The Red Cloud chief., 1896-01-31

You really ought TO do something ABOUT
them"
II shall" he said. 81 was fond OF the
place as a lad, and the trip down here
has awakened all the old feeling. am
tired to death of society, the exertion
of dancing"-smiling-"and the bother
of being agreeable to people that one
doesn't care a rap about; so | have haH
made up my mind to marry and settle
down in the country; that is'-slo"Iy-
"if | can persuade the girl love TO
consent to bury herself for my sake.
Miss Gresham looked down; her race
had lost a little Of It's bright color. but
the pallor was in no way unbecomihg'
81 thought the best thing to do was
to come and talk over the matter with
YOU" he said, after a somewhat awk-
ward pause; you always help a Fellow
so with your advice"
81 imagine" she replied, that II a
woman cared for a man she would go
with him anywhere"
Exactly. but that Ia the question
does she care for me? You see'-gaz-
ing at her ste~adily-"she Is a society
girl, used TO a good deal OF gaiety ana
movement and excitement. and 1t does
rot seem quite fair to ask her TO come
down here, does it? 1t looks conceited
and selfish, as II one thought Il gOod
deal of oneself, don't you know!
She looked at him gravely.
"Do know her? ?" she asked. rs she
some one YOU have known a long time
ooh, yes. since I was quite a boy"
us she pretty?'
"Of course, YOU ought to know that
"And clever?"
81 suppose"-slowly-"she never says
unkind things or sees through other
people as-as-some Of your other
friends do"
"Unkind things? No. But as to see
ing through people"-breaking into a
taught nm Obliged to admit mat she
does. You see. she has been out a lot,
and the rosy bondage is a bit out oil
place; natural enough, don't you
think?'
Il suppose so"-doubtfully-"one
cannot go through life with ones eyes
shut; that Is, II anyone has n brains
and yet, somehow or other, l don
quite like the description. You are
such a good fellow, Tony. for all your
affection. that you ought to marry some
body very much above the average
And SO | SHALL
"You always said" she went on
that I might choose a wife for you
Don't you remember just before yol
|, went to college that last ride we took?
"Assuredly."
How we agreed to ask each other
advice about the people We should mar
ry, and how we promised that neithe
of us would get engaged without tn
others consent
"Of course | remember. ! am quit
willing to abide by the old contrac'
| shall never marry without your per
mission"
"Oh, Tony, really?"
Really"
She gaaed at him with parted lips an
shining eyes.
"You are very ~trusting-how do 20
know that | shall not take a base nd
vantage of your implicit confidence an
refuse my consent altogether? No
don't know how lonely it will be goin
out next winter without you. | hav
cot so used to having you around tha
don't believe I'll enjoy myself IN I'll
u least unless YOU are there.
= She pondcred a moment.
Come" she said. II will comprC
mise. won't forbid the banns alto
gether, but YOU must not think of maj
Il rying until | am tired of society an
ready to take the fatal step mysel
= How will that suit you?'
perfectly, II you don't pa; it off &c
long"
"Oh. well. that | dort know, ! hay
about decided to become a sp!nstcr.'
= Come. now. that isn't fair. Suppo
" we agreed to be married the same ia!
g." That meets with your approval" We
=, to keep that promise fresh in your mer
:. ory"-reaching over and taking h
hand-"wcar this for my sake"
He drew her glove OF very gent
. and slipped a loop of dia" onds on h
n. finger.
The blood flashed to her checks.
Tony" she cried, III" .u,i meant,
of his action breaking over her, Tor
70 | don't understand. =
10 "Oh, yes, YOU do" he answered, dra
er ing a reassuyiuS arm about her, "h
for fear you might make a mistake a
It. go of and marry another fellow, | W
er make my incoming clearer, | love y
,ls l have always loved YOU. | Ia
nd never dreamed OF asking anyone =
nj to marry ne. ] would have tod YOU
before, but you are such a dread
en- little firt that | WAS afraid 70 test
fate. What say YOU, sweetheart? Sh
We marry and settle down at the
est place."
And It was ! al the time she N
ION INJURED, "and | thought you meant
Who" asked Markland, curious
My "Oh, never mind"-hastiiy-"l
ave now what an absurd idea II was.
or you always loved me. ever since '
a. "