The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1902-03-28

1t was one of Mark Stauntons black
days, in which nothing had any beauty
to his eyes, nor enjoyment for his mind.
He certainly was somewhat migrate
full to insist upon being so persistently
miserable, for he had enjoyed as rea-
sonable a share Of blessings as any one
man has a right to expect He was
only thirty now, prominent in his pro-
fession, had held several political Off
ces of honor, and had lately come in
possession of a comfortable fortune.
which, added to the competency he had
amassed in his profession. made him a
rich man.
Once Mark had been in lovc-yes,
really in love; and, long ago as it was,
recollections of that time would yet
come up, and often brought him con-
siderable bitterness.
1t was when he was first setting out
in the world. He was only twenty-one,
starting as a poor young lawyer.
But only two years after that pleas
ant passage in their lives which ended
In the disquiet and trouble such things
often do, Katharine Arson had married
and in all those wears their paths had
never crossed.
lie was gong INTO the country 10 pass
a week or two with q far off cousin,
whose pleasant house and merry-heart-
ed husband usually succeeded in driv-
ing away one of Marks dissatisfied fits
1t was growing near sunset when
they approached the station where
Mark was to end his little journey.
With fearful shrieking the train
made another halt, and Mark, in his
leisurely way, followed the little crowd
that got off at Briarton.
He stopped in the waiting-room to
speak with an acquaintance, and when
he came out. he passed by a carriage
In which a lady was sitting-her veil
was up, and, after the first moment of
puzzled recollection. Mark recognized
Katharine Arson.
1t was only an instant, and the car
riage had driven on; he was unable to
tell whether she recognized him or not.
That was the first time they had met in
ten years
She. was very much altered. he
thought-thin, and he believed some
what sallow. She was in half-mourn-
ing too-that was for her husband
he wondered how deeply she had
grieved over him. In his misanthropi-
cal mood he said to himself, that she
had not heart enough to be inconsola-
BILE about anything.
Marks recollection Of that past was
not altogether pleasantly mournful. He
had never felt that Katharine had been
quite fair and honest with him.
Well, it was over long enough ago,
that was certain; he was a fool to be
troubling his head with those old men,
cries! But he must wonder if she saw
him, and if SO, whether that meeting
had any effect at all upon her.
He passed through the woods and
came out into his cousins grounds
Hello, old fellow!" some one called
out. and, looking up, he saw Tom Ford
running down the veranda steps to
meet him.
There was a hearty exchange Of
greetings, for the two had always been
the best of friends in the world, and a
week in Toms cheerful society never
failed to send Mark back to his busting
life. elevated in spirits, and with pleas
anter views of things in general.
He led the way, up to the room Mark
always occupied-a pleasant chamber
that Ellen had fitted up with an eye
to their cousins peculiar fancies.
Here we are" said Tom. Now you
can beautify yourself as much as you
please; there's the trunk you sent up by
express-I hope it's got your most
dandified clothes in it,
Why, have you visitors?"' asked
Mark. II thought l should be sure to
find you quite alone"
1.-THE truth is" said Tom. sitting
.sT-