Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1904-12-29
Cn.Api'ER vi.
DESPAIR.

DESPAIR
Iii Il few minutes after the snake Incl.
.icnt Janet was as bright as usual, but
John seemed cast down and troubled.
Janet noticed this and rallied him on
it. why. John, you look as troubled US
if the snake had bitten me-"
IL am troubled at the careless way in
which you expose yourself, and brogan
boots are not always at hand for such
emergencies"
''Well, You know 1t is very dull here.
and Il real live adventure is something
to boast Of
Perhaps you think so. but others do
not. ana adventures of this kind do not
leave behind very pleasant memories for
most people. and then just think of the
terrible consequences if anything should
befall you.''
III rather imagine the terrible conse-
qucnces would be confined to me" airiN
responded Janet. John looked very grave
as he answered.:
"fou are cruelty unjust in malSil !;
that speech. You very well know that
you are the idol of the whole place, and
oaAeto AAs$AAA w yCd NOultt UC do IL ttdHpCT
planted in every one of our hearts. and
such talk is both unlSind and unjust
'John lIewson, you have turned into
regular scold: but that is the way with
some people. Let them do you Il little
service. and. biff! they feel entitled to
lecture you forever and day after
wards This was said in very petu-
mt tone. John had been standing
1iet'y. during this slSirmishing but
ncw he faced around with flashing eve
md compressed lips, with his whole soul
aroused. "Thnt is not true, Janet
iregory. and you know it. Have l men,
Toned any service that ever did vouo
lave not been at your beck and cali
soryears? Have ever asked anything in
'etrrn? | love you better than my own
lie. iave studied hard TO get lxnowl-
'dGe that might get nearer to YOU
nave toiled to get money that might
yet nearer to you: the one thought in
ny mind. the one affection OF my heart.
'as been you. | could humble myself
il the dust for your love. for even a
slight return of my unbounded love, and
because ] show a little anxiety about
your personal safety you turn on me
with petulance and sarcastic speech
Duridg the delivery of this speech.
Iane's- face was IL curious study: for a
moment she seemed startled and even
frightened at Johns unwonted vehe-
n''i.ve. but the next moment she was up
II arms. Pride. resentment, vexation.
amusement. scorn. all followed in rapid
SUGGESTIONS by the time John was done
'pealSing. the spoiled beauty was ready.
"Whc gave you any right to set your
'elf up rs my lover? You forget yourself.
shen you talk about love in connection
With daughter of Col. Henry Gregory.
You, Il nobody that he picked up tramp
ng along the road, and because YOU
,ave been admitted to privileges be-
1ond your station, you do like all these
common people, imagine yourself equal
o your betters."
With the first crtting sentence the
young mans heass dropped, and, at the
closing words..,vithout word or look,
ne turned .ihd walked wearily away.
As Janet looked after his retreating fig
Ire. a-vivid impression came to her that
'h,- had cruelty hurt IL strong man, and
nany time in after life did her mental
'ision recall the picture; but she was
lot ready to repent yet, though she
snew in her heart that she had said
more than she intended.
Janet was not of cruel disposition.
'nly foolishly proud. She rode home,
md straightway told the whole story to
her mother, who was very much
.roubled about it, as she had a sincere
'egard for the young man, and did not
are to have his feelings wounded even
.hough she might not care to have him
IS son-in-law. AS John did not ap-
bear at the supper table, and no one
Snew anything about him, the colonel
sent one of the servants to his room,
Who reported him absent. Whereat, the
colonel, supposing him belated some
Where in ranging after stock, was go
ng ahead contentedly with his supper
when happening to look up he noticed
.he troubled look on his wife's face, and
Ter glance OF reproach at Janet. He at
'nce OWNED that something was
rrong. but. prudent man that he was
.sa'ted until supper was over. when
alling his wife into his den he give
ler. a seat, took one himself, and said,
'esignedly:
Let us hear it all, wife. see there
5 trouble and ! suppose, as usual,
woman IS at the bottom of it, Mrs.
.regory, without commenting on the
SUR at her sex, recited the whole story.
iregory, though proud man, was also
Just one. and he was quivering with
Indignation when his wife finished her
account "Saved her life, to be insulted
IKE dog, and calls herself my daugh-
ter. Where is the jade2n
No, colonel said Mrs. Gregory,
quietly but firmly. you must not see
Janet Tonight. You are aroused and she
: already repentipg; she has gone to
"a v-<~<~~