The Van Buren press., 1873-08-19
MISCELLANY.
Playing q Double Game.
BY EFFIE WEBSTER.


at the beginning.
Rover whined a little, and Elsie hug
god him about the neck.
just then the wicket gate opened and
Rubert Lee entered the yard, he paused
as he saw the young girl and her dumb
companion, his face expressing regret,
sadness and love; but Elsie's, as she es-
pied him, spoke confidence and adora-
ton. He came up to her then, kissed
the flush check in a way that seemed to
denote entire possession, and then asked
was she well.
"Quits we'll myself, but papa has been
so poorly of late, that am sorely per
picked. You know l am all he has, and
he fears he will leave me alone, and is
constantly urging me to accept suitor l
have"
"A suitor, and l know nothing Of it !"
in surprise
"What need to vex you, Rubert2 His
talk has been entirely with papa. and
there was nothing for me to tell. should
not speak Of it now, but papa believes
you are not true to me. must say this
to you, although ! nm ashamed. Papa
has worn his poor life away for me, and
he must see his own earth happiness be-
fore he dies. "
She spoke decidedly, although she
looked abashed at her own words, and
felt humiliated. As for Rubert, he paled
to the lips.
"Do you trust me, Elsies'
Entirely.
al tell you frankly, then, thvt ! have
trouble in my love for you, and at last l
am obliged to obey my mother 1t may
grisve you, but you are strong and
brave.
Am l." dreamily. " But cannot
understand you. "
II cannst expect you to forgive me,
Elsie; he felt assured she would
"but five years since l allowed myself to
become pledged to wealthy lady. Then
my father lived and we had luxury. Since
his death it has been hard task to keep
up the old way, and sometimes even COM
fort and my proud mother hurries me to
to this marriage. She is up at the Hall
now, and preparations are being made
for the Wedding"
Elsie realized at once how cowacdly
he was. Reared in idleness, had not tho
courage to face harsh rcalities-and' she
would have toled her life away for him
And yet she ptiad him.
"You have told me those two years
was to be your wife
because l love you, and hoped it
might be SO. "
She pushed his hand away from hers.
"Do you love this lady, RubertT
with you before me-!
The man spoke truthfully then; he al
ways loved this girl when she was near
him. But away from her he reasoned
that he could give her up.
does she love you more than l9'
continued Elsie
IL hope not
She looked at him steadily momeat,
and then fed into the cottage and cast
herself into the great rush bottomed arm
chair. 1t was hard struggle, but she
came out of it calm. 1t was not the
death agony Of all her hopes, after all
She prepared supper-hsr father would
soon be In from the field, where he toiled
in his feeble strength. The life that had
been given that she might be happy and
obtain an education fitting her to find
happiness for herself, should not be cast
aside by her selfshness. The kettle was
singing merrily when he came, and she
was laughing at Rover in ghostly glee
He was too weary to notice her pallor or
forced gladness but said over and over
again that she was kind and good, asd
the tea was rare.
And then as usual he walked about the
house, kissed her goodnight, and won't
to his early rest.
She went to the door, and looking out,
saw tho lights in the windows OF the
mansion Wonder. She couldn't help it.
but wrapping shawl about her, she
cropt out into the night up the hill she
gained the iron gate, which was open.
Obcyiag impulse she glided up the ave
nuo until she paused before the lights
They had not drawn the curtains or
closed the blinds. Only lace curtains
:;.-ssn that sp;vn:..o" and herself
There, BY the table ss: lady 90 bri..sss'
in her dark beauty. that Elsie's heart
misgave her And yet did she love him
we'll enough to pay for this sacrifice :
She would see
Gliding like spirit up the steps she
crossed the piazza and entered the parlor
through the open window.
The lady started in terror, but Elsie
reassurcd her.
~ wish to know, ," said she, "if you
are to marry Rubert Lee !"
"What is that to you p sharply
"Only this. He has loved me these
two wears, and now he says that he must
give me up to marry you. on, II you
love him more than !, ! will willingly
give him up, since your claim dates back
Ave years-and may you be happy
The lady shook her head, her glsam.
inc ear. r.drops emitting such rays oflight
that Elsie closed her eyes, half stunned,
Nv claim dates but year back
.he said 'but l love him, as he says
nd l hope he loves mo.
"Ahr' AZ the door opened and Kuoert
and his mother entered.
Thero they stood, side by sldc' E"'
nice La See and Elsie Van..
Rubsrt, y" said Eunice, firmly" THIS
Girl comes to ask you Of me. II she has
Deeper claims, il you love her bette. mar,
~ her. II you have wronssd hsr, /,
throw YOU aside! Answer me, ana