The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1905-07-13
TINT PnE TIE
Nb77Z2Z44NB.

IN response To her young mistress
Vow, then, my beauty" the IIttls
woman was conscious OF n dIStinct
feeling OF relief when the hedge was
passed safely and the sharp. Jagged
drop NJ the other side was cleared in
the animafs safe plodding way. She
was settling herself In her saddle with
determined resolution to be In nj IN,
death. when she heard a sharp. crash
ing sound behind her. and, turning her
head, saw with a feeling OF horror i'm
possible TO describe that Vixen had
failed her master. just at the most
critical moment.
The poor beast had caught her hind
legs In the hedge. and although sh,
made a gallant attempt To right her
SELF IL was all In vain. and she rolled
over and over. paying for her morn
tng's perversity and bad temper by n
broken back. And. courtenay--
With trembling limbs which would
scarcely support her. Mrs Courtenay
dismounted and crossed over 10 where
he was lying. so still. so motionless.
that she was almost afraid To lay her
hand upon his heart. TO see IL life stIil
remained with him. Yes. there was an
answering beat. and with n sob OF re-
lief. she raised his hand upon her lap.
crying as she loosened the fastenings
from about his throat
"Oh, my darling. my darling shall
never forgive myself. It's all my fault
all my fault"
As though her voice had reached him
even in his Inconsistencies. he stirred
uneasily, murmuring: I'm all right.
Gladys" drifting away even ms he
spoke into that mysterious land which
Is 80 near unto death.
But help was at hand. The thud OF
horses hoOfs sounded in the distance,
drawing gradually nearer and nearer.
and In n few minutes tender hands
Were busy rendering willing as
sistancc where IL was 80 sorely needed.
With as little delay as possible n doctor
was summoned. and the still uncon-
scious man was conveyed 90 a neigh
broing farm house. where for days he
lay and fought his grim battle with
death.
Conclusion OF the brain. DR. Hender-
son pronounced IL. but Courtenay's
splendid constitution and physique
eventually won the day. and. at last.
when his wife was worn almost To n
shadow. by her assiduous attentions
and rcmorseful upbraidings. ne opened
his eyes with the full light OF reason In
them, and. seeing her there. put out
his hands In a weak uncertain fashion.
She held them closely I'm n warm, firm
clasp for a moment or two and as she
laid his face against his, he sank into
a calm drcamless sleep. which told her
that all danger was happily past.
After this his recovery was rapid. and
one bright morning he was granted per-
mission TO leave his room. IL happened
TO be his birthday. and after a painful
ly slow journey down stairs. which re-
minded him he was not quite as strong
as he thought. he settled himself. with
his wtfe's assistance, as comfortably as
possible. upon the breakfast room sofa.
He also found himself reminded OF tho
fact that he was entering upon another
year Of his life, by various letters and
momentos placed upon the little table
close at hand. Languidly examining
them In turns. he came at last TO a
long. narrow cardboard box, with no
address whatever. and. upon opening
Il found TO his establishment n dozen
vivid purple ties.
'why--why. what's this" he began.
and then n glance at his wife's crimson
Ing face told him who was the donor.
Gladys. why have you given mo
these?" he asked tenderly. as he held
out his arms toward her.
'Because-because j want you TO
wear them" she stammered. shyly. as
she nestled closely TO him contentedly
enough, for a most perfect peace and
understanding had reigned between
them ever since he had opened his eyes
TO ind her pale. anxious face watching
for his return TO consciousness.
II shall never do that. my darling"
he answered. kissing her as he spoke.
but I VIII keep them for always-they
Will serve TO remind me OF my beast OF
a temper"
And also OF my love for YOU" broke
in his wife. softly raising an April face.
half smiles. half tears. but wholly
happy. "Courtenay, We wort quarrel
ever again. viii we7"
mo. sweetheart. Life Is too short TO
spoil Il By needless this and quarrels''
thinking as he spoke OF the illness
which had so nearly parted them.
Yes. Courtenay," answered the little
woman. brightly. Wen agree TO dlrrer.
shall we7'
And they did.