The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1903-01-22


future.
In a short time he left the hotel on
his way to the cars that were to take
him to Miss Lauriat's home.
In vain he endeavored to feel elated
at the thought Of meeting the woman
who was soon to be his wife. Was
he fickle? was he false? that he cared
so little now for one whom he had be.
lieved he loved well enough TO marry?
1t was hard to shut out all such
questions from his mind. Well, he was
going to do his duty. He felt impa.
tent now to be united to his betrothed
he had that feeling, so common, that,
once married. he would be held by a
kind Of safeguard; his very thoughts
would be different then.
Down at the beach, on the south
shore Of Massachusetts, Bay, julia
Caryl was improving her time
She was rather disappointed when
she found that Vance Rothesay had
left. She had counted upon having a
side game with him that should give
interest to her real business. Now
she wished she might meet Dick Burt;
she had never yet smiled upon him.
Wishing thus, as she stood at the
door of her boarding house, she saw a
sturdy figure on the beach, Dlaking its
way towards the Purcell house.
There he u.s." she whispered. as
he really in love with that soft-voiced
thing? II she only loved him now
what fun it would be to. get him away
from herl"
She stood still, watching him. The
next moment she saw Kate Purcell
leave the house and walked slowly
down toward the water, apparently
not seeing the man, who, when he
saw her, slackened his pace, but
Julia could see that he was watching
Kate intently.
| In few moments Kate turned off
| in different direction. and then Burt
hurried on and overlook her.
| He said something which caused
Kate to stop. Then Julia wished there
was a sheltering rock near them
where she might overhear their con-
7ersation.
Dick was furious when he saw the
expression Of Hates face, when she
believed herself unseen. Some ieal-
tus instinct told him that she was
thinking of Vance Rothesay-the man
whom he had brought there. He al
most wished he had left the injured
nan in the storm to die before he
lad lent any help.
Though Burt felt thus when he ac-
Dsted Kate, he was firm in the re-
olve TO keep the promise he had
given her not to mention love.
What is it that's troubling you,
Eate?" asked, suddenly coming upon
her.
Instantly her face resumed it's usual
expression; the look of intense des.
lair left it.
Troubling me? Why do you ask
hat?" smiling with an effort that cost
Ter dear.
Because your face showed some
sorrow. You are not grieving for any
thing? walking beside her, and un-
able to prevent himself from gazing
intently at her. his eyes revealing
what he had forbidden his lips to
speak.
Kate was too truthful to deny his
question, and she said, with a laugh:
1T Is folly to ask a woman such a
question. She has thousand things
to make her sad"
IF l could only comfort you'll" he
exclaimed, 80 fervently that she grew
colder.
THAT is impossible. Don't let us
talk thus any longer. must go in"
But he followed her, and some dem
on made him say: ..
/ hope you are not mourning the
absence of Rothesay, while he is rid.
away to his bride"
He saw his mistake, and was
vexed with himself for having made
1t; but he knew he might do the same
thing again. He was not sure OF him
self.
She drew herself away, and her
voice was freezing in it's angry re-
pellence as she said:
HYou must excuse me from listen
ing to you'll" and she moved rapidly
away.
He hurried after her and endeav-
ored to take her hand, but she eluded
him, and he stood still, looking after
her, telling himself what a fool he had
been, and yet more determined than
ever to win her.
He knew 1t was not easy for a
woman TO forgive such a thing as he
had said. Oh, he was a laundering
idiot! For all that, he was going to
have this woman for his wife.
AS he stood there, gazing after her,
Julia Caryl, watching him, began walk
ing rapidly toward him, thinking:
Now is the time; now | will see If
| soothe the savage beast"
A moment later, Dick heard a sweet
voice behind him saying:
Mr.. Burt, how fortunate that /
happened to come upon you! was
wishing so much to meet some one
who could entertain me! My brother
is gone, and | am just perishing with
ennui!"
Dicks first impulse was to be furi-
Gus at this intrusion, but when he
turned toward the speaker at her first
words and saw her eyes, full of a fat.
tering and enticing expression, his
mood changed somewhat.
4 am very sorry, but I fear I can
not entertain you" he said, grufiy.
Julia knew that this was a man who
would need something more decided
to enchain him than the subtle atten.
tons that might work their charm on
a more refined person.
She was prepared to be quite open
In her fiattery Of him.
do not say that" she exclaimed.
with pretty gesture, cor shall be in