The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1899-07-08
CHAPTER xxx1x.-A GAME OF CHESS.

Another ten days made Mrs. Langley's
hopes in regard to Valerie sink tovery few
degrees above freezing point. She certain
ly did nothing, but rather the contrary, to
win Max Beauregard's homage; she firtcd
with Lord Wcstbrook and Major Travers,
with the former principally, and left the
field entirely open for Lilias Dudley and
Angela Musgrave; nor did Colonel Beaure-
gard seek Valerie, that was clear, though
even astute Mrs. Langley could not per-
ceive that he avoided the girl. Angela, on
the other hand, was not slow to profit by
her opportunities, ably assisted by her sis
ter; and Valerie seemedperfectly unmoved,
quite willing to allow Angela "a walk
over"-a contamination of which, how.
ever. Mrs. Langley had no fear. Angela
MusYrav was not q girl Ma I;>~.iegiru
would have selected If Valerie had never
been born. But what possessed Valerie to
fling away the very opportunity for which
she had rejected Aston Lawfordi
Mrs. Langley was beginning to grow an
CRY, impatient. Was 1t possible that Va
lerie still cherished Louis memory? Alb
surd! And yet, she reflected, anything
seemed possible with this extraordinary
girl.
u must speak to her!" said Mrs. Lang
ley to herself. 81 thought things would
right themselves, but it doesn't seem as If
they would; and If there is risk in speak
Ing, there Is certainty OF failure il matters
go on Us at present. She can't be falling
IN love with Westbrook; no girl wouldlook
at him with Max Beauregard by"
1t CHANGED one morning that, Us Mrs.
Langley was breakfasting in her dressing
room about eleven o'clock, Valerie, over
whose shortcomings her aunt was musing
ut the moment, came In, after a prelimin-
airy tap.
Aunt Constance" said she, seating her
self, not on the couch, but on the head OF
1t, LADY Elinor wants to know If you
would like a drive in the park by-and-by.
It is not q bit hot out. even for youl'
"YesI' said Mrs. Langley. ~ should,
very much. But what are you doingt"
glancing at an open book In the girls hand.
"And where are all the othersf"
Valerie held up the book, laughing.
DO you see the title?" she said. "'Beg-
gar my Neighbour lovely novel; have
been ensconced in the library for an hour
reading this; and when leave here / am
going On with it. The others-let me see.
Oil Harry Dallas and Amy, they're al
ways together, those two are On the tez-
race. Wcstbrook, Travers, Lady Elinor,
Mrs. Dudley" counting on her fingers.
ARE playing lawn-tennis;and Colonel Beau
regard is on the terrace apart from the
other two, Of courseD teaching Angela
to play chess. At least, he was half an
hour ago"
And what on earth, " said Mrs. Langley,
exceedingly annoyed by this last piece of
intelligence, "makes you withdraw your
self from all the rest in this wayr''
Il wanted to readf' said Valerie, swing
ing her foot backward and forward. "And
one can't read and chatter, too!''
you don't come to n country-house to
sit in the library and read. You, Of all
oeoplel'
y, OF all people" returned Valerie, cool
ly, want . little time to myself now and
then. am bothered to deathi"
1.-THE penalty beauty always has to pay,
my dear. You certainly" said Mrs. Lang
ley, tartly, don't seem to find Westbrook
disaRreeable.n
Valerie laughed, but drew in her breath.
She knew this was only diminishing, the
attack would come by-and-by.
""I.like Wcstbrook, . said she, The is aw-
full fun; and l can't flirt much with Dallas,
because Of Amy"
Mrs. Langley slipped. her chocolate for a
moment in silence; then she asked, abrupt
ly:
WHO proposed the chess, Angela OF
Beauregard?"
angela, Think" indifferently. "She'll
never learnl' added Valerie. with another
laugh.
Nonsense! You don't suppose for an
Snrfant That NAV poo,,rao,r nd oarao For A ~.
gelal'
No, Valerie did not. Somehow, that kiss
pressed on her hand, more than a week
ago, chung to 1t still; the thought of 1t made
her heart beat and her veins glow now;
yet she answered, carclessly:
Not now, but he may; and Angela likes
himi''
"And pray, Valerie, is It on her account
that you do all you can to assure Colonel
Beauregard that you are absolutely 1ndif.
ferent to himp"
Valerie looked straight at her aunt; there
was a dangerous glitter In her eyes; other,
wise, only o little CULVER Of the nostrils, q
settling.of the firm lips, nothing more.
Mrs. Langley returned the look for a mo.
menE, but 1t never wavered.
The elder lady spoke again:
valerie. let us understand each other
clearly; am I to suppose that you still have
any affection for Louis Charteriss"
II always had an affection for himi0
mo TESTING, Valerie; yeu know what ]
meant"
Z never did love himly said Valerie,
shat was 2 mistaksr ..