Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-11-29

ed before the return of her dreaded
liege lord.
She had sprung from her berth the
instant he closed the door upon her,
n fastened the little catch to bar
him out. She had dashed cold water
into her face. fastened her garments
hurriedly, and tossed the glory of her
hair into place with a few touches and
what hairpins h could find on the
floor. Then putting on her hat, coat,
and gloves, she had followed him into
the outer air. She had a feeling that
would suffocate. A wild desire filled
her to go alone into the great out-of-
doors. oh, if h but dared to run
away from him! Blu that she might
not do. for all his threats would then
probably be made good by him upon
her dear mother and brother. No, h
must be patient and bear to the end all
that was set down for her. But she
would get out and breathe a little be-
fore he returned. He had very likely
gone into the smoker. She remem-
bered that the George Of old had been
an inveterate smoker of cigarets. She
would have time for a taste of the
IL he returned and found her gone
what mattered it? h inevitable be-
ginning of conversations which she so
dreaded would be put off for a time.
h never thought to come upon him
standing thus alone. looking off at the
joyed 1t. The sight Of min held her
still. watching, as his sleeping face
had held her gaze earlier in the norm
Ing. How different he was from what
she had expected! How the 10 years
had changed him! One could almost
fancy it might have changed his spirit
also-but for those letters-those terri
ters could not change, except for the
worse!
And yet, he was handsome, i~ntellec-
tual looking. kindly In his bearing, APP
preciative of the beauty about him
she coul not deny it. 1t was most as
under his eyes,. and the weak, selfish,
cruel pout OF lip she remembered so
keenly.
Then he turned. and a smile of de-
light and welcome lit up his face. In
spite of herself, she could not keep an
answering smile from glimmering
family in her own.
What! You up and out here? he
said, Fastening closer to the step. How
are you feeling this morning? Better,
I'm sure, Or you would not be here so
early"
"Oh, 1 had to get out to the air." she
said. II couldn't stand the car another
minute l wish we could walk the rest
of the way
DO you?' he said, with q quick. sur
prised appreciation in his coice. II was
just wishing something like that my
self. Do you see that beautiful straight
road down there? l was longing to
slide down this bank and walk over to
that little village for breakfast. Then
we could get an auto. perhaps. or a
carriage. to take us on to another
train. If you hadn't been so ill last
night, l might have proposed it,"
Gould weo" she asked earnestly. II
should like it so much;" and there was
e~agerness in her voice. What a lovely
morning." Her eyes We're wistful, like
the eyes Of those who weep and Won
der why they nay not laugh, since sun
shine is still yellow.
"Of course we could he said, If
you were only able"
"Oh. I'm able enough. I should much
much rather do that than to go back
think It awfully queer Of us to run
away from the train this way?"
They needn't know anything about
It." he declared, like a boy about to
play truant. "I'l slip back in the car
n get our suit cases. Is there any
49, sci
NO. I put everything in my suit case
before I came out" h said. listlessly.
as though she had already lost her de-
sire to g
Pm afraid you are not able" he
said. pausing solicitously as he scaled
the steps.
She was surprised at his interest in
her welfare.
why, Of course l am" she said, in
sistently. Il have often taken longer
walks than that looks to be, and I shall
feel much better for being out. I real-
~ feel al II I couldn't stand 1t any
longer in there"
Good! Then wen try It'll"
He hurried in for the baggage and
left her standing On the cinder roadbed
beside the train looking off at the
opening morning.
CHAPTER TX.
1t a just at that instant that the
thick set man In his berth not 10 feet
away became broadly conscious Of the
unwonted stiffness of the train and
the cessation Of motion that had lulled
him to such sound repose. So does 4