The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-03-28
CHAPTER vII-(Continued.) }

In size, and her hands and feet were ex'
Qujsitely formed, while her figure had al
the roundness of a girl of seventeen. An
Innocent, child-like face, two limpid blue
! eyes, a straight little nose, and a charm
ing rose-lipped mouth were Kitty's prin'
cipal attractions, and her hair was really
wonderful, growing all over her head in
-risp golden curls. Child-like enough her
tace looked in repose, but with the smile
came the woman-such a smile: laugh
ing, merry expression such as the Greeks
gave to Hebe. Dressed in a rough white
dress trimmed with pale blue ribbons and
her golden head surmounted by a sailor
hat with a scarf of the same azure hue
tied around it Kitty looked really charm
ing. Kitty had examined CASTOR with a
woman's quickness of taking In details
and she mentally decided he was the best
looking man she had ever seen, only she
wished he would talk Shyness was not
part of her nature, so after waiting a
reasonable time for Vandeloup to COM
mence, she determined to start herself.
"I'm waiting to be entertained" she
said, in hurried voice, raising her eyes
then afraid Of her own temerity, she look
ed down again.
Castor smiled a little a Kitty's out
spoken remark, but remembering Mad
ane's injunction, he rather mischievously
determined to carry out her desires to the
letter.
ut 10 very nice day." he said, grave
ly. Kitty looked up and laughed merrily,
II don't think that's a very original re
mark" she said coolly, producing an ap-
pie from her pocket. IF that's all you've
got to say, hope Madame won't be long. y
Vandeloup laughed again at her petu-
lance, and eyed her critically as she took
a bite out of the red side of the apple
with her white teeth.
You like apples?" he asked, very much
amused by her candor.
Pretty WELL" returned Miss Mar
churst, eying the fruit in disparasing
manner; peaches are nicer; are Mad
ame's peaches ripe" looking anxiously at
him.
II think they are" rejoined CASTOR,
gravely.
II don't like your eyes," said Miss
Kitty. suddenly.
whats the matter with them?" with
q quizzical glance.
They look wicked"
"Ah, then, they belle the soul within"
returned Vandeloup, seriously. II assure
you, I'm a very good young man"
She was about to reply when Madame
Midas entered, and Kitty flew to her with
a cry of delight.
why, Kitty" said Madame, highly
pleased, II am so glad to see you, my
dear; but keep off, or I'll be spelling your
dress"
Eyes, so you will" said Kitty, retreat
Ing to a safe distance; what long time
you have been"
Have I, dear?' said Madame; II hope
NJ. Vandeloup has proved a good substi-
tute."
Madame" answered Vandeloup, gaily,
and the weather"
"Oh, indeed" replied Mrs. Villiers, who
saw the flush ON Kitty's cheek, and by no
means approved of it; "it must have been
very entertaining"
"Very" assented CASTOR, going back
to his desk.
"Come along, Kitty" said Madame,
with keen glance at her CLERK, 'let US
70 to the house and see IL we can find
any peaches"
When Vandeloup came home to tea he
found Kitty was as joyous and full of life
az ever. Madame Midas felt weary and
worn out by the heat of the day, and was
sitting TRANQUILITY by the window but Kit
ty, with bright eyes and restless feet, fol-
lowed Selma all over the house, under the
pretense of helping her, an inliction
which that sage spinster bore with patient
resignation.
After tea 1t was too hot to light the
lamp, and even Selma let the fire go ,ut,
while all the windows and doors were
open to let the cool night wind blow in.
Vandeloup sat on the verandah with Nc
Intosh, listening to Madame, no was play
ing Mendelssohn's I'm a Gondola." that
dreamy melody full Of the swing and
rhythmic movement of the waves. Then
to please old Archie she played "Auld
Lang Syne"-that tender, csressing air
which is one of the most pathetic and
heart-stirring melodies in the world. Ar
chic leaned forward with bowed heaG as
the sad melody foated on the air, and
his thoughts went back to the hea ther-
Cla0 ScOCtlSn Hills. Allu WHAT was InlS
Madame was now playing, with it's pierc-
ing sorrow and sad refrain? Surely
Farewell to Lochaber," that bitter la
ment of the exile leaving bonny Scotland
far behind. Vandeloup, who was not at
tending to the music, but thinking of Kit
ty, saw two big tears steal down McIn-
tosh's severe face.
Sentiment from him." ne muttered in
a cynical tone; why, should have as
soon expected blood from stone"
Suddenly the sad air ceased, and after
q few chords, Kitty commenced to sing to
Madame's accompaniment. CASTOR arose
10 his feet, and leaned up against the
door, for she was singing Gounod's charm
hg vaise from "Mirella," the bird-like
aeiody of which suited her high, clear
ssiee to perfection. Vandeloup was rath-