Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1896-09-17

b.t ere she could cast herself into the
pool. a gloyed hand was laid upon her
shoulder.
Frightened and alarmed, she turned
anu confronted a well-dressed. middle
aged lady. who regarded her pityingly,
MY poor girl" said she. in 4 voice
of compassion; fall down upon your
knees. and thank heaven that you have
been preserved from the commission of
a dreadful sin"
For Il moment May stood erect. nj.
most defiant, as il questioning the right
of her who spoke TO interfere; but IL
WAS only for a moment: for then the
knowledge OF what she would have
done smot her brain. and. casting her
self upon the turf. she sobbed as if her
poor little heart would break.
II strange lady made no effort to
check this outbuist. but waited, still re-
garling her lovingly and kindly.
As May became more composed, the
lady seated herself by her side. and
gently drew the poor girl towards her
till her head rested IN her shoulder.
Now. tell me-" said the stranger,
caressingly, ut the same time smooth
ing Mays beautiful hair.-"tell me
what induced n so young and so fair
As yourself to contemplate SO great 4
SIM"
'Oh. I cannot-cannot tell you! | am
miserable and wretched. My father
would force me to marry, and
And you don't like his choice"
"No-oh, no." said May. shuddering.
"But / cannot tell you all. l am not
at liberty to refuse this man, yet
Yet you love some else better. See,
] have guessed your story, and after all
/ do not see that you need have de-
SPARED. Tell me your name:'
May Rivers
May Rivers exclaimed the lady in
~amazement; my poor. poor May" she
muttered so0thingly. partly TO herself.
After a few moments pause. she re-
sumed.
You will never guess who / am, nor
my object in doing SO. but my drive 10
Annadale was for the sole purpose of
seeing YOU"
Seeing me-" echoed May. ~astonished
in her turn.
Yes. My cOachman was doubtful
about the road: and as | saw You get
ting over the stile. | left my carriage
and followed you, to inquire the way
to the village; ana overlook You just in
time to prevent you from doing that,
at the recollection of which | am sure
you nov shudder as much as | do
As she said this. she bowed her head
and kissed May tenderly III the fore
head.
You are very-yery kind to me-
said May.
Now promise me one thing" she
said, taking the poor girls hand in her
own.
II will promise you anything: it is
the least | III do in return for your
goodness"
Promise me. then, that whatever
may happen. however much you may
he inclined to despair. that nothing
shall ever again tempt you TO think OF
self-destruction rs Il means of escape
from misery"
Il promise"
As May spoke. she looked up fervent.
~ and truthfully with her beautiful
eyes ut her rescuer.
Il believe you; and now, as my coach
man will think / am lost. walk back
with me TO my carriage: and as We
drive along l will tell YOU the reason
that brought me to Annadale. and why
/ wanted TO see ana speak TO YOU"
Passively. May suffered herself 70 be
led back to the road, and to be assisted
into the carriage.
The lady gave directions to the coach.
man TO drive slowly along the road
towards the village. and then. seating
herself by Mays side, and again pos
sessing herself Of one of her little
hands. she commenced her promised
explanation.
..NI- ,nr,, q, krn4ln Il An tx-,nI opl
/ am the aunt OF Ernest Hartrey."
OH cried May, eagerly, do You
bring me news from him. Say he has
not deserted en- forsaken meI,'
and she laid her hand upon Miss Hen.
woods arm.
Il fear. dear. l have but little com
fort TO give YOU. None Of us know
where Ernest is-he has Disappeared
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS" repeat.
ed May. like II in a dream.
Tell me. May. Did You write to
him. asking him for the sum of one
credit. and your marriage with one who
was hateful to you:'
~"Yes-yes."
"He could not get it from his father
for they had quarreled, and he came to
me-"
How good. how kind of him-oh.
why did he not wfite?"
"Then you have never received the
money!"
"Nor' said May. surprised; was il
sent?'
1T should have BEEN"
"Where is it,"
may, do not ask me. Since Ernest
Harrrey left my house. none of his
relations have seen him."
Some accident has happened
Speak-tell me what It is? l will &C
to him at once" exclaimed May. Will
such vehemence as to startie Miss
Henwood.
Il know nothing Of him-nothing!.'
she ejoined. But wait, and hope tina
time may clear up the mystery, ano
that he may return"
Return to find me the wife of join
Gridley!" And May buried her heao
in the cushions and sobbed aloud.
After awhile Miss Henwood drov.
her back to the outskirts of Annndale
and then. bidding her an affectionat,
adieu. went back to Blackjack. Will,
May walked on to her fathers house
with hope just alive in her bosom.