The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1897-05-28

lano made short woris. Pmx,ng aslae
the understanding between their faith
ers like the man he was he wooed her
Tor her own sweet sake.
Just two nights ago he had told her
III his own direct fashion how dearly
he loved her And Jessica-well, last
evening had come the sapphire ring
that-only last evening and to-day this.
II Miss Murphy's neat little shell
had not brought death it had caused
pain akin to it.
Its the money!" moaned Jessica.
Its the horrid detestable money he
wants. 1t isn't mer' And then a face
with clear brown eyes and kind.
grave smile arose before her and she
broke down crying afresh.
But after awhile she sprang up, rub
blng two very small resolutc fists in
two very pink eyes. 81 won't sec him
tonight. And I'll be in the library at
10. And I'll hear what else he has to
no, I won't! l won't eavesdrop. But
III look my very loveiest-I WILL
willv
And she did.
AS she came up the parlors at Mrs.
Bryants small and early" Miss Muir
phy-always first on the field--looled
at her in amazement. Quite a bewitcll-
ing vision little Miss Ray tonight. rose
Tipped star-eyed. smiling, her slim,
dusk draperes of lace trailing softly
behind her, huge cluster of violets at
her bosom. 1t was after 10 before she
could escape from her companion and
make her way to the library. Her
hand on the portiere dividing that
apartment from the morning room, she
paused.
Voices. She didn't intend to caves
drop. OF course, it was unintentional-
all WAS said and over so quickly.
Equally of course it was dishonorable
but I think as rule we are not apt to
consider questions of honor with ex-
treme nicely when our hearts are very
sore.
give decided to take her." Jacks
quiet voice was saying. wearily. "Its
the only thing 1 can do now"
Ned spoke. ....
'She's skittish, I know, but (by way
of consolation) she may outgrow that
Jessica groaned involuntarily. Jack
glanced toward the curtain.
"Well, drop the subject" In lower
voice: ''Keep it dark, like a good boy.
don't want people to know am such
a young fool as to be taken in by a
bag Of bones, all paint and drugs"
Jessica was plump as a partridge,
and her complexion was bloom pat
ented by natures self. The morning
room was unlit save from the hall.
Thank goodness for that! She felt her.
self growing faint and dizzy. Was that
Jack who talked so-could it be--her
Jack?
90, come now!" laughed Ned, "you
know you are exaggerating. She's not
quite as bad as that!'
"Pretty nearly!' ruefully. 81 don't
so much mind her skittishness-I could
break her of that. fatter myself-but
she has a terrible temper!'
She must not faint, Jessca told her.
self frantically. o, she must not! Was
that dark thing beside her in the shad-
ow of the portiere fauteuil. She sank
down on it heavily, weakly, exhausted
ly. Horror Of horrors! 1t at first sue
cumbed second to her weight then
moved, protested with vigorous ener-
gy. shrieked.
All faintness banished. Jessica leaped
to her feet, her soft, quick cry of alarm
mingling with that muff1ed roar of
rheumatic agony.
That's aunt" gasped Ned.
"Jessica" cried Jack. He strobe
forward and flung aside the portiere.
The light from the library poured into
the shadowy morning room. 1t fell on
Jessica standing just within, very
white and trembling. and it showed on
the floor large and ungraceful heap
of crushed drab silk and bugles, dis
ordered front" and grewsome groans.
For q moment they stood and stared
-speechless. But Miss Murphy kept
on groaning.
"What is it all about?" queried Ned
bewilderedly, helping his aunt to rise
"I-I," faltered Jessica, ''sat down on
Miss Murphyr'
"What?" cried Ned.
"We were eavesdropping," confessed
Miss Murphy, with venomous candor
ana JeSSlci LOOK luS IOr IOOISLOOl
| and
"My darling" whispered Jack (no,
not to Miss Murphy 81 thought when
I heard your voice you were hurt
Or"
Jessica famed up.
"How dare you? Stand back, sir!
Here's your ring" She tugged brave
w. but it fitted we'll '.I have heard in
what manner you speak Of me. No.
disgustedly, don't appear astonished!
Recall your conversation Of yesterday
morning with Ned Sales'
Ned stared at being thus abruptly
referred to. Jack looked dazed. 81 did
not intend to hear such another CON
versation as that which had been re-
peated to me, but did. If Tm-I'm,'' -
the rose crimsoning in her cheeks,
''skittish,' bringing out the hateful
word with jerk, ''and-and deuced
= Ia,