The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1909-10-28
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but chiefly II was anger that stirred IN
his being.
Kitty had listened to his conadences
--she had sympathized with him; once
he had kissed her good night" He
remembered the incident. and felt the
timid velvet OF he. lips against his
once more.
"Pshawl" ne said, furiouely as he
walked 'neve a~gain--never, never.
Once fooled"-and he had been fooled.
too! He had believed in her. &
Kitty had lone Ler part of it well
enough-Chnseney gave her great
credit for that. He had not suspected
them in the least. Eric had encom-
passed the sudden downfall; the secret
had become too big for his holding. In
a burst of youthful confidence he had
laid the matter before C~haseney; he
a gon SO far as to show. in his boy
ish conceit, her l~ettersi
Chaseney had been thus first reused,
then stunned. Had the boy been pos
sessed Of an ounce of perception he
must have become aware OF the fatal
idocy OF his conduct. But no.; Eric had
stumbled on. giving way what he
thought was his whole SOUL to the
older man, Wiz
She had deceived him-basely, mean
~. Had allowed him to kiss her on
No, hang it! TIC couldn't. wouldn't
believe that. ..
BY Jove, though-why not? Once
these girls started the game they gen.
orally played it thoroughly. Memories
ioated upward in Chaseney's mind; all
women had deceived him. Every sim
gle one.
an never speak to her or think of
her again. he resolved for the thou
sandth time since the morning. She
can have the boy; but she~won't have
me- No. indeed"
Won't she? Poor thing. what a lot
she will lose!" Somebody was echoing
him, laughing at him. Chaseney pulled
himself together with a jerk and an
apology. Kitty stood before him on
the pathway, the CLEANS of the setting
sun framing her pretty face.
Day dreams?" she asked, with her
head on n side. N'
Moves. Nightmares. Kit, I wanted
to see you'll wanted to ask you"
He stammered and hesitated.
"Well?" h questioped, coming to his
side. AS he remained silent, she went
on e~heerfully: II have just been to
your place. They're all out, and Martha
Is cooking your Inner. 1t smelt so nice
that L had a great mind to stop"
Come back with me, then" he said.
earnestly. Il wish you would. Mater
Will ne nome ny now
mo, no; it was only my joke. Good
by; see you tomorrow"
NO. you won't: tomorrow will be
Sunday. You have forgotten" He had
to say 1t after all.
Forgotten" she peeped up at him.
trying in the half light to read his
face. She saw uouble in It. and be-
came more guarded. what do you
mean, Frank? Are you cross with
me?"
But the deferential, anxious manner
was no longer a charm in her hands.
Chaseney gloomed at her. Tomorrow
will be Sunday" he repeated, with sim
lister meaning. Then, Off handedly-
Erie expects to see you"
e blushed red as the sun, then
paled so hat he thought she would
faint. Words trembled on her lips and
died there. AT last
Eric has been talking?" she ques-
toned, indistinctly.
H has"-grimly.
I'll walk back with you, Frank, after
| all-if o don't mind. Iwant to
have my scolding n get II over"
Her voice was sweet and brave. and
Chaseney rallied at himself anew to find
that 1t could so move him. He would
fight the feeling down, though.
Come on, then" he answered dryly.
He added with a shrug. I'm not going
to scold you, however,
YES, you are" she affirmed. You're
going to be ever so horrid and CROSS
just because I spoke to a little boy"
Chaseney checked her with some at
tempted dignity. My dear Kit" said
he quietly, please don't think me like
that. Your writing and. walking and
flirting with Master Eric Is no concern
OF mine; and l wouldn't presume to
criticise either OF you. What l do feel
in the matter Is that--that YOU
should both Of you think It worth while
to deceive me-"
She was silent for 80 long that he
had to continue the story.
Eric is a friend of mine-he Is n
nice boy; and l have tried to be q real
friend to him. To you also, Kit, If l
may say so. You might know me bet
ter than to think / should be jealous.
or course, there was no occasion to
tell me; I'm not your father confessor;
still, / do think you need not have de-
ceived me. Surely there was no reason
for any mystery"
I'm sorry" the girl began: then
choked and said no more.
Won't you come in?" Chaseney re-
peated his invitation courteously. He
was quite master of himself by now.
Il will. II can't be ridiculous out
here. even though 1t is dark. I want
to see Mrs. Chaseney."
She stumbled in her speech painfully,
but Chaseney affected not to notice it..
When they were inside the old FASH
Toned, sweet smelling, softly lighted
ROOM, alone, since his mother was not
yet returned from her calls. the drama
moved on again.
What did he tell your" she whisp-
cred tensely. Lot me know all that /
have to face, ...
Chaseney, in his present critical
mood thought this rather theatrical,
and stared graVely at her. He looked
at the straight little nose, the quivering
mouth, the half-defiant chin, the loose
ends of sott brown hair about her
wistful face, with something Of dis
approval.
What made you do it"' he asked,
frowning.
II don't know. I don't really.
Frank" Her voice shook Il little and
she sat down unlimited. Il was fright
ened I'd lose you. n so did Il silly
thing. You can't think meant any
thing with that boy?"
Il don't go into the question" he
answered. not yet realizing all that her
latitude implied. It's not my bust
ness. l am only troubled that you
should have been unuerhanded about 1t.
You and Eric can do as you please; l
wouldn't presume to interfere. Only,
of course he spoke here loftily-'the
boy can't afford to make you presents;
he only has a small salary"
doesn't make me presents. How
dare ne say SO? And IL I would allow
It'll" Then, feeling Chaseney's gaze
fixed upon u little gold broJch fasten-