The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-11-04
p |,

CHAPTER |.
valerius Galbraith stood by one of
the pen windows in the drawing room
OF an old-fashioned red brick house
IN Hoxton road. st. Johns Wood, sur
rounded by it's own grounds and
screened from the thoroughfnrc by a
high. bullying, %ivy-topped wall. The
quaint Directoire clock on the white
marble chimnev-piece pointing to 7:30.
showed him he had arrived punctually
to h hour for which he was bid
den. and something of disappointment
n xexation ruttied his expectant mind
on discovering his hostess was not
waiting at the door TO bid him vel
come.
Rather above the middle size and
slight In figure. well-made n graceful
In his movements. he was 4 man whose
presence gave the impression of ele-
gance and distinction. His fair and
rather forid complexion. wavy auburn
hair, broad forehead, prominent blue
eyes, square hin and long light mus
tache. gave him claims to be consid-
cred decidedly handsome. Though
close to 40 years. he scarce looked so,
so free was his face from lines or
wrinkles: so p%erceptible the desire for
pleasure his face betrayed: s. bright
his outlook in life.
The graver cares and deeper sor-
rows ~ existence. If ever known to
1900 shAo tSkA ~ low SbAi ~
freshness of spirit and mental youth
fulness were contagious. Out of the
fulness OF his health he seemed to
strengthen others. Melancholy VAN
shed In his presence, pessimism gave
place to nope at his approach, the sur
hin of his gracious manner bright
ened others, so that he was welcomed
by all and loved by many.
Independent. IL not wealthy. lord Of
himself. without ties or responsibilities.
he had Travelled through every country
OF Europe. obtaining the experiences,
realizing the pleasures which foreign
scenes afford. For by constant o
ment he strove to subdue and to ex-
haust the fear of loneliness, the sense
of restlessness, the pain OF longing.
which. unknown to and unsupported by
the world. had possessed him since
youth and had strengthened with ma
turity.
the east-the land Of color, luxury and
romance. which had ever possessed a
fascination for his Impressions
able temperament-he had come
n companion OF his boy
hood, to her. whom he had loved, whom
he now loved, who with her daughter
were his sole relatives.
AS he gazed ahsently across the gar
den with its grass plots and its flower
beds crowded with early chrysanthe-
NUNS. white bouvardea. and late roses,
looking dim and shadowy in the failing
twilight OF this September evening. he
thousht OF his %past-that idle. profit
Tess. pleasant past, which under other
circumstances and guided by better in
nuences might have been SO different;
nay. might yet be changed, If but the
light and guidance OF the woman he
loved were his: If but her stronger
nature would mould him to her ideal
ana FQtCa him To In~ laval p.% <l--A
he dared not hope would be, no matter
how he longed.
And suddenly, through his day
dream, came the sound Of a soft rustic
OF a dress. and he turned quickly to
meet his hostess as she entered with
a smiling face and outstretched hands.
VIII you forgive meg" she said, and
her gentle voice seemed to sooth the
current OF his mind.
Certainly. | know | am unfashion-
ably punctual," he replied.
II hope you don't say that in re-
proach, remarked Olive Dumbarton.
archly. zone doesn't stand on cere-
mony with relatives. The fact is,
have been so busy correcting proof
sheets that I had no idea is was so late
until veronica came to call me-"
Proofs OF our new novel, I sup
poser" ne said.
Yes. have almost finished Them"
Il congratulate you"
AL. II YOU only knew how t1rcSOme
and stupid the book seems! tremble
when I think OF what the critics may
say"
You have no cause to fear. But
you are oVerwrought, for as usual. I
hard"
That's what DR.. Quave. my friend
a neighbor says. but hen my work
10 the one thing in the world which
elVes me pleasure. and" she added sad
". with the exception Of Veronica, the
only object for which live"
"Oiive!" he exclaimed, a sudden wave
O. emotion overseeing and surrounding
his usual tranquility. the tone in which
ne uttered her name revealing his feel
inEs.
Il she understood this. she made no
sign OF her perception and knowledge.
Here ts Veronica" she said as her
daughter. a girl of seventeen. entered
You grow bigger every time 1 see
!. said Valetus. when by an ef-
shaken hands with the girl.
And more like mother?" she queried.
yes" he answered. rather from a
desire to please her than from a sense
of conviction. THE fact is. olive" he
added. you will have to present her
a. your sister. for no enc viii believe
\ Is your daughter"
X prefer being her daughter" re-
marked Veronica, laughinsly.
Then a servant appearing at the
door: Mrs. Dumbarton said:
Take me to dinner. V%alerius."
And I will bring up the rear" added
Veronica merrily.
The dining room with its panels of
walnut. richly and boldly carved. its
Spanish tapestry. dim with age. its
red and imperial purple. was lighted
by clusters Of candles in scOnces of