The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-12-12

you receive me with such Languages
When have l ever deceived you, Fran
ces?"
why has not Major Dunwoodie hon
ored the dwelling of his intended father
with his presence lately? Did he forget
it contained one friend on a bed of sick
ness. and another in deep distress? Has
it escaped his memory that it held his
intended wife? Or is he fearful Of meet
ing more than one that can lay a clara
to that title? Oh, Peyton-Peyton, how
have been deceived in you!"
Frances, l see how you have deceived
YOURSELF cried Dunwoodie, his face in
glow of fire; you do me injustice ]
swear by all that is most dear to me that
you do me injustice"
Swear not, Major Dunwoode" intes
rupted Frances: the tine is gone for ms
to- credit oaths."
Miss Wharton, would you have me O
coxcomb-make me contemplate in my
own eyes, by boasting with the hope Of
raising myself in your estimation?"
'F'latter not yourself that the task 10
so easy, sir" returned Frances, moving
toward the cottage; "we converse togeth.
er in private for the last time; but
possibly-my father would welcome my
mothers kinsman."
"No, Miss Wharton, l cannot enter
his dwelling now. You drive me from
you, Frances, in despair. l am going on
desperate service. and may not live to
return. Should fortune prove severe, at
least do my memory justice: Fornember
that the last breathings of my soul will
be for your happiness" So saying, he
had already placed his foot in the stirrup,
but his youthful mistress turning on him
an eye that pierced his soul, arrested the
action.
"Peyton-Major Dunwoodie," she said,
can you ever forget the sacred cause In
which you are enlisted? Duty both to
your God and to your country forbids
you doing anything rashly. The latter
has need of your services; besides"
but her voice became choked, and she van
unable to proceed.
Besides what?" echoed the youth,
springing to her side. Frances havirs,
however, recovered herself, coldly rspuls-
ed him, and continued her walk home
ward.
"Is this our parting?" cried Dunwoodie
in agony: "am / a wretch, that you treat
me so cruelty? You have never loved
me- and wish to conceal your own 6okle-
| ness by accusations that you will not ex-
plain"
Hear me, Major Dunwoodie. for tho
last time; it is bitter knowledge when
we first discover our own inferiority !:
| but it is a truth that l have lately learnt.
Against you l bring no charges. Were my
claims to your heart just, l am not wor-
thy of you. 1t is not a feeble, timsl girl
| like me that could make you happy. No,
| Peyton, you are formed for great and
glorious actions, deeds of daring and re-
nown, and should be united to a soul like
your own; one that can rise above the
weakness of her sex. l should be a
weight to drag you to the dust; but with
a different spirit in your companion, you
might soar to the very pinnacle of earthly
glory. To such a one, therefore, resign
you freely, if not cheerfully and pray
oh, how fervently do l pray! that with
such a one you may be happy"
Lovely enthusiasm cried Dunwoodie
you know not yourself, nor me. 1t is a
woman. mild and gentle, and dependent
as yourself, that my very nature loves
deceive not yourself with visionary idea,
of generosity, which will only make me
miserable"
Farewell, Major Dunwoodie," said th'
agitated girl, pausing for moment Il
gasp for breath; forget that ysu svel
knew me-remember the claims of ysul
bleeding country: and be happy"
Ito be continued.)
| lao a. tho ro,,nfriao ~ Trxpowsu