The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-07-25
tTHE CHARITY GIRL 4
BY EFFlE A. ROWLANDs
Gzpuxzu Ra>>auzzu~

By EFFlE A. ROWLANDS

sun CudtLllS ~ pam LOUISA ENSFest,
and he had not been near her all the
afternoon.
Shesla did not catch sight Of Audrey's
lovely face In among the bushes and
trees, but Beverley did, AID his heart
leaped with passionate admiration as he
gazed. He had seen her about three or
four times, and his pulses thrilled to
madness when he even thought of her.
He let his eyes lingcr on her now, and
then he grew cshen white to his very
lips. Some one else had seen Audrey,
and was going boldly through the bracken
toward her. 1t was John Glendurwood.
He touched Sheila's arm ne had soon
fathomed her and her Intentions 1t
gave him pleasure to tease he-. especial
" since he discovered that her money
would never h. shared by him.
"Glendurwood has good taste" he said,
cartly, with disagreeoble smile
Il always knew that girl was no good ~
she exclaimed angrily. What business
has she to talk to-my-our guests in
this way? 1t is discracstui"'
You should blame - guests, not
her. Glenlurwood sought her deliberate
"a.
is very beautiful"
II do not care to discuss the appear
! ance OF my servants, Mr.. Eochfcrt," was
SEcila's spteful remark.
NO, nor any other person, servant or
no servant, when they have o face like
this girl thought Beverley 10 himself
Jack was only asking after Mrs. Fra
scr, but he made no haste 10 join the
others when he had rer,ivei an answer
Instead, he turned and walked beside the
girl as she moved onward
Have you nothing to say, Audrey"
he asked. after a long pau-,.
She looked at him in Il shy, STARTLED
yet inexpresshly sweet way.
Il don't know, my lord she said,
timdly.
They were going away from the beaten
track into lonely and wilcr bit of the
| grounds. Jack felt that eyery scrap of
moral courage and worldly wisdom in
| which he had been trying to infold him
self ever since that night in the avenue
| was fast vanishing. lie had not allow.
| ed himself to dwell much on Auureys
beauty and unfathomable cnarms, and
yet, despite himself. he hal done nothing
| else but think of her. and now, at this
first opportunity of be,Ag 1lone with hcr
| he forgot the wide difference that lay be-
| tween them forget all but that he loved
| her. She was so young. so fresh, so
| innocent; her beauty of mind was no less
| than her loveliness of face Ith form.
"Audrey!' he said. He pat out both
his hands and held them toward her, the
rauff dropped to the ground ana her small
fingers nestle into his. "Audrpy!" How
sweet her eyes were. how briliant. He
shook off the intoxication that was steal
ing over him. MY darling, my little
| child" he said, huskily.
She drew nearer to him aad gave ut
tie glad cry.
"Ah! You love me- she whispered
you"
Yes. I, my d>arost, dearest one. Did
you not know it before, Audrey:"
Il knew you were my .rierd." she fal-
| tered-for something in his eyes J1at "a
her, made her heart beat ana the blood
mount to her cheeks.
"Friend and lover, aye, little one, your
lover till l die. Are you frightened,
Audrey?
She smiled tlmidly, and her head
dropped so that he had to catch her
whisper.
Not frightened, only happy"
With an exclamation or Joy he drew
her to him. folded his ans about her
and sought her lips.
He kissed her long and silently, hold
ing her small form close 10 his heart :;
then he lifted his head and smiled down
ct her.
".iudroy. do yoN love c'n?" n... g.
She looked at him ont of ner blne eyes
There seemed to be heaven itseIf mir
rored in their depths, but ste made no
answer. Her speech was gone, she was
like one bewildered, yet so very, very
happy. No words could come, only as
he repeated his question she chung to him
| with passionate gesture and buried her
face on his rough coat. A clock Ginning
five rotsed them.
81 must go" Audrey cried in surprise
and dismay.
Jack laughed at her eagerpess.
"Ncver mind. we shall soon alter that,
young lady. when you belong to me al
together. What, you VIII goH Wen,
then, you must give ne another kiss
| another! Oh, darling, dar" "ag! How
have l lived without you so long? /
shall come early tomorrow, my sweet
Q, and we will confess al to Mrs Fra
ser, who will give us her help, know.
Heaven bless you, my dearest! Bless
and guard you'll" .-....
Aubrey smiled through the tears that
would come, and then, turning, ran feet
ly away.
Jack Glendurwood stood gazing tender
L. after her, all ignorant that steaithy
figure in the background was creeping
after him rs he walked through the
b"shes. A spile was lowering on his lips
wneu suddenly above his head swung
heavy, loaded stick, and as il came down
crash on his skull Jack gavs sobbing
cry and fell inscnsible TO The earth.
"I said I'd be even with yOy my