Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-03-19
4 temperance.
A Moman's Crime.

IOI ~ WIS WOHau CRIME, anu thls u
how it happened
At the age Of eighteen, Milly West was
the pretticst girl in Dover, as ali the youths
in the country round could testify. There
was not one Of them but would lay down
his life for her If need be. But she en-.
couraged none Of them-her love seemed
to centre in her Oldest brother, who was
about to graduate from college.
That important event occurred 10 the
latter part Of spring, and Nllly awaited his
return with a woman's impatience.
Sitting by the window as night drew on
slowly, she saw the carriage, which had
been sent to meet him at the depot, stop
before the door, aud Frank Vests face
peer out.
Here comes Frank, ma :" and with this
the impetuous Nlilly ran to the door. Be.
fore he had time to ring the bell, Frank
was confronted by the impulsive girl and
almost smothered by kisses.
Cant you wait until get inside, dar-
ling Milly2" he asked with laugh, as he
kissed her in return
Milly was brought to proper sense
of her surroundings by rich voice say
ing -
What a welcome home All me but
this must be Milly, whom | have heard so
much Of"
Milly looked up with a confused glance.
She had only time to recognise very
handsome gentleman behind Frank, when
the latter pulled her indoors, and the next
minute they were in the parlor.
After an embrace from his mother, Frank
said /:
Allow me to introduce my bosom
friend and fellow graduate, Mr. Ralph Ber.
trand, mother. l need scarcely introduce
you to my sister Milly, after the scene you
have witnessed but there she is, Ralph
the sweetest sister alive"
Mr.. Ralph Ber rand formally bowed
and leaving him to the care Of Nlilly, Frank
went with his mother into the back parlor
cxcusing himself on the plea he was dying
to hear the latest news.
suppose you think me very forward
acting as did at sight of Frank but
could not help it--no, not IL ten strangers
stood on the stoop,' aud Milly said thi.
emphatically, thinking some explanation
due from her.
Think you forward, Miss West O1
the contrary, only wished could share
with Frank. You see, knew you before
| ever saw you, and Frank had no coca
sion to ask me a second time to spend the
summer with him. Having no one to care
for me at home, the offer was only toe
tempting"
Milly West watched the speakers fac,
and grew conf lential at once. He was de.
cidedly handsome, as should become Frank
bosom friend
They talked on different subjects unit
her brother called bis friend out of tn,
room into the upper regions.
For the first time in her life, Mily hs(
met her ideal and so her idolatry fo
Frank became secondary.
As for Ralph Bertrand he loved hel
from the FIRST, and so be told Frank as h,
went up stairs with him.
"She is worthy of any mans love
Ralph. Knowing you as | do, and as sh'
will before the summer is over, don
think it would be the worst thing il
the world that could happen"
So that was how Milly's courtship com
menced. Knowing him to be pure in mind
her love thrived amazingly. 1t was a JOY
fu Eyes" that answered the all-importan
question two months later, aud she wa
very happy.
Go tho sumunar passnd swoy anJ in ,h
early part of September there was to be
party in honor of Milly's birthday. Their
were grand preparations for the all impor
tant event
The night proved to be deiciously cool
and the guests felt comfortable accordingly
Milly entering on the arm Of Ralph, wa
the observed of all observers. And sh
certainly was handsome, though only t
match the man beside her.
After dancing the first waltz with Ralph
she asked his permission to dance wit
whom she pleased.
What for, Milly? You see | am til
least little bit jealous"
"Why, Ralph, I'm ashamed of you
only mean to please my guests, for you Sc
its all for me they are enjoying theinselve,
shall be here by the next waltz" and S
saying the impusive girl walked away.
Ralph saw her in the next quadrile talk
ing and dancing gayly with very hand
some man, to whom he had been introdu
ced. Capt. Denver was his name,
She's good girl, is Milly-but | don
know anything about him." and, uncon
sciously he felt jealous twinge.
The dance finished, the dashing captai
drew Mily to seat. Ralph waited 70
her to leave him, but she seemed to hav
forgotten entirely that the waltz woul
strike up in a few minutes. Thinking thi
he went to her.
| Come, Milly, remember the waltz,
, and he took her arm, not forgetting I
pay the angry look of the captain wit
one of scorn. :" don't feel like dancin
this, do you ?"
"Of course l do, but do believe 20
are jealous I'm really sorry, and onl
tried to be agreeable Are you angry
Ralphs face wore gloomy expression
) but he did not answer.
cri 1Ou silJ goosei )Vu hio tciIiu
mad Let's make it up over glass
; wine"
"Wine2 Never, Milly!"
, "You are very gallant, must sa.
Ralph, to refuse a lady on her birthnigh
, too But | hope you don't want anythin
stronger, for"
That's only too strong, as many poc
! ! wretches can testify" he interrupted he
psssionately.
"Only too strong-our weak table wine
But | noticed you would never taste
, of course you wish me any number
= happy returns Of this occasion2"
: 81 shall be only too happy. Milly, dea
: est, but with water--a fluid that is as wea
as my love for you is strong" aud he kis
ed the upiurned face.
She had forgotten all about the walt
!. aud nearly every one was dancing-leaviI
4 them quite alone. A little Of the tyranr
Of pretty woman who knows her pow
took possession of her as she heard Ralph
q last speech. He was decidedly ungala
) to refuse what should be his duty, and
! said he loved her
a 81 am a woman, Ralph, yet da
Il to take glass of wine. But don't thin
you love me as you say you do, the
"A now -
c "Milly, Milly don't talk SO cruelty. "
:. know love you, but you don't know VIII