Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1904-12-30

~@N%h Ff%e - - " -
made a capital bronze cup bearer. In
color and figure, always ready to
serve de gemmen."
Mary and / were, getting on very
well. Grandma Steele had taken us to
the pretty table. We Toasted, girl and
boy fashion; / had proposed a philo-
pena. n was about asking for one OF
those pink ribbons, when a party of
gentlemen came In, and suddenly the
air changed. In atmoment It became
evident they had imbibed too freely.
and We're too hilarious for the society
of ladies.
Grandma Steele drew herself up very
tall, proudly so. She smiled and talked,
but her smile was like the frost on a
window pane, and her words were like
bits OF ice striking the sides OF a thin
goblet. In a quick undertone she gave
EPompey to understand the punch bowl
needed replenishing. 1t disappeared as
swiftly as If he had been a prestidigi-
tator; and the black conjuror forgot
to bring 1t back. Clever Pompey!
Mrs. Steele smiled and TESTED gayly,
exchanging badinage in her light
hearted way, and looking very fair and
pretty. She rippled out a merry laugh,
as n young man fell TO his knees
while making a gallant speech over
her extended hand Across Grandma
Steele's face came a fash of color. She
stepped quickly toward her daughter
in-law, exclaiming
Mary! BE careful" but she was
too late. The daring young man was
on his feet. and made a rush for the
now frightened lady. He caught her
tightly In his drunken embrace, and
started To run off with her. The other
men were laughing helplessly, treating
the matter as a huge Joke.
Mary groaned n covered her face
with both hands, and I, in a fury OF
rage, dashed In front of the young man
and tore open his arms with the pow
er M ease of some mighty
Mrs. Steele, thus freeG. fairly flew up
the stairs, her face filed with terror
and distress.
I stood by the newell post n second.
flushed and painting: gazing down in
disgust at the PROSTATE man. Then.
as Pompey lifted the drunkard to his
feet, a volIey of curses, black and deep,
that were intended for me, befouled the
air.
The memory of my mornings pledge
came to MY mind. / walked to the
parlor, and said to the three gentle
mon.
Your friend is i'll. He is in his car
riage. Pompey is waiting at the door.
/ will make our excuses to Mrs.
Steele"
They bowed themselves out in
maudlin fashion; and it 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. | thank
you"
Mr.. Steele came In shortly after that.
Grandma Steele met him at the door.
and his order 60 Pompey, as | went
home, was
1--WE are not at home tonight, Pom
pey."
That same month j went to board
ing school, carrying my lady's color
with me In the shape of a pink hair RIB
bon Mary had worn on New Years
day. Surely. there never was a prouder
knight than /.
Tear Dy yeaT the soou Oid custom
! dwlndled, killed by just such sights as
| had Disguised my young soul. The
/ gorgeous toilettes moderated TO modest
gowns. Luxurious tables shrank &c
trays OF cakes and wine. or cakes and
coffee. Men walked. or rode in street
cars, TO pay their calls. Family re
unions began 10 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 hel
peari-set miniature. Then my hons
was desoiated. My mothers death left
me sad indeed. Mr.. Steele was a kline
friend in my trouble. and when ths
worst was past Mrs. steele showed her.
SELF still merry, chiidlike and young
Mary. alone, / could not fathom.
/ had beer in Paris two years, ant
had correspondent with Mary In frater
nal fashion for more than a twelve
month; when ! suddenly wrote an I'm
passioned letter. telling her Of m.
life's Iove, and imploring her 10 be m.
wife.
She responded briefly. and in tn
tone used through all her letters: !"
thank you for the high compliment.
She wrote. but why not keep on In on
old friendly way?"
This was too much. / was hurt deep
ly. never answered her letter. and re
solved to keep aloof. now and forever
Toward the end OF December i becam
uneasy. and resolved to go home, or
at least, to old New York. We lande'
on New Years eve and on New Year
morning. as the bells OF st. Margaret
were Ginning for service / found my
self opposite Mary's house. looking owe
at the old place. with the same old boy
ish interest.
What a change from the old days
Every shade OF every rouse IN tn
block entirely covered its window. an
on each beil-puli was a tiny baske
fastened with a bunch OF gay ribbons.
was indignant. "A nice way that
argued. mentally. ito treat visitors oil
New Years day" A closed house. In
deed. 1T should open TO me. And tina
basket. Probably 1t was the gift .
some fond lover like the Mayday has
kets of the rolden time. Tied witt
Mary's fayorite color. too. Very well
n would take 1t down and offer her IN,
congratulations. when ] handed her tn
basket.
bell knob a vigorous pull. Old Pompe,
opened the door. He knew me at once
and smiled broadly, a. he aid:
Mis- Mary, she'll be delighted. ri
visits 10 On-reglar. jos whut she likes.
When Mary came she seemed . lftfI
tremuious and confused. I remem