The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1914-07-31

As they passed Valiant, she held GU
her hand to him. There was no NorC
between them, but as his hand swal
lowed hers, his heart said TO her, -
love YOU. ! love YOU. No matter what
is between us, | shall always love
you!'
Ii Vas Wordless, a heart-whisper that
only love itself could hear, and he
could read no answer in the deep
FOOLS CT her eyes. heavy now with UNI
she'd tears. But in some subtle way
his yoicelcss greeting comforted and
NeAtened By a little the weight of
dumb impotence that he had borne.
In the library. lighted so brightly by
the sunlight. yet grave with the hush
q. THAI solemn presence, the major
looked into the face Of the woman for
Hlose coming he had waited so anx-
loasiy.
It's all-up. Judith" he said family.
I've come to the jumping-of place"
She looked at him Whitley. Monty,
Moniy!' she cried. Don't leave me
Ills way! | always thought
lie guessed what she would have
said. Heaven knows you're needed
more than me. Judith. After all, l
reckon when my time had to come I'd
have chosen the quick way" His
voice trailed out and he struggled for
breath.
"Jerry's in the hall. Monty. He asked
me to give you his love"
"PoOt old niger! He-used to tote
me on his back when ! was a little
shaver" There was a silence. Don't
EneeI, Judith he said at length. You
Viii be SO tired"
She rose obediently and drew up a
chair. Monty she faltered tremu-
shall | say a prayer? I've new
er prayed much-my prayers never
seemed TO get above the ceiling, some
But ill-try."
He smiled wanly. Il wouldn't want
any better than yours, Judith. But
as if Id been prayed owe
enough. | reckon God Almighty's like
anybody else, and doesn't want to be
all the time"
He seemed to have been gathering
resolution, and presently his hand
-umbled over his breast. My wallet;
give it to me-" She drew it from the
pocket and the uncertain fingers took
out a key. 1T opens a tin box in my
trunk. Theresa letter in it for you"
paused a moment, painting: "Ju-
nth, he said, I've got to tell you, but
mighty hard. The letter
~ Valiant gave me for you-that
morning, after the duel. never gave
to YOU"
If she had been white before, she
grew like marble now. Her slim fin.
clutched the little cane till it rat
led against the chair, and the lace at
Ter throat shook with her breathing.
'Ges-Monty."
He lifted his hand with difficulty and
1ut the key into hers. The seals still
i~nbroken, Judith" he said, but I've
iept it these thirty years"
She vas holding the key in her
lands, looking down upon it. There
vas a strained half-fearful wonder in
Ter face. For an instant she seemed
quite 10 have forgotten him in the
grip Of some swift and painful emo
ion.
Il loved you, Judith" he STAN
nered in anguished appeal. From
time we were boy and girl togeth-
sr, loved you. You never cared for
ne-Sassoon and Valiant had the in
;ide track. You might have loved me;
out ! had no chance with either of
hem. Then came the duel. There was
Valiant then. | overheard his
promise to you that night, Judith. He
lad broken that! If you cared more
or him than for Sassoon. you might
nave forgiven him. and I should have
ost YOU! ! didn't want o to call
lim back, Judith. | wanted my
And Sol took it. That's
he reason, dear. lists a bad one,
mt it,
q TA{R