Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-02-03
Miss Mannjng's Pride.
~ RETT WILDWOOD.

where two men were walking arm-in-arm
"Humph I've had enough ofthat nonsense.
was married six years ago"
Ralph Dean turned his blue eyes curlously
on the speakers face. 1t was the face of a
man who had seen much Of the world-cool,
self-possessed, somewhat cynical in its express
sion. He had always been puzzle to Ralph.
They had been boon companions for two whole
wears and yet this was the first direct reference
to the past Philip Bertrand had ever made
"You never told me that you were a
witower."
"Nor am l."
"Ahl Will you give me history"
"There is nothing to tell She was mere
child, and only twenty-one. a marriage of
convenience, you. know, arranged by our paters
and matters. She never loved me, and at last
we parted. Now you have the whole story"
"Where is she ?"
"Out in the world somewhere, | suppose,
feasting and making merry"
Philip Bertrand laughed in his slow way,
and yet it was not pleasant laugh to hear. 1t
sounded bitter and hollow.
Forgive ne, old boy" said Ralph, gently.
' would not have spoken Of Miss Manninsif
had known"
Philip turned sharply.
"Is that the uame-Miss Manning2" he
asked.
"Yes. But you necdst fall in love with her
unless you wish. Nobody wants YOU to. In
deed, it would seriously interfere with my in
tentious-that is, il she were to prefer you"
Philip answered nothing. They walked Oh,
passing group of merry bathers, presently.
A tall, straight figure confronted them at last
the figure of woman with her face turned to-
wards the sea.
There she is, said Ralph Dean, in sup
pressed voice.
"Who?'
Miss Manning"
Philip saw the figure then. But it was too
late to turn back. SO he walked on composed
ly enough. His face became shade whittier
and sterner than usual, that was all.
At the sound Of her foot steps, now close be-
hind her, that tall, queenly woman turned
The next instant, Ralph was saying in his glib
way:
This is a surprise, Miss Manning. Letme
present my friend, Philip Bertrand"
Miss Manning uttered an involuntary cry.
Then her teeth shut tightly over the drawn
under lip. After a momentary hesitation she
held out her hand.
a. am happy to meet any friend OF yours
Mr.. Dean" said she, quietly. And yet her
voice had a strange. unnatural sound.
1.-THE two uttered the usual common-places.
Ralph watched them curously. He was shrewd
enough to see that everything was not so bar
monious as it might have been. In all Miss
Manning's dark, rich beauty, an expression
showed itself he had never seen in her face
before. Nor was his friend Bertrand wholly at
ease
q wonder what is wrong?" he thought
" 1t can't be they ever met before?"
Others from the group Of bathers joined them
presently, and the whole party went struggling
hote-ward For some reason best known to
himself Ralph Dean began to study Miss Man
ning's face on the way. 1t looked worn and
tired, now she soon loitered a little behind the
rest when Bertrand slipped to her side.
"Honoria," Ralph heard him say, have
You no word for me ?"
She turned from him coldly and quietly.
"Only this" answered she, " Leave me-
He bit his lip. PLEASE bear in mind that
have a right to stay"
You forfeited that right long ago" said she,
hauehtly. Even the law has freed me-"
He looked at her long and earnestly. " Iio-
noria." he began, at last, what if should
tell you that | am sorry for the past-that |
love you. Would You come to me then ?"
"No,-leaye me. We are attracting atten-
ton"
Ralph heard nothing more, for nothing more
was said. But that night, as be and Bertrand
sat chatting over their cigars in the quiet of
their chamber, be said suddenly:
"Shall l tell you the rest Of that story you
related this morning p
Bertrand lifted his eyebrows. If you
can" he said.
"Miss Manning is the woman you married
six years ago. She is your wife"
" Vas, you mean" returned Bertrand, eOOly
{" She is free from me, now"
And YOU love her.