Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-11-13
Che Sturp Trller*
THE FATE OF A COQUETTE.

There was great party given ut the house
of Mrs. Dayton, in Park Square, and moving
maiestically as queen among the 'goodlle
companie,' was Alice Montgomery. She was
as beautiful as poets dream. Her rich
olive complexion was family tinged on either
cheek by soft peach-like bloom; her eyes
were as dark as midnight, and her hair fell
almost to her waist in ebon curls, their jetty
hue relieved by a crimson rose fastened near
her temple Her features rvaled in The beau
tv of their classic outlines the finest work of
ancient Phidias.
Acknowledged as the belle Of the evening
by all present, she received the many compl-
ments which were paid her with the greatest
GOODNESS and slight air of weariness.
"How beautiful she isw said one of a group
of three gentlemen who were standing near
her.
eyes, magnificent, but utterly heartless," :"
said another.
'As arrant coquette as ever brcathcd,
said the third. "Poor Darlington fell into
her snares and worshipped at her shrine with
the greatest alteration for nearly two years,
and at the very moment when he fancied he
had attained the summit Of his hopes she cast
him off as wayward child would a broken
plaything."
II heard she had rejected him." said the
first speaker "yet they seem to be very firm
friends"
"Heaven preserve me from such friend
ship" replied the other. "Carrington is as
hot-headed and passionate as can be, although
outwardly he appears as cool and collected as
any of u.s. He knows he has been played
with, and he will yet make yon fair lady rue
the day she first trihed with his affections"
See, he is making his way through the
crowd toward us. Who is that foreign look
ing gentleman in company with him ?"
81 do not know him."
"Nor l."
"Good evening, gentlemen - said CARING
ton, as he reached the group. "Allow me to
introduce my friend, Senor Armengole, Of
Venezuela"
The usual salutations were exchanged, and
after few moments conversation, Darlington
remarked:
ave must leave you, gentlemen, for my
friend is exceedingly anxious to know Ia belle
Montgomery. By all appearances she has
already made a fresh conquest in the person
of the Senior"
A slight smile ffickered around the mouth
of the Venezuelan as he allowed himself to
be led Immediately to the presence Of Miss
MONTGOMERY The introduction over the
lady made room on the sofa beside her for her
new acquaintance, and they became engaged
in an animated conversation. Miss Mont
gomery eXerted all her arts to make an i'm
preston on the Senior and truly he seemed
worthy of the smiles of any lady. He was
t,ll nd Civ, o,,3 oe ctro;rht an arrOw
His face was very dark, and he wore heavy
black moustache. His dress showed him to
be possessed of the most fautless taste
Hour after hour rolled on, but still the
Senor Armengole and la belle Montgomery
remained conversing on the sofa, neither Of
them evncng the slightest desire to mingle
in the giddy dance.
Alice Montgomery had at last found foe
man worthy of her steel. She listened to his
stories of the revolution in his coxntry with
the most breathless interest, her face glowing
with admiration as she. heard his words of
fire.
The party broke up at last, and Senor
Armengole handed Alice Montgomery to her
luxurious carriage, which was driven rapidly
home.
"He shall be minew said the beauty to
herself, as she glided quickly along.
As the South American turned after the
carriage was driven away, he met Darlington
face to face. For a moment the two men
gazed into each others eyes. The face OF
Darlington was deathly pale from excitement,
while that of the Venezuelan wore a cold
sneering smile.
"Well," said Darlington at last, uttering
the word with an effort
81 shall succeed" said Armengole.
care you certain?"
"Perfectly 1 seldom fail I am somewhat
fatigued, so 1 must bid you good night. l
will call upon you tomorrow"
"Good night" replied Darlington.
After the night Of the party, Senor Armen-
gole was welcome visitor at the house Of
Alice Montgomery. He was her constant
companion at parties, balls and the opera. Go
where they would, Darlington was always
present. He seemed to haunt their steps like
spirit. People who knew Alice said that
she had found new victim, while the unnl-
tiated many envied the Senor his good for
tune.
Months rolled on, and still Armengolc paid
his devoirs to the beautiful Ia belle Montgom-
cry.
Alice Montgomery was sitting one evening
working OH a piece of embroidery, when her
uncle came and took a seat near her.
"Alice," said he, 81 cannot see what it is
you admire in that dark-skiuned man."
"Well, but he is so pleasant and intelligent,
uncle" she replied.
"M dear" said he, crossing his legs and
looking at her over his spcctacles, 81 think
that man is not exactly all right; how do you
know but what he is some impostor?"
"Oh uncle, how could you speak so harsh
" about Senior Armengole, who has never be-
haved toward you as anything but gentle
man; and then uncle, to think he is Senor."
81 do not pretend to accuse him of this, but
as to his being Scnor, who could not call
himself Senior and besides, want to see
my sisters child marry an Englshman, in
stead of going to South America with this
foreign chap that no one knows; as sure as
YOU are born no good will come Oft and with
this he arose and went out, without giving her
time to reply.
But Alice had will Of her own, and what
was better, a large fortune in her own right,
and therefore she regarded his words with the
supremest indifference.
One bright summer afternoon as Alice
Montgomery sat in the parlor, arrayed in the
best any American toilet could afford, the
card of Senior Armengole was presented, and
in few moments they were sitting side by
side, conversing. After they had been there
awhile he said, abruptly:
"Alice, the time has now come when can
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