Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1897-08-27
of the men who had witnessed the

one of the men who had witnessed the
affair.
II suppose she's Dead" said CARING
ford, indifferently, in answer to the
question, 'or lived to swell the ranks
of the unfortunate sisterhood," he add
ed, with a sigh.
After dinner they adjourned to the
theater. The play was q modern prob
lem" one, a new fashion since John
went away, and but for the acting had
no special attraction.
The leading lady, Nathalie Ross, was
one of the most beautiful women Of the
day, famed alike for her Titian-colored
hair, and the absolute blamelessness
and purity of her life.
No breath of scandal had tainted her
fair name, and she was known to be a
brilliant and Woodworking woman.
AT the finish, Carringford, who had
been strangely moved ut the sight of
the lovely creature on the stage, made
his way behind, and asked for an in.
PRODUCTION.
He fancied she grew a tritle pale, and
that her dark eyes sought his in a
somewhat startled manner, but as
there was no trace Of embarrassment
In her graciousness towards him, lie
concluded lie was mistaken,
Nathalie asked him to call, and SOC
it came about, that few days passed
when he did not visit the tiny fiat,
London wondered, then laughed and
said that after all she was no better
than the rest of them, and that it had
known all along her virtue was US.
sumed.
For some time neither heard the
rumors about them, but continued their
friendship TRANQUILITY enough, although
to Carringford the wish for more than
friendship was becoming stronger
every day; but it was not until a sneer
and Il low expression coupled with
Nathalie's name was uttered in his
presence, that he determined to speak.
His action vas simplicity itself.
After knocking the mar down, he
turned to the %assemblage, saying in
grave, even tones:
II have done this, because that cur
insulted the fair fame of an innocent
woman, whom l intend to ask to do me
the honor of becoming my wife,"
News of all kinds flies apace, and
when he called the next morning
Nathalie knew about his defense of
her.
"Oh. why did you do it?" she cried,
her eyes full of unshed tears. sWhat
does it matter what they say of me? l.
am only an actress, YOU know, and not
worth lighting over"
She seized his hands with her warm
impulsive ones, and would have raised
them to her lips, had he not prevented
her.
mo. no." he said, hastily, don't do
that, Nathalie, l love you; give me the
right to defend you always-be INV
dear wife,"
The color famed high in her cheeks,
and her lips Quivered.
"You love me, YOU wish me to be
your wife? You? ALI, this is wonder
full"
What is?" lie queried. laughing.
drawing her to him; that L should love
yOu!"
YES" she said, %gravely: '1isten to
what l have to tell you, and then.
Ten years ago on IL cold winters night,
do you remember giving IL gold piece
to 81 little ragged, lalf-starved girl:"
He nodded.
Ives, l do, but how does that Gull
FERN you:" he asked.
I'm this way; l was that little girl;
l and no other. l was II fricndless lit
tie waif, and your money was the first
kind action l had ever received in nv
short life. Small wonder that l re-
mcmbered, and hearing your name,
treasured it up in my heart. With that
gold l laid the foundation of my pres
ent position.
"a smnll pantomime engagement led
to others, and slowly and surely 1
worked myself up. Oh. it has been
hard, and l have been sorely tempted
many Il time, for l am beautiful, 1
know. but YOU We're before me like a
guiding star. and l kept myself what 1
knew YOU would have me be: 1 have
waited for you; I I'M yours, do with
me what you WILL"
His arms closed round her, and as
their lips met, she heard him whisper.
My wife."-Saturday Evening Post.