The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1909-03-18

supper alone: wouldn't have her moth
err come down at all; and she did 1t IN
80 minutes. How's THAR"
Zine. finei" he gurgled. looking with
experienced eye over the bounteous
table n rubbing his hands together
In anticipation. Rose came in just in
time to see the movement, and a light
ming impulse possessed her to pour
water over the plump hands as he
rubbed them, but she took her place
with preternatural gravity. There was
little conversation; the supper required
the undivided attention OF the guest. p
"of course you'll stay to h service
this EVENING"" the Squire spoke up at
length There's q good moon, and
it'll be a glorious ride down the rum"
why, yes, perhaps / will--perhaps !
will" 1t vas as II he had just Thought
OF II. There was a tone Of concession
In his voice, as IL he were comforting a
favor by staying. y.
Il don't go much In the evening"
the old man continued. Il don't feel
quite sure OF my footing now after
dark, and I like to have h woman
stay at home with me, but Rose v
misses a service. She's organist, you
know. She'll take you right along; you
and she can start on together any
time nov. 1t takes up at z. Here,
Rose, most ready, are your" He had
taken a step to the door, and was call
ing up the stairs.
YES, all ready" came the CHEEKY
voice from above. "You going, Pap?"
mo, but Mr.. Keichline is. He's all
ready" ....
"Yes-yes." He came forward suave-
ly as she appeared at the door. 7
Il dholl he Glad IN ncnnrf Won very Rla0
indeed" He vas bowling unctuously,
his hat in his hand. TN at your SER
vice. Shall / have the pleasure?"
"Oh, land, mol" he burst out with a
laugh. mo time for ceremonies: Got
to get there and practice that old an
them. It's late now. There goes the
second bell. / must hurry. Goodbye
She waved her glove at her father and
trIpped girlishly down the walk. Keich-
line stood looking at her blankly.
you'll have to get used to Rose"
The old man turned full OF apology.
There isn't a better-hearted girl in
this world, but she's young and impul-
sive yet. She doesn't mean any harm.
You know girls-they've got just about
so much Stiffness in 'em, and it's bound
TO come out. You'll get along with her
all right when you understand her.
She's a good girl-good's gold. She's
never once disobeyed me, and she new
err WILL"
"Yes. yes, 1 understand" And he
a gon on to h church, molllned
and encouraged.
AS ne sat and watched her at the
organ, her figure full OF supple and
J slender grace, her movements rapid and
decisive, and her whole attitude whis-
pering Of hearty and joyous life, he
forgot his vexation and was glad that
he had come. He studied her during
the sermon: her brown wayy hair; her
eyes that seemed darker than they
were; her cheeks and throat, girllsh in
their outlines; n he resolved to stay
every Sabbath evening to the service.
He would go home with her through
tho twilight. and perhaps he would
whisper to her something on the way.
Perhaps.
He fingered at the door while the
audience struggled out after the SER
vice. 1t was embarrassing, for all the
young fellows of the neighborhood were
lined up for several rods down the
walk, either waiting for their girls"
or else curious to observe what was
going on. He would not do it again;
he would go forward and speak to the
pastor, and then take Rose as she came
down with the choir.
The row of youngster grew thinner
about him; there were only half a doz-
en-; and now he was alone. What was
keeping Rose so long? Doubtless thu
choir was arranging for q rehearsal
He would walk In and see; II was not
proper for her to go home alone in the
darkness.
The church was empty, say for the
janitor, who was extinguishing the
lights.
rose Hartswick-" he blurted out
"Has she gomez"
Land, yes; long ago. She went GU
Of the side door there"
He turned, dazed and angry. AS n
reached the step, a voice from thu
shrubbery opposite beloved Justify:
TOO Slow" and q great, roaring
laugh followed from a dozen threats.
He did not see Rose again that night
1 He rode down the valley vexed a n
peevish, and 1t was W days before h
recovered his old confidence.
Thus it was in the weeks that fol
lowed. He came every fair Sunday AM
remained for the evening meeting, AM
the girl tormented him until often, a
he rode back h long, dark journe,
down the Run, he vowed that he woult
never go again. He was at her mercy
He was never quite sure as to wha
was to happen next. If she compile,
with his request, ii made him sus
picious. One perfect January afternoon
he had invited her to a walk.
"Fine!" she had cried Joyously. "1t'
just the thing; it's just the day for
} walk"
"Ah. IT is; 1t u.s." he had gurgIet
hardly daring to believe that she ha
I really consented. They would saunte
out in the clear, warm air, and woul
! sit at length in q sunny little nool
, and he would settle h whole matte
once for all. His heart beat high at tn
I thought.