The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1904-03-11

Ter cheeks. Her hair was still black,
md neither paint not sticking plaster
MARRIED the whiteness of her skin. l
asked no questions, but regarded more
closely the young woman with whom
now drifted naturally into converse
ion. Her were ~strikingly
rec n unconstrained. There was,
however, an air of reserve. of dignity
Of majesty even-about her, despite
,rankness, which forbade anything but
he utmost Difference.
Does my lord understanding"
md she pointed her finger to the SER
wants who were chasing and captur-
ng the refractory sheep one by one.
| shook my head. for. in all serious
leSs. 1T was a queer proceeding.
We'll, it's too merry a Jest to keep
iong a secret. Beside I'm weary of
these eternal shackles of court which
forbid me to speak to those whom 1
please A certain defiance gave an
~lndercurrent of sadness to her voice,
1 mounting rebellion to her tone.
And I will ak If 1 want to; there's
no harm, is there?"
l gravely assured her not. and Won
Tered what was coming.
well, you see she dried her eyes
IN a handkerchief of costliest lace,
'yo see my-that is, the duchess is of
such Il romantic temperament, so en-
lmored of rural scenes. idyllic mead
Iows, pretty shepherdesses, and the like
all the court makes merry at her fol-
ole. She thought to astonish Paris to-
night by 81 lavish display of sweet sim
plicity-did Monsieur see it2 That big
lark place there, behind the glass par
tition, was arranged as a meadow.
with a stream winding Thorough 1t, and
rocks and trees. and what not. She had
4 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, II Ma
lemoise!lc, the pretty opera singer, was
TO come gracefully dOwn a curving
pathway, dressed as q shepherdess,
singing and leading her sheep. Oh, it
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 it too ludi-
GROUSE"
Thus she chartered on with the naive
freedom of any other young demoi-
selle. / agreed with her, and was in
Wardly glad the affair turned out an
accident, for were this the custom of
balls Id go to no others.
We continued to chat gayly together;
she was of a lively wit, n surprised
me by her knowledge of dogs and
horses. of the chase. Of sword play and
of firearms Odd tastes for a gentle
woman, most of all for one OF her eX-
allied rank. Of this latter 1 had nc
doubt. / knew none of the people she
mentioned. nothing of the drawing
room gossip, and she very naturally
remarked.
My lord is a Stranger"
Only yesterday in Paris" I as
sented.".
From what place comes my lord?'
and for the second time in a day l was
driven to a direct lie.
From Normandy" 1 replied.
ITO live in Paris?"
mo, unfortunately; my affairs will
be finished in a few days at most. Then
| return to the country The lady was
pensive for a space, hesitated in q
pretty perplcxity and then spoke
doubtfully.
You can be of service to me if you
will
l Immediately signiied my willing.
ness to render her aid, in the Courtli,
est speech 1 could muster. She looked
at me long and seriously again, ther
again pursued the subject Of he
thought.
TT is a mere woman's whim. but
crafty my whims. Perchance it is no
a proper wish for a lady of birth, We
I have it, and if you will but aid me
| will carry it through"
Moved as much by curiosity as by
any other motive, I inquired of he1
what SO weighty a matter could be.
Come, let us go into this ante-roon
tina we may converse undisturbed,'
she said, and led me into a quiet corner
where there were seats. 1 would have
thoughtlessly taken Il place by hel
side, forgetful of Jerome's teachings
but she commanded coldly:
"Monsieur will stand"
And l stood
'YOu are q stranger in Paris, you
| seem to be q man of honor; for those
reasons / choose you. 1 would not care
to have one of my w gentlemen know
what l wish to do. All Paris would
talk Of it tomorrow. We in the palace
see naught of the common people, ant
l have long dreamed 1t would be {
brave adventure to go unknown among
them, to their n n gathering places
l have always desired to know more
Of our Paris, especially n place which
I heal mentioned frequently Of late
My position will not permit me to visi'
it openly-you understand.
l protested that knowing naught o.
the streets I should be but a blinC
guide.
Il know where I would CO." she said
determinedly, brushing aside the diff.
ficulties / would suggest, " and l will
go; you will so too"
l was vastly troubled at this, fol-
might it not lead to such another es-
capade as came so near costing ms
dear? Hell eyes fixed full upon me
her voice blended a command which nc
man dared disobey, with an entreaty
which rome would willingly run coun-
ter to. and I gave reluctant assent.
Will you await me here?" she de.
handed rather than asked. my
apartments are in this building. I viii
return very briefly"
When the lady came back she would
never have been taken for a woman
her long cloak, such as men wore
reached to her boots, Identical in al
respects with my own. Her hat, plume
and sword We're correct and bravely
worn. Her maid, a tritle nervous ovel
the adventure, but who said nothing
bore a similar cloak for me, and helc
two masks in her hands.
will my lord throw this abou'
him?" and without any question I as,
sumed the cloak.
Nov, this" and she handed me {
mask While she affixed one about he
own face.
1 demurred to the mask.
Il will not take my lady upon an err
rand where we a not show on,
faces"
She laughed merrily. and replied: at
is the way of Paris, my lord, AM
naught Is thought of it. Many lord.
! and ladies wish to keep their face
h. from The canaille."
/ drew a breath Of resignation ant