Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1875-10-14
MINNIE'S MISTAKE.

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the altar. He was now journeying toward the
home of her who had filled, and would fill, he
hoped, in the happy years to come, many Of
his hours with "silken splendor." Is it, then,
to be wondered that his thoughts, his day
dreams were profoundly delightful?
Malvern" murmured Malcolm. why the
the time has passed very quickly
| He removed his sachel, cane and umbrella
from the rack, vacated his seat, and when the
train stopped stepped off on to the platform
A large crowd was assembled at the station
awaiting the arrival of the train, for Malvern
was quite fourishing town, and he was max
! ing his way through the concourse of people as
rapidly as he could, when pair of arms were
claspeo around his neck, and soft voice
whispered:
%, Georgel Pm so glad you've con,e,' and
then almost as suddenly added, %, beg your
pardon, sir, I've made great mistake, but the
resemblance is wonderful
Before the astonished Malcolm Thorne could
make any reply, the young female with the
fair, lovely face suffused with bushes, had dis
oPPSoiSu LII SlONu, oliN va QQlShil OLA
| his sight
by jove,' he thought, that young woman
must have taken me for her lover, whom, l
| suppose, she expected would come by this
train. Why, bless me, it's the funniest ad-
venture with which I've ever met The whole
affair struck him as being entirely ludicrous,
and he stood still for moment and gave vent
to hearty laugh.
He moved On again, got clear of the crowd,
and then gazed along the platform where
row of various sizes and styles of vehicles were
waiting to convey the arrivals to different points
in the town.
Minnie promieed to meet me here with the
carriage, but see neither her nor it. Proba-
bly, something has delayed her; at any rate, I'll
sit down and wait few minutes longer
Ten minutes passed away, but neither his
| lsdy-love nor the vehicle appeared.
She must be i'll, he murmured, glancing at
his watch; but it's strange she didn't order the
carriage to come for me, even if she couldn't
come herself"
He called cabman to him.
DO you know where Mr. Rangton resides?
he asked.
The man replied in the affirmative, and NAL
colin ordered him to drive there as quickly as
he could.
The vehicle stopped in front of a stately,
handsome residence, and Malcolm Thorne
sprang out of the conveyance, walked rapidly
up the gravelled walk and rang the bell, which
was almost Immediately answered by ser
want
is Miss Rangton indisposed, or is there any
sickness in the family? cried Malcolm.
All are quite well, sir, replied the domest-
ic, 'and Miss Rangton cannot see you, and
bade me give you this note She thrust it in
to his hand, and then shut the door, as the say
ing is, in his face.
Malcolm, bewildered and astonished, stood
there, making no movement, but having the
appearance of person who is not really aware
whether he is in his right senses or not.
Cannot see me?' he at last admitted. what
have done to offend her? What is the mean
ing of this strange action of hers?' He seemed
to have forgotten the dainty, pink-tinted mis-
sive which the servant had given him. but sud-
denly reccollecting it, he tore open the envel-
ope and read these sarcastic lines:
''MR. THoRNE-Dear Sir: l was not aware
until quite recently that your heart was large
enough to entertain an affection for two
women at the same time. Such being the case
l must decline the share of love you have wont
60 1ov;e in off of ba haart I
am very selfish, and not for moment could l
think of looking to rival. Let all, henceforth
that has passed between us be forgotten. l
leave you free to bestow the whole wealth of
your elastic affection upon whomsoever you
choose to honor in that way. Should we chance
to meet, let it be as strangers for my Yocabu-
larry contains no word by which, can fully e1-
press the scorn in which l shall evermore re-
gard YOU
81 remain, very respectfully,
III '.MINNIE RANeToN."
Good heavens! What is the meaning of this?
Has her love for me departed since last saw
her and benn bestowed on another, and is this
the paltry manner in which she seeks to rid
herself of my company and sever the engage
men,? 1t is one series of falsehood from be-
ginning to end, and is plainly of her own coin
age, too
1t is strange how quickly, when suspicion is
once aroused, people jump to conclusions, be
they true or false; and this is especially the
case when two Of mans strongest passions,
love and jealousy, are at all concerned in the
matter.
At this juncture the cabman approached
Malcolm, who was excitedly pacing up and
down the verandah which surrounded the house
and said
I'D like to have my fare, sir, for 1 must be
off. can't wait here all day unless you pay
me for waiting
You may remain, for I'll want you to take
me back to the station, and I'll pay you for
your time replied Malcolm.
All right, sir, said the man, going back to
his vehicle, but wondering at the peculiar man.
ner in which the gentleman was acting.
4 will see her!' cried Malcolm, and wiring
the truth from her. The meaning of this scan
dalous note, in justice to myself, must be ex-
planned before leave Malvernp
He rang the bell and again the servant made
her appearance.
Tell Miss Rangton that must have few
minutes conversation with her.
The servant departed to deliver the message,
and quickly came back with an answer.
Miss Rangton desired me to inform you that
it is impossible for her to grant your request,
and whistles you to cease annoying her with
such solicitations, and to leave this house i'm
mediately.'
But she shall speak with me- cried the now
infuriated Malcolm.