's eyer
when she had looked her last at Iris Hen
ley.
CHAPTER x1T.-LoRD HARRY's DEFENSE.
After Il short interval, the drawing-roon
door was opened again. Waiting on tn
threshold the Irish lord asked If he nigh
n4~,A t.