The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-03-11

That is the reward for her roman
:ic and pastoral tastes" and she
aughed till the tears dripped down
aer cheeks. Her hair was still black,
and neither paint not sticking plaster
narred the whiteness OF her skin. I
asked no questions, but regarded more
closely the young woman with whom
! now drtfted naturally into conversa-
lion. Her manners were strikingly
rec and unconstrained. There was,
however, an air of reserve, Of dignity
y majesty even-about her, despite
srankness, which forbade anything but
The utmost Difference.
Does my lord understand-that2"
and she pointed her finger to the SER
wants who We're chasing and captur-
ng he refractory sheep one by one.
I shook my head, for. In all serious
aess, 1t was a queer proceeding.
Well, it's too merry a jest to keep
long a secret. Beside Tn weary Of
these eternal shackles Of court which.
Forbid me to speak to those whom I
please" A certain defiance gave an
undercurrent of sadness to her voice,
1 mounting rebellion to her tone.
"And I will talk II I want to; there's
no harm, Is there?"
I gravely assured her not. and Won
aered what was coming.
We'll, you see," she dried her Eyes
On a handkerchief of costliest lace,
''yo see my-that is, the duchess is OF
such q romantic temperament, so en-
amored Of rural scenes. idyl1ic mead
ows, pretty shepherdesses, and the like
ali the court makes merry at her fol-
Die. She thought to astonish Paris to-
night by a lavish display OF sweet SIM
plicity-dtd Monsieur see lit That big
dark place there, behind the glass par
tition, was arranged as a meadow,
with a stream winding thorugh it, and
rocks and trees, and what not. She had
q flock of sheep washed clean and
white, penned up in waiting. AT a
signal from her during the ball, lights
were to have been turned on, and Ma
iemoiselle, the pretty opera singer, was
TO come gracefully down a curYing
pathway, dressed as q shepherdess,
singing and leading her sheep. Oh, 1t
was to be too pure for this earth. The
duchess fretted for the opportune
time. But the sheep escaped from their
keepers, and, oh, isn't 1t too ludi-
GROUSE"
Thus she chartered on with the naive
freedom of any other young demoi-
seile. I agreed with her, and was In
wardly glad the affair turned out an
accident, for were this the custom Of
balls I'd go to no others.
We continued to chat gayly together;
she was of a lively wit, and surprised
me by her knowledge Of dogs and
of firearms. Odd tastes for q gentle
woman. most of all for one OF her ex-
allied rank. OF this latter I had no
doubt. I knew zone Of the people h
mentioned. nothing of the drawing
room gossip, and she very naturally
remarked.
MY lord is a Stranger"
.| st0 r1xy yyoCtarSQu <. tn III % MI u ~ r = 20
sented."
From what place comes my lord?"
and for the second time i n a day I was
driven to a direct lie.
from Normandy" I replied.
ITO live in PARISH"
mo, unfortunately: my affairs will
be finished in a few days at most, Then
pensive for a space, hesitated in a
perplextty and then spoke
doubtfully.
you can be Of service to me IL you
will"
I Immediately signifled my willing
ness to render her aid, in the courtli-
est speech I could muster. She looked
again pursued the subject Of her
thought.
TT is a mere woman's whim, but I
crafty my whims. Perchance it is not
a proper wish for q lady Of birth, yet
| have 1t, and II you VIII but aid me,
l viii carry 1t
Moved as much by curiosity as by
any other motive, ! inquired OF her
what so eight q matter could be.
Come, let US go into this ante-room
that We may undisturbe bed"
she said, and led me into a quiet corner
where there were seats. l would nave
thoughtlessly taken a place by her
side, forgetful OF Jerome's teachings,
but she commanded coldly:
Monsieur Will stand"
And | stood.
You are a stranger In Paris. you
seem to be a man Of honor; for those
reasons l choose you. | would not care
to have one OF my gentlemen know
what l wish to DO. All Paris would
talk of 1t tomorrow. We in h palace
see naught of the common people, and
I have long dreamed 1t would be q
brave to go among
them, to their ms and gathering places.
| have always desired to know more
Of our Paris, especially n place which
/ hear mentioned frequently OF late.
My position will not permit me to visit
it ~openly-you understand.
1 protested tina knowing naught of
the streets l snoulu De Dut q pima
guide -.a-|& 2EE .--#s sW ~