Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1913-01-03

clared, in a falsetto voice that de-
ceived no one. rs there no grassy
nook where I "a reposc. while my pet
frolics round me?"
Certainly" said a voice. which she
are secluded retreats in the conserva-
tories sacred to Chloris and her
flock
Including strephon? No. thank
you" and warning him off with her
crook. h roamed about, launching
the harmless arrows Of her ready wit
against such Of the guests as she rec
ognized. or pretended to.
Presently a voice began to murmur.
close behind her
Her hair,
In ringletS rather dark than fair.
Does down her ivory bosom roll.
And hiding half, adorn the whole.
In her high ~forehead's fair half-round
Love sits in open triumph crown'd.
Her lips, no living bard. 1 weet,
May say how red. o round. how
oh! hush!" cried Prue. in a great
f%lutter;; how could you be so rash?
You will be recognized" She turned
a quick, timid glance backward, and
was promptly treasured. The tall,
stately figure, picturesquely draped in
a voluminous red domino, had nothing
about 1T to attract attention. and a red
mask with a deep fall Of gold-lace
concealed the entire face, except the
firm mouth and strong. square chin.
What made you come here. of all
places in h world?" she asked.
Chiefly to see you, but partly be-
cause 1 had business here" he n
swered.
Poor Prue thought of the bank
notes. and almost collapsed. What
business could a highwayman have at
a ball unless to rob the guests while
ata toy,1ia~ -. ~ &c. -
then Peggie drew her attention by pull
ing at the cord. :.
For heavens sake" she whispered.
come out of this crowd. 1 am SO
hot. muffled in this s%heepskin, 1 shall
die II l don't get to the air."
led her lambkin away. Outside the
ballroom. they were soon in COMPARE
tive solitude. In the card-rooms a
few elderly people had thrown off their
masks and given themselves over to
the full enjoyment of whist and ecarte.
crossing behind The kindly shelter Of
albums or portfolios. In the library a
sedate couple unused side by side over
the latest number of the Spectator.
upside down, while two or three portly.
be-starred and ~be-ribboned fogies dis
cussed the threatened Jacobite upris-
ing over an exclusive bottle of Bur-
gundy.
Prue was at home in every corner
OF Marlborough house, and had no diff
flculty in plotting her companions into
a cool, dim-lighted
reached the a agreeably softened by
distance.
Every one has seen me-" said
Peggie; IN get rid Of this sheepskin.
and then / can dance"
'Peggie would rather dance than eat.
sleep OF go tn rhI1r0h - rovoo rlxo1 n~,,.
seating herself and making a little.
Misunderstanding. half-inviting move.
ment toward the sea beside her.
!tobin was not slow in availing him.
self of the
opportunity. There was something in
prue's manner that allured him, while
1t p him at a distance. He longed to
take her In his arms as he had done
once; yet he dared not touch her hand.
i am gla to have an opportunity
OF to you" she said, removing
her mask. You sent me something to-
day"
"Yes-oh! you don't know how hap
pY you ave made me by wearing
them," he said earnestly.
AS! yes" h started and looked
just h very thing for my dress.
too. But that was not what I meant"
A deep flush burned his face under
the mask. Il beg and implore you not
10 speak OF anything else I sent" he
salo, IN q low. tremulOus voice. Let
me deceive myself into the belief thai
You acknowledgement. at least, as my
rightful privilege"
She raised her lovely eyes to his
with a puzzled expression, then dropped
them. a little embarrassed. I'VE will
discuss that" she said, but unfor-
,tunately I can not avoid speaking about
the money, because-you see. 1 can not
help knowing that you-that perhaps
that perhaps it honestly belongs to
somebody else and you have no right
to give it to me. There!" She looked
app~rehensively at him, fearing an OUT
burst OF age, but he was quite calm.
andthe mask concealed any change Of
countenance.
You are very scrupulous," he said
coldly.
"oh! ! know you had no reason to
expect honesty from met" she ex-
voice. But when you threw your
opportunity Of returning It and / ! never
expected to see you again. Besides, you
took mine and-and-" She glanced at
him out Of the tail of her eye, but he
did not acceptthe challenge. "Youthink.
perhaps" she went on, quite angrily
now, that I have done a much worse
thing for money than ever you did; but
II l have married a robber-"
stop. stop!" he said authoritatively.
If o must say these things about
yourself. 1t shall not be to me. Insult
me as much as you please. but do not
accuse me Of daring to blame you for
anything you have done, or could do.
Tell me. II I assure you that that mon
ey is my very own, will you take my
word for it?'
She hesitated and softened. Tell mo
truly-in what way your own? Do not
fear to trust me-"