The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1903-09-04
the turn Of that shoulder in the dining

Yes. Beastly place"
1.-THE west?"
The dining room" EE ~
when you arn't hungry, yes. Well
well, old man, this ifs q treat. 4 an
amazingly glad to see you.'
"Thanks-eh-Osborn Yes, you arr
Osborn"
The same-Charlie Osborn, at. YOU
service, sir. Dick, you are gazing de.
jectedly upon the happiest man in the
world"
Inherited a fortune?"
why man alive, I'm getting mar.
ried tonight. Swell affair al. old st
Johns, over town, you know. Party
out for a last seaside frolic and all
that. Going in on a special train, you
know. Join us, old man, come in al
the eleventh hour, as it were, and share
the fun"
The man from the west frightened
why, certainly. Fact is, you know
Osborn, I've come home on a similar
Grand" And the two men shook
hands warmly.
sly old dog! Well, a fellow feeling
and that, you know. Stay at home,
will you?"
Don't know. You live in the old
town."
mo place like 1t. Bought the old
Jasper place and remodeled the house.
Fine property. Bought 1t for Rather
ines sake. She is very fond of it," He
spoke with-a sort of glow in his voice.
He was large and fair with a tender
heart that looked out at his laughing
eyes.
The other man suddenly stiffened.
The old Jasper place." he repeated.
"On the corner of Spring and Pop.
lar-across from the park, you know.
We are coming back after a short
northern trip" He laughed softly.
There was no sympathy in his friends
.isunburnt face. But the light WAS dim
in the lilac walk.
You are-marrying Katherine Jas
PERI" The man from the west stood
with his back to the light.
Why, to be sure, 1 thought I told
you. Prettiest woman l ever saw.
I'm surprised that she'd look at me.
Remember her. don't your
Yes. am stupid-see you later,
Charlie" and he turned sharply away,
followed by a long, low whistle that
maddened him. He was glad that
Charlie had not called her by her pet
name, the pretty, caressing little name
that he loved.
He went down to the sea and walked
up and down the beach while the lit
tie waves whispered and died at his
feet. After long hours the moon rose
from the ruddy waters. He heard a
late train come out. from town. IT
would be going back after awhile. He
might as well take it and catch a n
early express and get back to the west
and the comfortable forgetfulness
from which he had come to this Bit
ter disappointment. 81 ~
II.
He hurried back to the hotel, found
a sleepy porter and sent his baggage
the station, paid his bill, shook him
self and turned his face to the west.
He had choice between the wide
bricked walk to the front gate and the
sandy path that was bordered by lilacs
1t wound around the old house and
through the garden to aiittle tumble
Town gate half way to the station.
hesitated and chose the path. The
garden was damp and tangled and
sweet. Moonlight, white and clear,
oathed 1t in unearthly glory.
Before him he saw the CLEAN of a
white dress. A woman met him. He
leld out his hand. His blood danced
and he was used to having it
low steadily. Thought. you were
n town." he said, a curious ring in
lis voice.
Il was" she answered simply, show
ng no surprise at his manner of greet
ng. 81 returned on the last train.
The others are sleeping in town. There
a a wreck and the wedding trip
ant begin till morning. Weddings
re rather tiresome. We expected
'ou."
Tt was quite unavoidable"
Il understand, Of course. Still /
ather expected you.'
II had known that you cared"
She interrupted him quickly: !"
idn't, specially. Charlie told me that
e had met you and asked you to the
1edding."
He leaned toward her, his ewes
tern. did you think I would g,o?.
Her chin went up a little. 1T was
yer when he told me-"
ut was?" Between set teeth. .Blt.
dare say you'd have gone with him
lst the same if he had told you be-
ore."
II suppose So" she answered wear
y. rs it not a little chilly? u had on
Raglan over my wedding garment,
ut I left 1t in the hall. I shall have /!
, be going In It was q lovely we'd
Osborn will belooking for you," he
She laughed. softly. mo, he is in
you know. Bnt I must not stay
longer. Good night"
1T is good-by, he said. II am 60
- a .n,nx - IS n .I.~ No.. 49, AIHyeSsT& sTEsaiE