South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1870-09-02
w HO s H ALL WIN p
BY HANNAH HOPPER.

And with these words, Lucius March rose
from his lounging position before the FIRE,
and striding across the room, looked into
the mirror.
lie saw reflected there a very handsome
face-a face almost as white and fair as a
girls brown hair, wavy and soft great
blue eyes, aud full red lips, around which
curled a moustache, which was his pride
and delight
He run his white fingers through his
hair, and took long survey of himself,
and then, in tone of evident satisfaction,
he said:
'Come here, Will, and look in the glass
by the side of me, and see who is likely
to win
'Are you fool p roared young Doctor
Browne, contracting bis brows, and stop
ping suddenly before the fire, for he had
been pacing the room. do you take me
for love-sick swain, and expect l am go
ing to spend any of my time to find out who
will win Go ahead, and ask her to marry
you. III not interfere. I'm not quite so
senseless yet as to think Myra Dean would
marry homely, rough fellow like me, with
only good practice to support me, when
Lucus March stands ready to offer her his
heart, his hand, and his fortune. Let the
subject drop here. twas by accident that
you learned my secret. Forget it, and
marry Myra, and be happy
There was tremor about this strong
mans lips as he said this, but it was unno-
ticcd by the handsome young man who still
stood before the glass.
I'll own you talk sensibly, Will but
your heart is larger than mine, ard your
brain too. You are worth dozen fellows
like me; but what lack in my head I've
got in my pocket; and that, you know, will
do generally more than heart or brain. OF
course, Myra Dean isn't the one for you,
She is used to luxury and, really, Will,
do think | stand a little better chance
than you with her, and l do like her i'm.
menseIy. You shall come to my wedding,
VIII, and take tea with us as often as twice
a week. think I'll propose to- night if L
find a good opportunity at the party. |
don't think you care half so much about her
as L do-you have business, you know, to
take your attention. Don't look so cross
IN going out to get a new pair of kids for
the party. What number do you wear,
VIII! I'll get you pair
DR.. Browne was looking steadily into the
lire; he did not reply or look up, and APP
parently had not heard word of his friends
remarks
Good day, then, viii, if you are bound
never to speak again. I'll see you this
evening" and saying this, Lucius went out
into the street, and DR.. Browne still con-
tInued looking into the fire. Suddenly he
turned about aud commenced pacing the
room again. He stopped in front of the
mirror, and look cd in at his brown face, the
lower part of which was covered with a
thick, glossy beard. There was frown al
ready on his brow but he frowned deeper
as he saw the reflection Of his face.
what is there about me that a girl like
Myra Dean could fancy| But as he said
this half aloud, his face softened for an in
slant, as he remembered one nover-to. be
forgotten time when danger was near him,
and she caught his hand and looked up into
his face, with pleading eyes, full of tender
ness, too, ho thought then, and he had, be
tore realized what be was about, pressed
her hand, and kissed her brow, assuring her
he would be careful Tho thoughts Of this
sweet moment had chcercd his heart many
time, and he had hoped that 10 spite Of
her riches and his poverty, he might one
day call her his own but the dream was
over now. Lucius March would win her ;
be thought he was sure Of that, but away
down IN his heart there was-though be
did not know it-a ray Of hope remaining
lie went TO the party that night He
wished to sec her once moro while she was
free. lie seemed moody and reserved, and
very httic was seen Of him during the eve
Ling, and hc saw little else than Myra Dean
ln her modest white dress, rs she went a.
bout among the gucsts,or iloated in the ma
~ dance a last he saw her leaning on
the arm Of Iucius March, and soon they
disappeared from the drawiDg-rOom.
lie frowned, aud his heart beat high
She would soon be plighted to another
The thought maddeued him, and he rushed
out to the piazza to feel breath Of fresh
ar. With rapid strides be walked up and
down the piazza, trying to still the tumult
10 hIs breast. Ie did not wait to see her
again, but went 70 bis rooms, and tried TO
study, but could not then he tried 10 sleep,
but it was near daylight before slumber Wis
itcd hls eycIids. The next day he received
an invitation 70 take the place Of a distin-
guished and beloved doctor who had died
but icw weeks previous, and Immediately
accepted IT, II would be such a relief to
get away from the maddening zlances Of
Myra Deans blue eyes, and the sound Of
Der voice, which thrilled him through and
through
lie was sitting in a thoughtful attitude,
"ith the letter Of invitation 10 bis hand,
when Lucius March entered.
What have YOU there p were the first