The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1903-05-21
CHAPTER xxx.
nurt Makes Another Move.


had forgotten that she had no claim to
the little house that sheltered her;
that everything. In reality. belonged to
Richard Burt.
Burt was not the man to forget that
fact. A week after Charles Purcell
had been buried, Burt came down to
the shore and went directly to the
place where Kate stayed alone.
He still had hopes that circum-
stances might have softened the girls
resolution in regard to him. He still
family expected that thinking Of she
woman she had seen with Vance Roth
essay might have changed her some
what.
He knew the woman In the woods
there was Rothesay's sister, but he
felt tolerably sure that Kate did not
know It. Dick guessed, and rightly
this time, that Rothesay was not like
ly to write to Kate, even II allowed to
do so, until he should know more GER
tainly how the trial should go with
him.
Dick believed that Rothesay had
something of that foolish, chivalrous
feeling that he would not address the
girl he loved while he was under so
dark q cloud.
Burt approached the house with
more agitation than he would have
owned. He had resolved to appear to
have forgotten all of Hates words to
him the last time he had seen her.
But he was prepared for desperate
measures-for nothing less than abb
Quoting her IL she refused.
The affair would be easy enough.
She was alone there, and he knew all
the ways of the neighborhood. Once
having been carried of, OF course she
would marry him. But he hoped to
succeed by less violent measures.
Kate was sitting by the window at
work. She looked up in surprise at
sight OF him. but suffering had In a
way benumbed her so that the sight of
him gave her but little feeling.
What was he, or anything, 10 her
now that she should suffer or be glad?
So little did Burt know human ma.
ture as exemplihed in Kate Purcell
that he took this apathy of manner as
q tacit encouragement. He did not
know how the fame might still leap
from those quiet eyes--how the lip
might curl with scorn.
He sat down opposite her and said:
81 should have come down before,
but only got the news in time to get
here now. l hope you'll accept my
sympathy, Kate"
She bent her head and went on sew
ing.
After a few more remarks he
thought II was time to get to the bush
ness In his mind.
81 suppose you know. Kate, that this
place Ia mine, now. Your fathers
death only fastened my possession"
How could she have forgotten It!
And yet, in the press of other troubles,
she had forgotten what she knew to be
the truth. And she had been staying
several days beneath Richard Burt's
roof. The thought was not pleasant.
IT will go directly" she said. rising.
at is objectionable In me to have for
gotten such thing"
He rose and stood before her, ex-
claiming:
"You don't think wish to drive you
away like that. hope. You ought TO
know how gladly would make every
thing have yours. You have but to
say one word. and am your slave for
ever"
"You know I shall never say that
word" was the response.
Burt felt his anger rising. But for
the sake of the plan he had made re
governed himself and only said In re.
ply:
81 did hope that the last few weeks
might have softened your heart to me,
Kate. when you must know bow sim
cerely I love you. These days that
have passed have made me repent IL
have used harsh words to you. Pray
remember that l was beside myself
with grief and disappointment. can
not give up the hope of winning you,
but will not prosecute you any more.
Do not move from this house until you
have. made every arrangement for a
comfortable removal. would ask you
to make 1t your home, but know you
would refuse"
Burt could put on very well the APP
pearance of honesty. and he succeeded
now.
81 shall leave the house tomorrow"
said Kate.
Burt lowered his eyes TO conceal the
satisfaction In them. He wished her
10 stay there that night.
Then he left her. telling himself that
tomorrow by that time she would be
in his power. Then no more pleading
with her; no more humbling of him
self to that girl, who should hereafter
humble herself to him.
He went away feeling as sure of his
prey as the hunter does OF the beast
he sees struggling In his trap.
As for Kate, with that mechanical
action which had characterized all her
movements OF late, she began gather.
ing together the few things she wished
to take with her. They were not
many, and the task was soon done.
Then she did not know what to do.
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