Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1905-06-15
HE roet, his fur lined Overcoat

faced the bitter wind that blew in from
the sea. Hall of dark-red sun was
hidden in the murk Of a winter sky;
the cold was intense, but Gerald was
filled with fine elation as he gazed
over the waste of gray water For
the moment he felt as monarch over
looking his kingdom; he was confident
of viking ancestors; he knew Christine
was watching him; he hoped his nose
was not red. %14 %E. S%0
Christine had explained to him that
the car had been stopped on the cliff
in order that MI, .Finducane might
crawl under it and hit it with ham,
mer. She added that it seemed to her
amean thing to do. But while Gerald
perfected an attitude she was urging
the mechanic to hit harder; the situa-
ton was exposed. In spite, however,
Of her encouragement and advice, it
was considerable time before he
cheerful countenance of Mr.. Finducane
appeared, to announce that he
thought sne'd do now.'', The de-
scendant of the vikings was glad to
tuck his legs under the wraps and find
the distance that separated him from
comfortable fire lessening. II.
Gerald, coming on visit to the
Hartovers. had been met at the station
by the pride and hope of that family
$50 Christine described herself) and
her cousin, Bob Finducane. They, had
whiried the unhappy poet: something
of a lighthouse plant. many miles over
a frozen country, In order, as they ex-
planned, that he might acquire an ap-
petite for his dinner .. &c.. ss..... .. . T..
Al. the previous acquaintance he had
enjoyed with Christine had gone to
show him that she was the only wom-
an in the world whom he could rely
on to make him happy. 1t was his
great purpose to live surrounded by
objects of beauty; his fiat in town was
4 feast for the eye. And Christine
dainty, graceful, laughing Christine
would be strictly in keeping with his
furniture. Y .3 .
After dinner Gerald succeeded in
isolating Christine and himself and
deep gloom settled on Bob Finducane
He could not understand how Chris
tine tolerated the ,fellow-''a miser-
able sort of chap" was Bob's opinion.
christine is getting very friendly
with the celebrated poet" he re-
marked to Mr. Hartover. , .A. ~
yes &%a r. Eff%i
"Heastalked awful rot at dinner, I"
continued Bob, as if seeking the secret
of the poets charm. Said the fret
and hurry of the present day won
der if the car suggested it?-said it
was running society"
Society likes being ruined" said
Mr.. Hartover. cheerfully. ,,@
For himself. he said, he liked soli-
tude and peace. A quiet cavern in
some distant hillside was-was his
ticket. say, wish he'd got one"
It was on the third day, and in the
dusk of the afternoon, that Gerald and
Christine happened to be alone q to-
gether in the drawing-room watching
the flame of great fire leap and
flicker, casting SO cheerful light into
the room that Christine had stoutly
opposed the designs of servant who
had entered with matches. 80
For once Gerald had forgotten the
value of words-his words-and had
sat in silence for some time medita-
lively considering the teacup in his
hands. It was Christine who spoke
first %.
y believe we have both been
dreaming" she said.
Dreams are the wings that bear us
to the pleasant lands, to the castles
and fairy palaces" said the poet
''Or to your cave?" asked Christine.
mo; I was dreaming of a beautiful
house, with bright flowers and old
trees round it; with the sunlight
streaming through great windows
giving life and youth to the fancies OF
dead painters on the walls; a house
filled with the treasures That art gives
y to her servants. and with. above all
Gerald hesitated, for once at loss fol
some effective suggestion. >..
Christine, serenely' obtuse, suggested
the roof.
NO" said Gerald, putting down hi:
teacup and smiling family. some
one to pour out the tea"
The fire had sobered to a brigh
glow; in the shadow Christine sat mo
tionless. Gerald recognized an advan
tage and was preparing to 60 into tn
matter more thoroughly when the doc
was opened. sfs~es
what, all in the dark" came i,
cheerful tones from the doorway.
.Mother!" cried Christine. jumpin,
UP. eve did not expect you until to
morrow"
Mrs. Hartover had not noticed Geral'
in the darkness and for q momen
Christine. little anxious about tn
situation, hesitated to introduce him
A food of light fell on the tw'
through the open door. Gerald stoo