Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1909-03-19

supper alone; wouldn't have her motn-
er come down at all; and she did II In
30 minutes. How's that
Fine, finei" he gurgled. looking with
experienced eye over the bountcouS
table n rubbing his hands together
In anticipation. Rose came in just in
time TO see the movement, and a light
St9ing impulse possessed her to pour
water over the plump hands as he
rubbed them. but she took her place
with ~preternatural gravity. There was
Httle conversation; the supper required
lArhe undivided attention OF the guest.
"Of course you'll stay to the service
this evening"" the Squire spoke up at
length. There's a good moon, and
it'll be a glorious ride down the run
why, yes, perhaps / will-perhaps l
WILL" 1t was as If he had just thought
Of IT. There was q tone OF concession
in his voice, as If he were comforting a
favor by staying.
II dom go much in the evening"
the old mar continued. II don't feel
quite sure of my footing now after
dark, and / like TO have the woman
stay at home with me, but Rose never
misses a. service She's organist, you
know. She'll take you right along; you
and she can start off together any
time now. 1t takes up at Z. Here,
Rose. most ready. are you?" He a
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 az she appeared at the door. Il
shall be glad TO escort you; very glad
indeed" He was bowling unctuously,
bta hat I'm his hand 'fT'Tl az Vnnr SCR
vice. Shall / nave the p~leasure?"
ooh, land, not" ne 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
his world. but she's young and impul-
sive yet. She doesn't mean any harm.
You know g~irls-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
er will"
yes. yes, 1 understand" And nc
had gone on TO the church, Modified
and encouraged.
AS ne a and watched her at the
organ, her figure full OF supple and
slender grace, her movements rapid inc
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 rmo her brown wavy hair; her
eyes that seemed darker than they
were; her cheeks and throat, girlish in
their outlines; and he resolved to stay
every Sabbath evening to the service.
He o go home with her through
the twilight, n 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 n~eighborhood 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 1t again;
he would go forward n 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 the
CIoll vas diidilSIhS loI q IGlltdESdls
He would walk In n see; 1t was not
proper for her to go home alone in the
darkness.
the church was empty, save for the
~janitor, who was e~xtinguishing the
lights.
Rose Hartswick-" he blurted out.
HAS she gomez"
Land, yes; long ago. She went out
OF the side door there"
He turned, daZed and angry. AS he
reached the step, a voice from the
shrubbery opposite beloved Justify:
'Too Slow" and q great, roaring
laugh followed from a dozen hroats.
He did not see Rose again that night.
He rode down the valley vexed and
peevish, and it was two days before he
recovered his old confidence.
Thus it was in the weeks that fol-
lowed. He came every fair Sunday and
remained for the evening meeting, and
the girl tormented him until often, as
he rode back the long, dark journey
down the Run, he vowed that he would
never go again. He vas at her mercy.
He was never quite sure as to what
was to happen next. If she complied
with his request, it made him sus-
picious. One perfect January afternoon,
he had invited her to a walk.
Fine" she had cried joyously. Its
Just the thing; it's just the day for a
walk"
hardly daring to believe that she had
really consented. They would saunter
out In the clear, warm air, and would
sit at length In a sunny little nook,
and he would settle the whole matter
once for all. His heart beat high at tho
thought.
(Continued Next WeekJ