St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1859-06-16
Somantit Skettb.
THE WAGER.

80 he has actually laid wager
that he will marry me before we start
for Saratoga. One, two, nearly three
MONTHS" said Mrs. Dayton, leaning
back on the sofa and laughing merri-
ly. "Ah, me he has mistaken me,
have had enough of matrimony, and
my present life of freedom suits me"
81 admire the mans impudence,'
said her companion, Mrs. Grantley
Harrington. He has never seen you
yet, has he 2"
"No. Tell me exactly how it hap
pcncd."
Certainly! Grantley invited his
cousin, Harry Vaughn, Mr.. George
Coates, and this irresistible Horace
Cooke to dine with him yesterday. Af:
ter presiding at dinner, |, of course,
left the table after dessert about an
hour later, | was passing through the
hall, when heard Mr.. Cooke say,
"' SO this charming widow, Mrs.
Dayton, has vowed never to marry
again. | want wife, and from your
description l think she would suit me.
What will you bet l make her break
her vow?'"
"A thousand dollars" said Harry
Done said Mr. Cooke. When
our party start for Saratoga in May,
the charming widow will join the par
ty as Mrs Horace Cooke"
Il went up stairs, but | determined
to put you on your guard, for tonight,
at our house, you will meet him."
Never fear for me. I'll have him
at my feet in week." and again the
silvery laugh rang through the parlor.
Mrs. Harrington and Horace Cooke
were standing, a few hours later, in
the former's brilliantly lighted parlors.
There were beautiful women and hand
some men all around them, but the
star of the evening was not there. 1t
was fancy party, and Mrs. Harring-
ton, a lovely little blonde, in a piquaut
flower girls dress, made quite charm,
ing contrast to the tall brigand beside
her, whose fine figure and dark, hand
some face suited we'll his dress.
"May | tell your fortune 2" said a
sweet, low voice beside the couple,
and they turned. One quick glance
passed between the speaker and Mrs.
Harrington, and then the hostess
passed on to receive other guests.
"Stay, lady, let me tell your fortune" ,"
said the gypsy.
"No, tell my friends. Mr.. Cooke, |
beg your pardon, Conrad, you will
listen," and she moved away. Mr..
Cooks eyes were riveted upon his
companion, and he mechanically of;
fered his hand for her perusal.
She was startling. beautiful fig
ure. Her scarlet skirt, short and full,
was embroidered in gold with strange
figures, and the tiny foot it left ex-
posed was cased in scarlet boots en-
broidered in the same way. The body
Of the dress was of white muslin
made very full, but cut SO as to leave
the neck and arms bare. A brilliant
scarf was bound from the right shoul.
der, to make full bow at the left
side. A turban of white was on the
hair, which fell beneath it in rich black
masses almost to the wearer's feet
A graceful figure, medium height,
large, black eyes, with long, sweeping
lashes, perfect features, rich, clear
complexion with high color, compile
ted the picture.
"Your fortune" she said, as she
dreamily scanned the palm of his hand
"to WOO where you can"
Two walters whirled in between
the couple, and when Mr.. Cooke looked
again the gypsy was gone. 1t was a
long time before he saw her again
but at last he found her. She was
standing alone, near table, lazily
turning the leaves Of an annual l,
was in little sitting-room leading
from the parlor, and she was its sole
occupant.
"Will You not finish telling me my
fortune?" said he, coming in. She
started.
"Oh III she said, al dare not. My
spell was so violently broken l an
afraid to renew it,"
Afraid ! read your face wrong
ly. ] should have said the spirit shin
infr thrauvh ynur nvnc ccorpoJ ToarD