Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1912-08-15

you. King. and you have. served both
myself and the lass well on several
occasions. l wish to repay her debt.
as we'll as my own. but at the same
time feel no desire TO face court
martial. Give ME ten minutes first, and
then the coast will be clear"
He bent down. kissed her tenderly
and faced me with extended hand.
There was a lump In my throat which
would not permit speech. yet re.
turned his firm clasp. He was fine
fellow. 1 could envy him. but could
neither dislike nor quarrel. Had 1t
been Dunn ] should have refused to
accept freedom from him. but un
derstood Donald's motives und re-
spected the man.
Lieutenant King. you may watch
with me-" said Jean when Donald
had gone. came slowly across the
room. scarcely realizing why 1 should
prove obedient and yet unable to resist
her invitation. Just before he disap-
peared Donald had glanced back and
waved his hand. Then the girl turned
and smiled in my face.
do you like him. ieutenant?" she
questioned simply.
He has certainly given me every
reason for respect. If we had met
under other circumstances l should
have valued his friendship highly"
II am so glad to hear you say that.
To me he Is the noblest man living.
and want you to think So"
Surely" / protested. little sur
prised. you did not suppose i would
dislike him because he had come into
your heart in advance of me?"
"Oh, nor the blood flooding her
cheeks. "You are not one to harbor
such prejudice. but am going to think
of you as friend, and want you
really to care for those whom l care
for have already emerged that far
from sectional narrowness. lieutenant
can call Yankee friend Isn't 1t
almost a miracle? You can never
know how bitter have been. how In
tensely have despised everything
northern. Somehow you have taken
that away from me, and can never
again feel the same toward those on
the other side. IL always will re-
member you.'
1t was not that the words Of con-
fession meant so much, but the girls
manner. coupled with this unexpected
change in sentiment. seemed instantly
to alter our entire relationship
Don't" she said, almost pleading
ly. yet making no effort to draw away:
you must not misunderstood. You
are going away now; you must go ut
once. 1t Is not probable we shall ever
meet again. only we are never to be
enemies any more. not even In
thought. do want you to know
| that"
II thank you for that little. Miss
jean"
ut ia not little" And she lifted her
eyes to mine almost Indignantly. ut
| is n great deal. would not say to
many even what l have said to you.
nnd my life has been lived under con-
ditions which enable me to trust few
| trust you. IL even think care for
you. IL wish to recall you in mem
DRY as friend; but, of course, you
understand, that is all"
"All?"
Yes; you are going away now. 1t is
best so. l do not know, Lieutenant
| King, whether / am legally your wife
or not. but If am these courts will
divorce me. l shall endeavor to get
notice to you, SO you will also realize
your complete freedom. You expect
me to do this?''
II suppose do" regretfully, but
| would make any sacrifice to have IT
otherwise"
She was looking directly at me. her
hand still in mine. her eyes gravely
questioning.
do you really mean that-really
mean all you said to me. before?'
GAS God is my witness, jean" in.
sisted soberly. Il do mean every word
| Of it, love you earnestly, devotedly
There can be no evil in my saying this
even although know the impossibility
Of your making any return l can
take no advantage Of the relation be
tween us. claim no right to you, but
do confess my love, and want you
to know the truth. You cannot think
less kindly of me for that?"
NO" the blue gray Of her eyes misty
her lips tremulous. Ill am afraid
am SO selfish as to be almost glad
/ Not-not that wish you to love me
but-but it is some way pleasure to
| know you care"
do you really mean
"Oh, no! Don't take It that way.
ought not to have said this. hardly
know what have said All our nc.
| quaintance has been so strange as to
leave me confused. l do like you
Lieutenant King. and l find 1t, hard
TO part, yet nothing else is possible
You must go. and go at once. before
the guard Is changed. pray you dc
not delay. do not linger here longer.
can say no more than | have said al
ready. and your safety depends on de
| parture at once"
1t required all my power OF will tt