The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-06-26
The Coquette.
by ANNA wILAIOT.

eXtortlnS admiration from the other sex
and tlen sporting with the feeling she had
awakened. In at least half dozen in
stances young men had been encouraged tc
pay her attentions for months at time
and when, confident of having won her re-
gard, they came forward with serious offers
of marriage. she threw them from her will,
an indifference that was both mortifying
and painful.
But, like most Of those who play this
game with the feelings of others, Ada was
made to taste a cup rs bitter rs any mixed
by her hands for the lips of her victims.
a young physician named. Bedford
whose prospects i'll life were much better
than arc usually presented TO the eyes OF
graduates in his profession. met Ada ono
evening, and was exceeding pleased with
her-and no less pleased was Ada with the
young physician. A wish to make q good
impression added to her usual habit of put
ting Oh her best grace when in company
with young men, made Ada more than us
ualy interesting, and when DIR. Bedford
separated from the bcwitching young girl,
he was completely cnanored. lie took an
carly opportunity to call upon her, and WAS
received in Il manner that encouraged him
to repeat his visits.
Never were visits more agreeable TO any
one than were those of DIR. bedford to ADJ,
Glenn.-Hut the old spirit had not died
out, and really flatlcrcd as she was by the
youngrnan's attentions Ada was tempted
TO give him aslccimen OF her power and
indie en,ence.
Nota very long time elapsed ere DR.. Bed
ford laid his heart ut Ada's feet With Il
thrill Of pleasure could she have accepted
the proffcrcd gift of love but to yield at
once seemed like becoming too easy prize,
and she therefore affected profound astonisl,.
ment at the doctors proposal ; treated it
rather lightly, and deeply wounded his
naturally sensitive and independent fccluns
by too marked an exhibition of lis.lau.
Doctor Bedford retired with his mind in
fever OF excitement. His admiration of
and love for Ada had been of the warmest
character. Judging from her manner, lie
had felt warranted in believing that the re :.
gard lie felt for her was fully reciprocatel ::
and when he approached her with con.
fession of what WAS in his heart, he was
! prepared for any reception but the one he
received. TO he rcpulscd, then, collly.
proudly, and almost contemporary, was to
receive Il blow OF the sevcrcst kind, and one,
tie pain, Of which he was not likely soon
to forget.
From the dwelling of Ada. DR.. Bedford
retired to his Office with his mind greatly
excited. There he found Il Young friend,
with whom lie was intimate, and to whom,
as he could not hide his feelings he COM
muniatcd in confidence the result of his
interview with Ada. To his surprise, the
friend said
Il can-hardly pity you, doctor. saw
you were pleased with that gay flirt, who
is fascinating enough; but did not dream
that YOU were serious i'll your attentions to
one known everywhere rs Il most hcartless
coquettc."
DR.. Bedford looked surprised. care you
in earncst?" he said
"ln earnest Certainly! Didn't you
know that this was her charactcr?"
II had not the most remote suspicion"
Strange that it shouldn't have come
to your ears can point you to three she
has Tilted within my own knowledge"
! "lf that is her character" said the doc
tor, rallying himself with strong effort at
seIfcontrol and speaking in composed and
: rcsolute voice, IL will at once oblilerate her
image from my mind. 1t was unworthy to
EEsest There. I did not love Ada, but a fair
s|AdsA Of womanly virtue that vah,y. be-
-iirved she embodied"
'iou arc right. She is not worthy OF
you, my friend, beautiful, intelligent and
interesting rs she isl
No. She is utterly unworthy. Fortu-
nate am that she did not accept my Offer
1t required, on the part of Ada. strong
effort 10 assume towards DR.. Bedford a
false exterior, and when lie withdrew from,
her presence, composed and dgnificd in
his manner, she more than half regretted
her folly. But she forced. back this feeling
) with gay smile and toss Of the head
saying half aloud
Hell be here again before week goe:
by"
,, But Ada was slightly in error. The weel
passed without bringing her lover. Ant
so went by two, three and four weeks. Bn
vain of her power over the other sex, Ad;
still endeavored ap maintain coniilcn
s spirit, though there were times that In
: sudden thought that DR.. Bedford woult
: never again seek TO win her favor, made tn
c blood gather with a chill around her heart
e About this time, friend gave littl
t fancy dress party, and Ada learned, mucl
j. to her real delight, that the individual who
of all others, had most struck her fancy. WA
to be present. This was to afford the frs
? opportunity for meeting, since, her hal
is naughty repulse, the man who had offer
q ed her, in all sincerity, true and lov'n