Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1907-11-21
II.
THE GAUNTLET.

f.dselnere was II beautiful estate
overlooking the Great South Bay. just
cast OF Babylon. Across the waters OF
The bay. the low dunes Of Fire Island
were visible with the lighthouse point
Ing upward its white finger OF warning.
To east aud west low, wooded islets
closed In the horizon, while to the
north. the tail trees OF a broad stretch
OF woodland looked down upon the
house. A pretty %boathouse and pier
adorned the beach and there was ev-
cry other device OF bowling alley,
gymnasium. tennis court and what
not tina: could add to the amusement
OF sun,nle spiourners. There were
many pretty V,uks among the trees,
many fragrant nooks where natures
sway had not been disputed: but per-
haps the most attractive corner of the
place was the walk beyond the bowl
Ing ulley. beneath q graceful pergola
covered with vines IN summer. leading
to q shady bower commanding a wide
view of the bay. from which a ter
raced walk descended to the water.
1t was essentially a summer play
house. and yet John D%rysdaie, looking
through the blurred glass of the car
riage that had brought him from the
station through tie sudden April
~ from the windows Il warmth Of well
come that summer could not show.
A pile OF logs was blazing in the hall
fireplace. but he paused only for q
moment to get off the outdoor chill,
and then ran up to his room to dress
for dinner. He knew the customs of
the house and he hoped for a reward ~
he dressed promptly.
Nor was he disappointed. for when
he came down the stair some fifteen
minutes later. he saw standing before
the fire Il real figure. He paused a
momen to contemplate 1.-THE white
shoulders rising from q gown OF rich,
dark red. the poise OF the head with
its black couture. the grace Of the arm
hanging idls- by her side.
She wa gazing intently into the fire,
deep in thought and for an instant
she did not hear him. Then she turned
with that a smile which only a
woman OF ardent temperament gives
to only one Il in the world.
Il heard you drive up" she said:
thought you might remember our
old habit"
As II 1 could forget It. Do YOU
KNOW" ami he held her ut arms length
TO look Mt her. you take my breath
away. Fut then. you always do. MY
LUCK GEMS too completely, supremely
perfect to be true"
Hc color deepened q little under
his gaze. but her eyer did not waver.
Il don't want you to live in a state OF
perpetual breathiessness." she said.
"Oh. you don't know what a delight
full state it Is. There's nothing In my
appearance to cause palpitation Of the
heart. Just a ago, when
came to the urn OF the stair and
looked down and saw you standing
here. do YOU know I was appalled, at
the sheer wonder OF the thing. She
as niue ! said to myself. She Is mine.
and vet OnVYlan1 rs,Vifn laH&a,.. - "A
seemed too stupendous, too utterly alb
eurd. What have I done to deserve
you:"
There was something very touching
IN the sincerity Of the frank boyish
face. She answered with a pressure
OF the hand which said more thar
words.
Il felt a good deal az that page felt.
he went on. after u moment. "who
locke up at Kate the Queen. She
never could be wronged. be poor he
sighed. need him to help her"
And yet in the end she did need
him. didn't she? Perhaps and he,
a changed and h looked AWAY into
the fire again. perhaps l may need
y0u--may ave to ask q great sacrifice
OF you--'
Ask it." he said eagerly. Ask any,
thing but that l give you up."
II nave already asked one thing
Hhe said slowly. looking at him witt
II face very gentle. mo little thing
Your trust-your confidence, your
you had no need to ask it," and he
taught her hands again. 1T was
yours already"
And you will be mine always."
Can You doubt it?"
"No--and I shall be glad to remem-
Der IT,"
Not long ago" ne said looking 81,
ner. Il friend OF mine gave me some
good advice" ~
which was?"
THAT | be happy in hayfor w,
without confAtions; thM Try 10 yr,
up to you and be worthy OF YOU: thai
J try to do something worth while 70,
your sake wi
She had listened with raised hro~.
Il didn't know I was a amhtsrt e,
tiscussiOn--" eSe VI
"You're not-sbut you sent mt. e