The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1895-11-07

and now you praise her for It."
ut is possible to carry q tninS 10 TX:
cess; then truth becomes ~Obstinacy. 70
turned Mrs. Knox.
When. a little after five o'clock. she saw
Colonel Prinsep coming Ny the drive, she
resolved to do her best to persuade mn 70
range himself actively upon her side.
my husband was with you this morn
ing" she began.
"Yes. he came 10 see me, and talked
over some affairs"
"And l wish to speak TO you also, Col
onel rrinsep."
II shall be- very glad to hear what you
I'M We to say, and to help you if l can
"You can help if you will. meaningly.
~ would rather you doubted my power
than my anxiety to oblige," he returned,
smiling.
ut is about my daughter. Colonel"
..Abou, Miss Knox" he repeated, aS
she hesitated.
Then she went on. with emotion.
"You know all l said to you the other
day about Sergeant Lynn. Well, ! say
il al still. but with greater warmth and
with more hope of a favorable reply. for
now ] can confess what You already
| hiibN-tHit j NH lbtdbibS W. ny ""c
ter"
~ wonder ] did not gness il then" he
remarked, gravely. 80
"But yon know it now. and you viii
listen 10 a mothers prayer; You Will save
her from this horrible fate!'
~ save hcr-l!"
"W'ho else? Ii is only You who have
the power. III the regiment you are a
king. and no one will question what you
command. You have only to send him
to Neutrality-suspicious. ont of James
way"
"You give me credit for a despotic
sway. and that ] do not hold. She would
answer, with justice, that had no right
10 interfere. However" he added. quick
~. rs Mrs. KnoX's c~ountenance fell, II
will do what ] can. Shall ] 20 to her
now!"
She led the way to the house and into
the d~rawing.r0om. where, in the center OF
the room. Jane stood. as though expect
ing his arrival. Her head was erect; but
the little hands were tightly clenched:
and there was an expression of defiance
in her whole attitude that augured badly
for the success of his mission.
"Jane. Colonel Prinsep has come to
speak to you, at my express wish and
with my permission. ! hope you will give
every attention to what he has to say"
said Mrs. Knox in her most didactic man.
ner. and left the two together.
He looked at her sadly, gravely; and for
awhile she returned his gaze with one Of
equal ~power~then gradually an over
whelIning sense Of shame caused her to
turn away her face, blushing.
What is il you wish me TO dO!" she
asked.
II wish You to break that unconsidered
PROMISE" he replied. firmly.
She turned on him ~ficrcely, her pretty
figure drawn to its fun height, and the
golden light in her hazel eyes, which al
ways came there from excitement.
And that is your advice! ] wonder
women are ever honorable and true, for
everything seems to combine to make
them neither. A woman's promise is
made to be broken. A mans honor is in.
violable.
'Granted-all granted he returned,
his Quietfess contrasting strangely with
the force of her Indignation. Yet re.
peat my request. ii is easier to regret a
broken promise than II ruiEed life"
And if his-Jacob Lynn's-ffe should
be ruined, his trust in all things shaken
by my unfaithfulncss, is ii nothingY"
I'VE. your friends, naturally think first
Of YOU"
1.-THE greater reason that I should think
~ him, TO whom | owe loyalty and
truth" she said. with dignity.
And you will non think of us-of your
latler-Of our mother, who is distressed
nj your decision; of-of me!"
Pardon me-" she returned, proudly.
"In this case only two are concerned,
myself and my betrothed. There Is only
one point under discussion: whether ]
Keep my word or break it,"
He leaned forward eagerly, and would
have taken her hands, only she held them
stiifly beyond his reach.
"And-andy' he questioned, his usually
sweet tones sharpened by suspense.
Il will keep it," she decided, firmly.
Moving a little further away at once.
he accepted her decision.