The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1904-11-10

ttu WIN tfaFN, unu 4 coulu not sec diN-
tinctly: but I was sensible that n Won
an dressed In black was kneeling behind
me. She started back. half fcnrfnlly.
rs ! moved; but something In my face
seemed 10 reassurc her. for the next mo
mcnt she again advanced. I brushed
away my tears, rose to my feet and look-
ed nj her.
She seemed about twenty; her figure
very slight; n sweet. pale, melancholy
face: aud light. golden hair, that fell In
natural rinclcts down upon her Shout.
ders. While I looked. n thrill ran
through me. WAS I drcamingl-hnd my
troubles affected my braini No, II was
she. Ny eager looks again frightened
her.
II heard you sobbing. and ! thought
you were ILL.," she said. timidly. 'ls
there anything I can do for your IL
not. pray pardon my intrusion"
She drew further away from me as
she spoke. No; l could doubt no more.
That soft. musical voice. that had haunt.
cd me In my slecp-whosc tones had new
er ceased rcverbcrnting in my soul. from
the hour in which l had first heard them
was still the same. although the face
and form had grown older.
do you not remember mcy' I cried,
in a trembling. eager voice.
She thought ] was mad. and n look OF
fear crcpt over her. but no sign OF rec
ognltion.
'Do you not remember Bury Sc. Ed
mund's--thc night | met you under the
old g~atcxny--ivc years next month =
AT the mention OF Bury ST. Edmund's
I could see her face culver. She paused
for a moment after I had finished speak
ing; then she came close 10 me n look
~ steadfastly into ms face.
Yes: Il is the same she said. In n
low voice. How strange that W. should
meet sgain! l have often thought OF
you"
II have never ceased thinking OF you!"
I answered. And l could not help my
tons being n passionate one.
she did not appear 20 remark my
manner. but seemed half lost In reveric.
We were now walking away from that
dismal spot; the keepers were clearing
tho park.
"Do you know" she said. speaking
suddenly, that l thought you were GO
ing to throw yourself into the canal. and
that was why l spoke TO your Your
eyes were fixed with such a strange look
upon the water. and you were moaning
sadly"
l shuddcrcd. Already. the thought OF
my meditated crime terrified me. The
despair was lifted OF my heart in the
last few moments. and life seemed worth
preserving. after NIL.
She seemed 10 read my guilt in my
telltnlc looks.
But for yOu. / should now be lying
NJ the bottom Of that cnnnll' I ansvrcr-
They relieved my sudden revulsion OF
feeling.
And I have saved you from such a
wicked deed! IL makes me so happy 60
So." she murmurcd. But why did
you wish 10 drown yourselfT' she asked.
because my life was SO wrctched. so
observation-disclosures | have no friends.
employment, no hoper' l answered,
mournfully.
II have no friends" she answered. In
n sad voice: but | have never wished
to destroy myself: IL would be no wick
'oh. / will never think Of IL again.
! said. eagerly.
But II you have no friends and no
employment, you must want money. I
n good deal. IL will please me so much
il you take H."
This was said In such n simple plead
ing tone, so unconscious OF ~offensc. that
Il could not have mortified the most SEN
delicacy. But | could not accept
please not 10 ask me; / cannot take
H." I said.
We walked on until we came 20 a
street or small. pretty houses.
II live there she said. pointing %
one which appeared 10 have been re-
Gently built. Il am late tonight: Mrs.
Wilson will wonder where I am"
as she your sister," l asked, haz-
arding n guess.
"oh. no-my landlady. As l told you.
I have no friends"
"How very remarkable the coincidence
has beeny" / said, after m awkward
pause. "Do you remember when FIRST
we metz
"You must not talk Of that. please"
she interrupted. hastily. with n shud.
der: nor set me thinking OF that time.
or | shall sec them all night In my sleep.
But I must wish you good night"
"And shall I not sec you ngainy' I
said. m~ournfully.
"You shall come and see me. II you
like" she said. i%nnocently; but added.
next moment. In a doubtful tone. II do
know what Mrs. Wilson win say
about Il. Perhaps Il Is wrong. She
knows all these things so much better
than l do"
My c~ountenance fell. and she obssrv-
cd IL, for she went on In a compassion
tone: But IL IL 50 hard TO have ma
friend-no one to speak To. and no en-
! am so much better OF thar
sSu! | have n good. kind friend TO talk
q. and Co be- good To me. in Mrs. VIII
and then | have plenty OF work.
You shall come and see me, aud Ill coax
TO be good To you"
IL was now quite dark. | could have
fingered there all night listening to her
voice. gazing upon her face. But she
held ont her hand. | pressed IL. and
m rtel.