Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1905-10-20

made note of the address with eyes
grown misty.
She put Off the evil day until Sunday
and decided to enjoy to the full her
last day of the fairy gift which was to
vanish so soon. She slipped a narrow
black ribbon on the watch and reck-
lessly wore it all day. She did not
dare Il look at it or exhibit it to the
girls, but the knowledge that it was
ticking steadily in her belt brought
comfort.
"Can see the lady-the N who
lost her watchT'' she asked, and she
was at once shown into a o with
luxurious appointments. There was a
log fire In the crate, with comfortable
lounging chairs and books in every
available space. 1t carried Myra back
to those other days 10Y dim In her
memory.
"You have found my watch? How
| glad I amp The speaker came close
Z, Myra, with outstretched hands and
eager smile. She was as beautiful as
any of the women whom Myra served
during business hours.
The girl laid the watch in the others
hand. Surely with all Miss Shepherd
possessed she could have spared this
toy, but it was hers, and she must have
Ii.
at was my mothers" said Miss
| Shepherd softly. '"That is why l can
not thank you enough. And you will
accept this little acknowledgement
she said, trying to press a roll of bills
into Myra's clenched hand.
NO. said Myra. ITS yours. |
want nothing"
"But | promised a liberal reward"
"And l had it-all the week. The
watch was such good company" She
did not mention the picture.
And to all Miss Shepherds argu-
ments and e~ntreaties Myra reiterated
mo" The picture held her firm. She
could not take the money for that.
In the end she allowed herself to
be persuaded to remain until the rain
ceased and to drink a cup Of tea.
Here's Tom. You must meet him!'
exclaimed her hostess proudly as the
door swung open and there entered the
original of the photograph.
One look from Myra, and then her
lashes dropped in embarrassment. The
others discussed the watch and its re-
covery. At first Myra could scarcely
follow what they said, but they were
so kind, so full of interest about her
and her little experiences, that she
soon found herself chatting freely and
laughing at Toms funny sayings; still
she rose in trepidation to find how
late it had become.
Tom (she had not discovered his 9th
err name) insisted that as his automo-
bile was at the door he would take her
home.
"Oh, mol" gasped Myra in distress,
turning to her hostess. I'D rather
take a car"
Don't you like motorsT' questioned
Miss Shepherd kindly.
"I've-I've never tried one," admit
ted Myra,
''Then that settles It," exclaimed
| Tom, and Myra found herself hurried
to the door, with Miss Shepherd exact
ing a promise that she would come
again.
"Yes, dor urged Tom as they went
down the steps. 'She really means 1t.
Isn't she jollyT
"she's very kind. How happy she
must be--so pretty and such a beauti-
full home, and-and you
Myra had not meant to say that at
all. 1t just slipped out.
"You bet. She's the best sister that
ever a fellow had"
"Your sisterY' stammered Myra, and
somehow in her surprise she nearly
missed the step of the motor car, but
Tom caught her.
"Of course. What else did you
| think?'
Myra felt her face flush hotly. She
trembled a little, but she did not say
Just what she thought. In fact. she
did not tell him until the following
Christmas. Tom had presented Myra
| with what had once been the desire OF
her heart, a gold watch.
IL can't take anything so hand.
some" she had said, shaking her head
earnestly.
Tom only laughed. The case few
back. and there was the one face In all
the world for Myra.
Sweetheart, I claim a liberal re-
ward said Tom. "Please take me
too"