The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-03-31

CluintOn QuaNe, looking shy and ner-
vous, came to tell Olive Dumbarton
that, just having been taken into part
nership by his father he was now in
a position to marry.
Il heartily congratulate you, Quin-
ton she said warmly.
"Oh. thank you! thank YOU" he ex-
claimed, feeling fresh courage to con-
tinue. And you know. l hope, there's
only one girl | wish to marry"
Il should be shocked to hear you in
tended to marry two or three" replied
Olive, who could not keep from laugh
ing.
Quinton laughed likewise.
Il fear | am rather foolish" he Stam-
mered; but what | meant to say was
l love no one | never have loved any
one, but Neronica-and-and-
She knows this, l suppose" Mrs.
Dumbarton said.
"Oh, yes. I'm sure she does at least
strove to let her know that I cared
for her above everyone else
And do you think she loves you?"
L hope you won't think me con-
aeited when l say l fancy she does.
And that's the reason I've come to
ask your permission to marry her"
Olive Dumbtaron leaned back in her
chair. IL pensive lool; upon her face as
she remembered her own early mar
riage.
that you don't dislike me- Quinton
said. alarmed by the silence which had
succeeded his last speech.
No, indeed, Quinton, l like you
very much You are awfully good
But you are very young, and YER
Onica is younger still"
I'VE grow older every day, you
know" he said, as solemnly as if he
We're for the first time asserting a
great truth.
LAS yet you are a mere boy, and she
Il mere girl, and neither of you can
be expected to known your own minds" "
"Oh, Mrs. Dumbarton." he replied
hurriedly. and with a tone of reproach.
Pardon me, but you make a mistake.
| am quite resolved to marry Veronica
and no one se. You don't understand
how | love her.
She smiled at his earnestness.
And | don't think Veronica Will ever
marry any man but me-" he added
proudly. She told me she wouldn't"
You have settled it between you?'
practically. We felt sure you. who
have always been so good and kind,
would not stand in the way of our
happiness"
Nor shall l. Quinton; but want to
make sure your love is not fancy. 1t
! would be a terrible thing for one or
/ both of you to wake some day to the
! knowledge that what you thought was
reality turned out to be illusion"
Yes" he answered, impressed by the
! gravity of her voice, that would be Il
terrible thing, but l cannot imagine it
happening to Veronica or to me, for
I love her very dearly, and SHE But
what test can l give you?"
Time is the only test which can be
employed. Become engaged for twelve
months. and then if you and she are
still of the same opinion, you can
marry
Twelve months is a long time" he
said regretfully. and 1 thought-but
never mind it won't be long passing if
we may see each other continually
Thank you, l can't tell you how happy
you have made me. l will go and tell
Veronica now and starting up, he
went towards the garden, where he
knew the girl was waiting for him.
| She was walking impatienty up and
down the path at the lower end, under
the trees, whose boughs We're in full
| LEAKAGE, but as she saw him advancing
she paused, her face white and anxi
Gus.
How long you have been. I thought
! you were never coming to tell me
What has mother Said?" Veronica eX-
claimed in nervous Impotence, as he
drew near.
she says we must be engaged fol
twelve months before we may marry
she does! Oh, Quinton. l car
! hardly believe it, can you?" she said
her trembling voice ready to break into
tears or laughter
| What, dearest?'
THAT we are engaged"
I'VE haven't entered into our engage
ment yet, you know. That always be-
gins with a kiss.
Must ours?" she asked, pcuting
prettily. even while she raised hel
flushed face to his.
A second later she cried out:
''Ah. you have taken three"
Yes" he answered laughingly--
| that's for luck
THE END