The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1904-12-30

the matter as n huge Joke.
Mary 2roaned and covered her face
with both hands, and I, in n fury of
rage, dashed in front of the young man
and tore open his arms with the pow
er and ease OF some mighty avenger
MIS-. Steele thus freed. fairly flew I'D
the stairs, her face filled with terror
and distress.
I stood by the newell post a second
flushed and painting; gazing down In
disgust at the PROSTATE man. Then.
as Pompey lifted the drunkard to his
feet, volley of curses. black and deep.
that We're intended for me, befouled the
air.
The memory OF my mornings pledge
came to my mind. l walked to the
parlor, and said to the three gentle
mem
Your friend is i'll. He is in his car
riage. Pompey is waiting at the door
VIII make your excuses to Mrs.
Steele
They bowed themselves out in
naudlin fashion; and II was the proud :
est moment Of my life when Grandma
Steele laid her hand on my yellow head
and said. quietly:
My boy! My little protector. I thank
you"
Mr.. steele came in shortly after that.
Grandma Steele met him at the door,
ana his order to Pompey, Us l went
home, was:
We are not at home tonight, Pom
pey.'
That same month I went to board
ing school. carrying my ladys color
with me in the shape OF a pink hair rib
bon Mary had worn on New Years
day. Surely, there never Was proucler
knight than |.
Year by year the good old custom
dWindled; killed by just such sights as
had disguised my young soul. The
gorgeous tollettes moderated to modest
gowns. Luxurious tables snrank to
trays of cakes aul wine. or cakes and
coffee. Men walked. on rode in street
cars. to pay their calls Family re-
unions began to be popular. Still /
made my annual call on Mary and her
mother, and grew no nearer.
The stately Grandma had passed
away. and Mary sometimes wore her
pearl~set miniature. Then my home
was desolated. My mothers death left
me sad indeed. Mr. Steele was a kind
friend III my trouble, and when the
worst was past Mrs. Steele showed her
self still merry, childlike ana youlg.
Mary, alone I could not fathom.
I had beer in Paris two years, and
had correspondent With Mary in frater-
nal fashion for more than twelve
I,5e,ic,,oG latta'. .af,ir,r 49,,
| iira,e Inc ~, fn,rIo,,;,,E 1,',,. ~. ~.
t-;ra 20 49, ~ ~ '-''
She responded briefly, ard in the
tone used through all her letters: Il
thank you for the nigh compliment .
5t ~ ,',,' N.Y. NsIi' III IL 'oi
~ .-.,,
80 ",'a ~ -, - W - ~ CSs
$3.50. i, - ni.'N - - ''st i5'.ei, al,' ~
eu 80 fep "., Wv i1gM %.pl ,oL *,
io"alu Iite elto ~ Decei'ipeI l became
u'JaSs. a-iH 80 ga 20 20 4o',le, oi
d. I , - W" NV 81 n. w { t,IHueu
va Nv go - az ~, Wv J 20.
i,'oi "hlife, az "a oei's " - Mal aiet
W. Cll'l!llls iti SCI zee loun4 ny
Seu oppoSlle N'"tH : house. LOOKING over
- ne olu p'S'ce' Win 'lte same o!u oos
isn interest.
:, W nat a cl'An6e rom me Oh" GAYS vs.
EVERY Shaue Oh every mouse on 'ne
block entifelT covered It's window. ana
on caeh nenopn.l Vas Is a tillx "a Ske,
fastened WIN Il puilch OF gay rlopotls.
Was llalsiiant; a nice way tnat,
~ -, ueX, ~ 49, 49,, N,s,.ol Ui
| dead, - sIso,,i omar - 40, "a +,,a
basket probably If vas tha oft OF
some fond love-, like rho AIav(iay has.
lats of the olden time, Tied witt
Mary.s fayorite color. too, VERY vel,
/ | would take If down and offer her my
CONGRATULATIONS. when handed her the
basket,
So | mounted the steps and gayo The
bell knob a vigorous pull. old Pompey
opened the door. He knew me at once
and smiled broadly, as he said:
Miss Mary, she'l be delighted. Di
visits so on-reglar; ics whut she likes
When Mary came she seemed littl
tremulous and confused. remem
bered the basket. 1t had fallen to tn
floor. l pounced upon it yiciously. Il
it lay card:
"NIr. Stewart Kingsley"
Mary" l gasped; .:surelv YOU ar