The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-09-08

"a man can make his way better irs
the world shan . woman, Wisanot."
Nonsense" The solicitor spoke in
irritation. You have been accustomed
to wealthy surroundings all our life
and Olivia Fame hasn't-Charles Fame
thrift who died in a gambling den. leav-
ing his daughter an orphan With $40 q
yea to live on. She Is accustomed to
genteel poverty and"
Give me the will, Wilmot! There
must be some clause about her In It,"
There is none. Look for YOURSELF"
Fol- a there was silence. then
the stiffness was broken by the sharp
wrench OF tearing paper. silenced only
by the sudden sound OF Wilmot's voice
eNclaiminE:
Are you mad, or a fool. to destroy
that will"
Neither, I am perfectly sane 1 as
sure you"
What the dickens did you do it for??"
Because l love Olivia. old man-and,
we'll. after all, l am only a usurper."
a sudden dizziness seemed to seize
Olivia as she listened to Mallard's con-
fession. Her eyes We're dimmed with
happy tears as she braced herself to-
gether to enter the room.
You are a fool. man." retoretd the
s~ollcitor-"a Q%ulxotic fool. Can't you
see that the girl hates every bone In
your body?"
DO you think. Wiluot. that could
enjoy my wealth knowing that the
l love is pressed for money,
which should be hers by right"
With a smile Of contempt the solic-
itor turned away as Miss Fane entered
the room.
MIR. Mallard." she said. IL overheard
some of your conversation and cannot
allow o to give up everything IN my
favor. After my conduct you should
hate me. Why do you treat me so gem
erously?"
Because am just before all things"
he replied in a low. strained voice.
rs that the only reason?" she quer-
led. approaching him and resting her
slim fingers on his arm. rs that the
only reason. Mr.. Mallard?"
He gaZed down at the lovely face up
turned to his. at the deep violet eyes
which seemed to urn their way into
his very brain. Seductive as she has
always appeared to him. Olivia had
never appeared so Irresistible as at that
moment.
rs that not a sufficient reason, Miss
ane lie replied with d visible effort.
turning away his head.
Not when l said-that I listened to
your conversation outside the door. be-
fore I came H." she said tremblinEly.
You told MIR. Wilnot the true reason
of this quixotic folly-won't you tell me.
too"
"Do.'t you realize what you are ask
ing me to say" he cried hoarsely,
facing her.
II am asking you to tell me-that
you-love mel" she whispered. Wont
you-Dick?"
Tor a brief second silence reigned,
hen Mallard gathered her up in his
arms and imprinting kiss after kiss on
her resistless lips. said pa~ssionately:
My beautiful darling. does the being
exist who, once having seen you. does
not?"
Il don't know ard don't care" she
cried. laughing with happiness as she
lay ~contentcdly in his arms. Il am
only thankful that you do. dearest. for
l have loved you ever since 1 pryed
into your affairs and-read that letter
from MIR. Wi!mot."
Good old chap" cried Mallard hllar-
iously. Hes one me the best days
work which he is ever likely to do me.
so I'm hanged II I don't stand him the
best bottle OF champagne that is in
your cellar. dearest"
Your cellar, Dick" she cried mer-
rily. It's your house, o know,
dear"
Il beg your pardon-it is your house."
replied Mallard stubbornly.
Shall we split the difference. then.
and SAVIOUR house?' asked Olivia.
happily, glancing up mischievously up
at him, as she raised her lips tempting
ly to his.
Being a mere man, he failed to reply.
but took the lint.