The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1903-03-27
fully. "But you couldn't sell yourself

fully, mot for money alone. l must
have a respectable-looking husband,
with a suspicion of brains. Then, too,
while she is about it, why can't a girl
happen to fall in love with a man who
has money? | regard it as my duty to
do this, andy the way-you ought to
follow my example"
He changed his seat to one beside her
on the sofa, and spoke in a hurt, re-
proachful tone:
"Robertine, these words are unworthy
Of you. [ can't understand why you
should joke, either. We've have been
good friends" then he broke off, as
if he had lost all self-control, all power
of speech.
She was moved, and remained silent
until the sound of her mother in the
other room seemed to give her tongue
new impetus.
"Ah, Richard, art is long and life
is leeting!' We have no time to be great
or to foster grand thoughts. Why, even
you and | might be silly enough to fall
in love with each other, but it wouldn't
do, would it? 0 no, it would be ridicu-
earth!"
"The very last thing on earth,"he re-
peated, quietly. They were ~notlooking
at each other now, yet they were both
strangely pale.
1.-The very last!" she said, recovering
herself after a moment; then abruptly:
Orchard, l. want to tell you some
strictly CONFIDENTIAL"
Yes" he said, vacantly.
Orchard, this is midsummer; but [
suppose you know people wear flannels
in winter-time-ladies do"
Her seeming i~rrelevancy might other
times have startled him; now he only
sighed ai ip2gIuirinsly.
"Well, last winter-you remember
how cold it Was-how many f1annels do
you suppose mother and I had apiece?"
"Three, perhaps" he ventured, weari-
|"No, indeed; we had three between
us. This kept us washing one twice a
week, which was tiresome, beside wear
ing out the garments. Fancy having
n such article of clothing and taking
it off at bedtime to wash it that it may
dry by morning. Isn't the thought
abominable?"
The long, quivering breath that he
drew smote her painfully, as she felt
that, through her, his heart must ache
a long time, perhaps forever.
She could not look at him. He rose
without speaking. Perhaps he could
not trust his voice.
You are not going, Dick? But per-
haps you haven't been to supper"
Il don't know he faltered. II must
go and finish some work. IL hope
you will not do anything hastily. Rob-
ertine, remember-remember am your
friend-always." Then he went out
and away.
Mrs. Ferris slid the doors ajar and en-
tered.
"Gone at last?" she asked, glancing
through the window at the tall form
crossing the street with slow, dispirited
gait. IF he doesn't look common!"
Robertine had gone to the piano.
Mother she said impatiently. eff
Maj. Drummond proposes again you'd
enough to suit you-especially his tenn
per-"
She could have sobbed aloud, she SO
hated herself. She fancied Richard
ascending to his poor room across the
way-his gray, cherries, pathetic room
and sitting down uncontrolled among
his manuscripts. She could see his pale
face, his sad, brown eyes. She hated
herself, and her mother, and Wilfred
Wales, and all the cruel, bitter world
She tried a strain of Mendelssohn's
music to soothe and strengthen her, and
her mother spoke, as if reminded:
1.-The piano rent is due tomorrow,
Robertine. Don't let me forget;they are
very exacting."
Robertine changed to fierce opera
melodies, and Immediately Mr.. Wilfred
her escape and closed the foldlngg-doors.
81 was fhinEinr of vo1I - cai6 Roh.
ertine sWeetly, and speaking the truth.
"Of me? Is that sol. Then Pm glad"
He pressed her hand with all a lovers
fondness.
Nor was he really so Objectionable
well-built man with a progressing
countenance and a frank, easy speech.
He never romanced, nor paused for
e%xactness, o unfolded quaint dis
coveries, MOI. INDUCED in ben trovdto
poesy, as poor Dick Ethel was wont.
He was a cheerful caller and often
made her laugh; still there were times
when she could as well have yawned.
Poor Dick Ethel might have talked ali
night and never wearied her,
Take the rocking-chair, she begged,
ssand / will sit right here on the sofa.
We can both see the street and feel the
breeze"
Thanks" said Mr.. Wales, twinkling
his great third-6nger diamond by care
less motions Of the hand.
Il say, what do you think? [ I'm go
ing to change hotels"
7Indeed? Why I thought you liked
| your place so much?"
II did, until this morning. Never
was more surprised in my life. What
do you SUPPOSE found in my coffee?"
"a fly,H the young lady suggested.
Not exactly"
"Ihenra rOach?N
ooh, no; dear me, not so bad. But it
was q shred Of something rese milling
cotton..'
"Ol' said Robertine in a relieved
tone. "a piece of the dish-cloth. And
you will change because of that?"
II have serious thoughts. And now,
Robertine-'
She turned to the window and gazed
intently.
What are you looking at?nhe asked.
THAT literary friend Of yours coming
ont across: Clever fellow, isn't he?
Wish could write. But, do youknow,
Robertine, / fancy-thoughI may be
fancy the poorfellow hasn't
got a good tailor
Robertine answered very deliberate
": i think it more probable that he
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