Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1870-08-11
Selttt Stnry.
DARED AND DEFEATED.

You will meet Walter Sutton at The
Roses; enter into no rivalry with him.
This was the postscript of my fathers
letter, and the one cloud in the bright hor-
lion of my hopes.
I was twenty-three years old, just re-
leased from college, a little pale and wea-
ry with study, and bound for that paradise
of the earth, my widowed sister Marga-
ret's home--The Roses. I was to spend
the summer with Mag; and the prospect
had been one of Infinite delight. But
now I heard that Sutton was there.
This Walter Sutton was young broth
er of Mays deceased husband, million
aires son, and Partisan by education.
At twenty he had been familiar with
the Mabille At twenty six he was pro-
nounced the handsomest and most dissi-
pated man in London and now, year la
ter was to have his companionship for
the summer at the house of my sister,
Mrs. Margaret Sutton.
The man had always had a fascination
for me, while | desrised him. His Apoli-
an beauty, his knowledge of fearlessncss, |
regarded with wonder. But had sense
enough to weigh these against his cyni-
cism, his blackened reputation, and his
rakish manner, which told his tale. of un-
happiness and to keep quietly on my way,
unenvious of his success. At the time I
went to The Roses 1 was, moreover, less
liable to impure influence, for had just
lost the noblest and dearest of mothers.
1t is true did not relish meeting Wal
ter Sutton, but l was not one to borrow
trouble. 1t was June weather; green
and blue were glad together and l was
free. My horse arched his beautiful neck,
and trotted slowly and proudly along the
road while I looked across the sunny
fields, watching for the first sign of my
sisters mansion-trees rustling, flowers
blooming. birds singing around me.
Suddenly ! saw carriage whirling in
advance Of me. I recognized the man
on the box and spurred forward.
gained it. The stately lady within it
looked up, threw aside her sable veil, anu
cried, 'Lewise
Are you going home, Maggie?'
Directly
I am with YOU
At t.! at moment 1 became conscious of
the earnest gaze of a pair of golden brown
eyes. My sister was not alone in the
carriage. A young girl, with her lap full
of water lilies, aad large straw hat sha=
ding the fairest and loveliest of faces, sat
beside her. We looked enquiringly at
each other; but for once, my admirable
sister forgot the demands of society. In
her pleasure at seeing me she omitted the
introduction, and leaning from her seat
she questioned me eagerly regarding &C.
currences at home. She had not been
these since my mothers funeral had taken
place in the winter.
Suddenly light phaton whirlcd BY US,
the driver of which lifted his hat as he
passed, giving a piercing look into the
carriage. 1 follawed it and fancied saw
the young girls hand trembling among
the lilies on her lap.
You know Walter is with US, Lewis ?
remarked Margaret little cloud ON her
face.
Yes. He is looking WE'LL
He always looks we'll, said Mag sig
niicantly.
We were entering the avenue. Two
splendid rose trees guarded the gate; the
rustic trelliscs held an arch of blossoming
vines above their heads, | questioned Mag
as to the garden.
My gardeners say that they have been
very successful in this year. think
appreciate the roses more than usual this
year, for Alice enjoys them SO much
My sister turned as she spoke, with a
fond smile for the girl at her side, and
! then remembered to say, Alice, this is
| my brother Lewis. Mr. Werner, Miss
Leo
So those goldcncbrown eyes came up to
mine again. and my look of admiration
was rewarded with little smile, SO sweet
that then and there fell III love with its
owner.
We drove through clouds of perfume
to the door. There were ladies and gen.
tlemen upon the broad terrace.
T have other guests said Margaret
aside.
I had seen some of them befers-al
nice people. The summer promised to be
gay. | knew that was very. hoppy thai
evening. singing with Alice lee. Blu
| there was an evil influence in the house. =
! soop felt it. Sutton's wealth and extrav