The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1899-05-27
" II ;
Halt a Truth.
BY THE DUCHESS"

supFusesAe VIII go TO Henley With
the Lawfortlssn
u suppose so.''
"kNnd2there will be a splendid wedding
In the autumns's said Lady Etinar, leaning
back among the luxurious cushions, and
closing her eyes. We'll, I think Valerie
Is wise. I4awford will make a very good
husband. as husbands go;and she will have
every wish gratiiea. What more can q
girl rcqnireg,
They don't seem to require more
"Ah, you have romantic ideas, Max; you
are q reguiar Bayartl. Whit Il pity! You
might marry millions If you chose
What nonsense you talk, Nellie" he
sa4l, laughing. "It you must chatter,
chatter about Henley.'
But Lady Elinor yawned, and relnpsad
INTO silence. There would be no Henley
for hef this year, nor for Valerie; but neith-
err of them dreamed of this now.
CHAPTER NXv1ll.-MR. L.AWFofsD's PERpLEx-
lTS.
Fou rdays before Henley Regatta, and
Colonel Beauregard and his sistcr-in-law
were alone to sether-.a not very frequent
coalition OF things.
1t was just before afternoon tea, and she
was reading n society pnper-especially the
items about the Marlborough House ball
two night ngo. where Valerie Herbert had
been the belle: and lie was reading n letter
from Mrs. Fanshawe.
y actually heard from Valerie Herbert
the other day. wrote the lady. She
rarely writes now. suppose old friends
don't cunt Not Il long letter, and what
| SHOULD call superficial. | never was SO
disappointed i'll anyone. And it seems she
is going to marry Aston awforl--not that
she says SO, but others do. Perhaps she
will be happy in her way. She seems to
have grown hard and worldly. Ionly hope
you haven't let her make a conquest of
you, as she has of all the other men, for
such a girl could never make you happy"
Deauresard closed the letter, and, rising,
walked into the conservatory, and SAD
down, leaning his forehead on his hand.
"Happy!'' he said, inwardly. "No! l
must honor rs well as love the woman /
make my wife; 1 must know that her love
is for me, not for mine; but oh, Heaven! if
! could tear this love ont of my heart! Use
b.ss to try; it Is a very part Of my life
nay, l must carry it with me beyond the
grave!''
He rose after Il few minutes, and turned
back TO the d~rawing-room; and as he ell
SGISAAs "a aooh 0l'SllSNt, tbAS W ~ VASAN
was announced.
Lady Elinor dropped her paper, and held
out her hand cordially.
Delighted to see your She exclaimed.
"You are Just in time for a cup of tea.
How fortunate! Ajax, ring the bell, please"
Mr.. Lawford shook hands with Colonel
Beauresard, and sat down by his hostess.
II have been reading about the ball at
Marlborough, House." continued Lady Eli
nor, while B~eauregard threw himself into
an armchair opposite. and wished Aston
Lawford at-well, at home!
The little lady saw that her visitor look
ed "glum,' and she wanted to draw him
out" convinced that the capricions beauty
of tho season was in some way accountable.
Him. he said; "hnve you? A brilliant
affair."
Indeed it was! And Valerie danced
with the Prince. She carried off the hon
ors-ca on sulS dire. I saw her dress be-
fore she went; it was q dream-a marvel
a-'
"a poem in satin and lace.' concluded
Beauregard, gravely. "Rossetti in fabric.
Pray don't underratep'
"Be quiet Max! don't be sarcastic! Did
you see the dress, Mr.. Lawford?"
mo" he replied, grimly; but she was
at Lady Nonpareil's ball last night!''
Indeed! And how many times did you
dance with herr? Coms-confess!'
81 am not in Il moo1 for testing, Lady
Elinor," said Lawford a little grufiy.
"What!'' she said, startled. you don't
mean that"
THAT Miss Herbert has refused me-noi
I haven't asked her yet; but l shall do so,
and speedily. Her aunt breaches patience;
but mine is tired out. She has had tether
enough to fiirt with MI the world, and
bring men to her feet only to spurn them!'
Take carer said Lady Elinor, warning
ly;"she may deal the same with you, think
ing to beckon you back at her will
"She is too wise for that" said Lawford,
with the consciousness of possessing over
whelming advantages, "and she would
hardly dream of flying directly in Mrs.
Lnngley's face, with the alternative of be-
ing sent back to the country!"
Not" he added, quickly, for he knew
how Colonel Beauregard wonld look upon
anything like coercion in such a case, and
dreaded some sarcasm; mot that l would
acceH, on any terms, an unwilling bride;
but then / know she is not unwilling-she
is simply trying to stretch her power to its
utmost limits; and no man will be played
with too long!'i
us she not going with your party. to
Henlcy?" asked Lady Elinor, after a pause,
gliding off, automatically, from the main
question.
She has given no definite answer yet,
though l know she hns over a dozen invi,
t%ations.''
Dear, deari she plays the coquette tc
the top of her bent. But I don't think
there's much to fear; in fact, you know
said Lady Elinor, decidedly, .'she could
hardly draw back now--it is too late; every
one talks of tho affair as settled. Heraunt
says right and left that it is. She can't fol
a moment mean to throw you over finally
even if, out of sheer coquetry, she does SC
at first. But then, certainly, Mrs. Langley
would interfere"
II shall make her understand" said AS
ton Lawford, with u heavy frown, that
don't intend to be thrown of, and beckon,
ed back at will"
This was more than Max Beauregard
could stand. He rose sald walked across
the room, and snt down, taking up a book
Man thinks he is de r0p,'' said Lady
Elinor, in a low voice, and with a smile.
"Bnt pray don't let me drive him away
Lady Elinor!'
5TE Shs ASNCA lin Xix lSu VIII Us III
directly. But, if I may be permitted to of
fer advice, Mr.. Lawford, deal gently will
Valerie; she has a very strong will, and ha.
been SO petted and spoiled, that l reall,
don't think she realizes there is a point be
yond which even a beauty may not goin
II a II too fond of her. said he, ITO b.
otherwise than gentle: but l am no boy tt
be q girls sport-to be encouraged on,
minute, and snubbI the next!"
why, not you are quite right there
SHAH you see her before Henley"
II shall write to her, Lady Elinor."
"Ahsthe best way, perhaps, under tn,
circumstances Here comes the ten!' sale
Lady Elinor, relieved in more ways thar
one. Max, come here"
Colonel Beauregard dropped his bool
and came forward, and conversation ther
turned from Valerie.
B~y-and-by Lawford took his leave.
"Ihopc soon,''he said, as he hand
with Lady Elinor, "to have to ask you 70
your congratulutions!'
II hope So" said she. Remember m,
4 - --.yy ~