Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1899-03-10
Indeed! And how is Mrs. Ray:" III.

"Indecd! And how is Mrs. Ray? 2" III.
quires Yolandc. with composure.
"She is quite we'll" he says in surprise.
"What makes you take an interest in her,
may 1 ask:"
"Oh, she was very kind. and called so
often when papa was ill.," the girl an
swers readily. I'll like her very MUCH"
" am glad to hear it," says Dcnzil
Charteris, a little confused. "She is not
a general favoritc. / hope your father is
better at last, Miss Mervyn:"
"Tlank you-ycs. He is stronger. and
is able to walk about in the garden. But
his illness has altered him terribly"
"You arc altered too," he says. looking
wistfully at the rallor of check and lip,
which shows plainly now under the agi-
tation she is trying SO bravely TO control.
I'll have not been quite we'll lately"
answers Yolandc. flushing holly again
under the fire of his searching eyes.
And l am keeping o standing" he
says apologetically. "Do, pray, sit down
again. I an so sorry to have disturbed
you."
"Arc you going?' faltcrs Yolande in
surprise, as he extends his hand.
Have I your permission to stay? This
little retreat seems to he a secret resort
Il VI NOttl OMli, anu i uINC ull uuWlulluHIy
stumbled upon it."
"Ihc woods are free to ALL" says Yo-
landc. Don't hurry away for me, pray"
"Then will you sit down again and
make yourself comfortable, as you were
beforey"
"Oh, certainly. she says. with a faint
laugh. II suppose you enjoyed yourself
very much when you were away!"
GI foor I nm hovo,I tho oUn fnr 1.,oo
enjoyment of anything-cven travel and
strange lands"
"What a cold-bloodcd way to speak of
the delights of travelling" laughs Yo-
landc. ITO me it seems the most enviable
thing in the world to be able to go from
place to place and country to country.
For that reason I often wish l was a man.
Women are so helpless"
"lt is quite possible that your wish may
be attained without the drawback u
change Of sex might PROVE" interrupts
DenZil.
"How:" questions Yolanlc. lifting her
eyes to his.
II should think Mr.. Stapleton could an
swer that" he says quietly.
II don't understand yOu," returns Yo-
landc haughtily, moved to fierce. unrea-
sonablc anger by the insinuation his words
convey.
".No!" he questions. raisin. his eyes
with pretended surprise. Shall | put my
meaning into palmer words? l thought
your conduct on the last occasion that 1
saw you together left little doubt OF the
terms on which you Stood"
"You are rather premature in your con-
illusions then" rctorts Yolandc. with Wis
iblc %nnoyanc III ca help Lance
making himself r~idiculous-he always
does"
"IIc is very fond of you." persists Mr..
Charters; land you have given him
plenty of encouragement"
II don't know what right you have to
Isintcrfcrc with, or question my actions"
says Yolande angrily.
True" he answers calmly; II have no
right. as you say. l even remember how
once YOU said it would he impossible for
us to bc-fricnds."
"Arc you going to favor Inc with an
other Lecturer" she asks, half angry at
the turn the conversation is taking.
NO" and he looks full ut the pouting,
defiant facc-looks with eyes that hold
her OWL and force them to answer the
question i'll his gaze-a question that
. makes her heart throb wildly and pain
July, anu DrlnSS tnc tell-taie color TO
check and brow in a swift and lovely tide.
mo, Yolande," he repeats, 'for-I love
you"
Stupeicd and bcwildcrcd. she gazcs ut
him as he draws both her hands within
his own. md looks with longing. aues-
tioning eyes into the face which has
haunted every hour of his existence since
first lie saw its loneliness. Now it is white
as the lilies floating upon the streams
quiet breast: the hands in his eager clasp
are cold as ice. Suddenly she springs to
her feet and confronts him, with all the
softncss aud beauty gone from her flash
ing eyes.
"As you have Judged me- she says, $50
am l! You believe l care only for tri-
umphs. for conqucsts-you are right. 1
am sorry. Mr.. Charters, that you should
at last have formed an opinion so opposite
to that with which you first favored me:
for l believe l have to thank you alone for
giving me the character of a coquette!"
i tTo be continucd.D
81 a,.s.-.a. VVy-ee o..