Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1907-02-08
$50
Madame Midas
By Fergus Hume
BY Fergus Hume


under the shadow Of a great rock. the two
lovers had a wonderful view of Ballarat,
Here and there they could see the gaivan'
lied iron roofs of the houses cleaning
like silver in the sunlight from amid the
thick foliage of the trees with which the
city was studded.
All this wonderful panorama, however,
was so familiar to Kitty and her lover
that they did not trouble themselves to
look much at it, but the girl sat down
under the big rock, and Vandeloup flung
himself lazily at her feet.
"Bebe," said Yandeloup, who had given
her this pet name, how long is this
sort of life going to last?"
Kitty looked down at him with a vague
feeling of terror at her heart. She had
never known any life but the simple one
she was now leading, and could not i'm
ngine it coming to an end.
I'm getting tired of it, said Vande.
loup. lying back on the grass, and, putting
his hands under his head, stared idly at
the blue sky. Unfortunately, human life
is so short nowadays that we cannot at
ford to waste a moment Of it. ! am not
suited for a lotus-eating existence, and
think l shall go to Melbourne"
and leave me?" cried Kitty, in dis
may, never having contemplated such a
thing as likely to happen.
THAT depends on yourself, Bebe.' said
her lover, quickly rolling over and looking
steadily at her, with his chin resting on
his hands; will you come with me? We
will get married in Melbourne as soon as
we arrive"
why can't papa marry us?' pouted
Kitty, in an aggrieved tone.
Because your father would never con
sent" he whispered, putting his arm
round her waist I'VE must run away
quietly, and when we are married can ask
his pardon and" with a sardonic sheer,
'his blessing"
A delicious thrill passed through Kitty
when she heard this. A real elopemen:
with n handsome lover-just like the hero
ines IN the story books. 1t was delight
fully romantic, and yet there seemed to be
something wrong about it. She was like
a timid bather, longing to plunge into the
water, yet hesitating through a 6
fear. With a quick catching of the
breath she turned to Vandeloup. and saw
him with his scintillating eyes fastened on
her face.
when do you go?" asked Kitty, who
was now trembling violently.
"Ah!" M. Vandeloup was puzzled what
to say, as he had no very decided plan
of action. He had not sufficient money
saved to justify him in leaving the Pac-
tolus-still there were always possibili-
ties, and Fortune was fond of playing
wild pranks. At the same time there was
nothing tangible in view likely to make
him rich, so, as these thoughts rapidly
passed through his mind, he resolved to
temporize.
II can't tell you, Bebe,' he said, in
n caressing tone, smoothing her curly hair.
II want you to think over what I have
said, and when I do go, perhaps in a
month or so, you will be ready to come
with me. No." he said, as Kitty was
about to answer, II don't want you to
reply now, take time to consider, little
and with a smile on his lips he bent
over and kissed her tenderly.
They sat silently together for some
time, each intent on their W thoughts,
and then Vandeloup suddenly looked up.
twill Madame stay to Inner with you,
Bebe 2" he asked.
"She always does you will come, too
yandeloup shook his head.
~ am going down to Ballarat to the
Tree Hotel to see my friend
Pierre" he said, in a p~reoccupied man
ner, 'and will have something to eat there.
I will come up again about eight
o'clock, in time to see Madame off"
Aren't you going back with herr" ask
ed Kitty, in surprise, as they rose to their
NO" he replied, busting his knees with
his hand, II stay al: night in Ballarat,
with Madame's kind permission. to see the
Now. goodbye at present, Bebe,'
kissing her, Il will be back at eight
so you can excuse me to Madame
till then"
He ran gaily down the hill, waviaS his
hat, and Kitty stood looking after him
with pride in her heart. He was a lover
any girl might have been proud of.