The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-07-17

blackness of her dropping lashes, and the
tremulous culver of the little mouth gave
a new beauty to the delicate face, whose
pure whiteness strongly contrasted with
the masses of her blue black hair, that,
under the glaring lights, flashed back in
jpurplish lustre. The rosy mantle of love
was spread over her; it flushed her cheeks
with the rare tint a child's face sometimes
wears on It's first awakening from dewy
SUMMERS.
Thordike Marston knew the meaning of
this more than earthly beauty, aud cursed
his folly. The prize was slipping through
his fingers, after all. Oh, the pride that
had held them back! if be had only-but
where was the use Of thinking Of that
he wouldn't give up yet. How he watched
Mabel. She fascinated him. The courtIy
grace and bearing she had learned long
ago in the drawing rooms of the ancient
tnobleese, served her in good stead now
She took them all by storm. She was the
idol of the hour.
Thorndike Marston could have thrown
himself at her feet and worshiped her there
before the whole world. But it was too
late for that now.
"You are angelicaIIy beautiful, tonight.
Is it because you are happy?"
"Ah"-with sigh-"if it could only
last" he said.
They were separated from the crowd.
I He had maneuvred to bring it about. "It
!, it coul only last. I thought you my
friend; why do you seek to sadden me, and
bring me back to my old self?''
/ "Dear Mabel! let me call you so. 1 can
read your face so plainly, 'Tis the Arabian
Nights over again. The enchanted prince
has come, and the sleeping beauty has
awakened; 50 l say, Ifit could only last "
"Monsieur, [ do not comprehend. He
is your friend, is he not!"
poor child aud SO many times, too,
have warned you. Yes, he is my friend,
bat alas for the ,ooman, be she who she
may, who gives her troth to him
Enough; I will hear no more"
"Nay, DO not look so disdainfully at me.
It wrings my soul to tell you this. Can
you not guess why I do it3' .
q am entirely at loss" ..
because [ love you! Why do you
, start? 1 know it is hopeless. I shall
never trouble you with my love. [ shall
bear my cross in silence to the grave. |
am content if l may but be your friend. "
How mournfulIy subdued and heart broken
he looked. ."WilI you not hear me now 2
Mabers cheek glowed hotly, but she
shuddered as she wrapped her cloak closer
about her. ....
q tell you he plays with women's hearts
as gamblers play their cards. He meas
ures his victim, and the harder and more
difficult the game becomes the more ca
ger he is in pursuit, and when it is Won
"But what if it isn't won|
The pallor of Mabers face was frightful
as she leaned forward.
'Lt is his boast that no woman ever re-
sisted him. l could tell you, SO well do
know his character, almost word for word
what be said tonight. He has been
wildly entreating, passionately pleading,
ready to swear to his truth and honor, and
brave and heroic to save you from inlagi-
nary dangers. Isit not so? Yes? Pshaw.
then he has drawn you along with thrice
told tale" .. ..u-
Marble-like was the form at his side.
"What will you do2' he asked. ..
Il think our friend will lose his game
Just once. he. shall be checkmated." Her
words were hard and pihess. Thorn felt
!, the JOY Of demon. Her Jealous mistrust
had been easy to work upon. But | will
have revenge for this. He shall bite the
dust. Through my hands he shall taste
the bitterness he has meted to he"
She had become desperate. Now was
his time. She was but q reed in bis
hands. ...
"ShaIl help you to sure way2"
WiIlyou? 4 sure aoay to get rerenge2 :
Regenge" She gloated over the words.
"Yes; but perhaps you will not try it"
/ 81 will, be it what it may. Quick, what
Is it!o a.t .
You will acquire at once riches and su-
preme power Without these you could
aever touch Guy Rivers. You have only
to be my aUJe"
He had made his last throw. He waited
with suppressed breath for the answer.
"I-will-do-it'' low and steady,
Butitwas toomuch she broke downafter it.
''He SAID he would dare everything for me.
He looked true Can | not put him to
the test!"
"Poor storm-beaten blossom, trust all
to me-"
He had won, and the worlds laugh
dwindled into very nothing in view of
the peril he had 50 successfully weathered
CHAPTER ".
Guy Rivers smoked his cigar so lazily
the next morning that when he reached the