The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-06-22

called her .ngly; but truth to say, Hagar
Lenox silent, and Hagar Lenox talking,
were two different persons. Perhaps, as she
talked to Rolf she raised her '.mighty eyes,
oftener to his face than WAS absolutely necces-
sary. Few men can resist q woman who is
determined to please, and Rolf was not an
exception to the rule.
Before breakfast was over he acknowledged
that Miss Lenox was very charming girl,
and in week he called himself fool for
ever thinking her stupid. So the golden
summer days slipped by, filed up with all
kinds of gayeties and pleasures Rolf man.
aged to be alwsys near Hagar, and all his
masculine friends rallied him about his firta-
tons with Miss Lenox, who smiled sweetly,
and seemed perfectly unconscious of their
jealousy, and encouraged Rolf the more.
Rolf WAS soon forced to acknowledge to
himself that his Irritation was no longer fir.
tation, but verging rapidly to real love. At
first he put aside the idea angrily. He in love
with penalties school teacher He deter.
mined not to 60 near her until this idle fancy
had died out-he would leave the house that
morning. But, alas. for human nature! when
he entered the bresfast room, and she smiled
at him, he discovered that there was no need
for his speedy departure, and so he fingered
on, each day becoming perilously sweet.
One evening they strolled down together to
seashore. The pale moon had just risen, and
her silver RAYS flooded beach and ocean with
light. The low murmur of the waves as they
Tapped the shore was the only sound which
broke the silence. Presently Miss Lenox
spoke:
"How peaceful and calm the sea looks. l
have often wished could 60 to sleep beneath
those cool, glistening waves, and never wake
again"
sit is hardly natural wish from the lips of
a young girl, Miss Lenox. confess l should
not like to give up life up at this And he
| looked at her tendery.
Hagar noted the look, and complimented
him upon his flirting-ln her thoughts
"Perhaps it does not sound, but please re-
member that a village school marin does not
naturally find her path strewn with roses"
returned she, laughing rather bitter bitterly.
"God knows, Miss Hagar that would will.
lngly take all your troubles ON my shoulders,
and leave you only the roses Of lite, were it
possible" said he, earnestly.
81 hardly think you would be accepted as
schoomistress in N. | doubt your
qualification for teaching, and your patience
to drum A B G into the heads of stupid
children, and that is my particular burden"
laughed she, lightly.
"Hagar, must speak. You must hear me
Il love you better than my life. Give ME the
right to make your path smooth through
life"
Admirably spoken-rather high-hown
though, was 1t not Mr. Ranlegh ?" said Ha-
gar, believing him to be only flirting.
"Hagar!- ="
Miss Lenox-if you please"
"Miss LenoX-Hagar you wrong me. love
you truly, devotedly, and earnestly as man
ever loved woman"
THAT Is certainly an honor done me; it
would be greater if could believe it," re-
turned Hagar, scornfully.
| "Hagar, Hagar, have you no mercy, no
pity? Are you woman or only stone, to
stand there and taunt man who pleads DE-
fore you for life or death p cried he passion.
ately.
EDO you really dome the honor to love me 2
Excuse me If doubt it. l have grown no
better looking since that night you spoke of
me in such complimentary manner on the
piazza" she answered, coldly.
"Hagar, that was before knew you. You
will not take such q cruel revenge upon me
for thoughtess words! thought you liked
me little, Hagar out of pity answer me-"
"You were mistaken, do not care for you.
My only answer is, no. she returned non
chalantly
He mad been standing before her. now he
came nearer, caught her hands tightly in his
own, and said, sternly:
"Hagar, look into my eyes, straight into
them. and tell me that YOU do not care for
me-
docs it not strike you that you are taking
an unfair advantage ct me! Remove your
hands. do not care for you" answered Ha.
gar, haughtily, throwing back her head and
looking into his eyes.
His face blaached, but he held her hands
tighter Then he OOsed them but il was on.
ly To- ,nr,w his arms arouni her and press her
- hi. ncnr,. Closer, and shll closer, he strained
her: las lips chung to hers in u long burning
ks.---,nd then his arms fell at his side.
II tx your pardon shall we return ?"
II gpr, too much surprised and stunned 70
specs r even realize what had Happened ST.
!cni,y retraced her steps. AT the hall door
he RAISED his hat saying, cody
ST '",l.byc, MISS l.enox; allow me to CON-
pn"ut You on your revenge.
runt night Rolf Ranleigh left, and in few
days Hngar returned to her school and TO the
weary drudgery of her life. A nameless SOME
thing seemed to have gone Tor her li',, !cav-
my 1t cold aud void, what il was sh" knew
not The glurinus glowing autumn days
which followed were ever after remembered
~ he dreariest, saddest in her life. Gradually
came the onvict,on that she loved the man
whom she had so heartlessly, cruelty rcpulsed
lowed him NJ woman loves but once in
her life, and nved HIM hopelessly too, tor he
would never return aftel what had passed.
"Ah, deserve 1t, deserve is," sue would