The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-08-07


pages she had written out her heart.
Deliberately she inscribed the one word
"fnis," underneath the last entry, and
tearing il into score Of pieces, opened the
window and flung it out to the keen
February air, like a flock of auttering
doves.
And now for my revenge" said Kate,
quietly to herself Mr.. Appleton Ark
wright shall discern that / have not for
gotten all the delicate attentions he has
shown me of late. He shall learn also the
truth of the good old rhyme
1t is well to be merry and wise
II is well TO be honest and true;
II is well to be off with the old love,
Before you begin with the new?'
Mrs Hays had spoken the truth when
she said that Patience Eldridge was not
pretty. She was dark little woman, with
black tresses, and great wistful eyes-a
girl with face that interested you like an
unread novel, but had none Of the Hebe
bloom and freshness which attracts the
masculine mind as general thing. She
sat by the table in her prettily furnished
parlors, at the Moreland House, looking at
some rare canoes which had been sent in
for inspection by a famous jewelry house,
while Mrs. Hays eagerly expressed her
opinions, and Arkwright, bending in a
true lover-like attitude over tho bride elect,
awaited her decision.
"FOr know, love" he said, "that your
artistic taste is simply perfect"
Patience smiled and colored, and her
dark eyes flashed into beauty for the mo-
ment. 1t is passing sweet to hear fatter-
ing words from one we love.
At this instant there was a rap at the
door.
"Oh," said Mr.. Hays, with a knowing
little nod, 'it's my other guest. An old
school friend Of mine, Patience, dear-a
friend and acquaintance Of yours, Mr.. Ark
wright. Come in Kate Miss Eldridge"
AS the door slowly opened and superb
girl, in black silk and rose-colored rib.
bons, sailed in like allow me to
present Miss Murray. Mr.. Arkwright, l
don't think you need an introduction.
My dear, to Kate as Patience rose with
welcoming smile, and Mr.. Arkwright
turned red and pale in breath, -"who is
this servant with this basket? 1t is some
mistake, / think"
" No mistake at all, Mrs. Hays. Pray
allow the man to enter, said Kate regally
motioning for the basket to be set down at
the heiress's feet, and then dismissing the
waiter with second imperious gesture
"Miss Eldridge, l believe you are to be
married to this gentleman. As his wife
expectant l make over to you all the pres
ents he has bestowed upon me in the last
six months. There are eighteen faded
bouquets, pearl opera glass, glove box,
three rings, Russia leather fan, photo
graph album, a silver card case, six VOL
umes of poetry, gold bouquet holder, a
bracelet and point lace handkerchief.
OF course they are no further use to me.
| am only sorry that l cannot return you
the tender hand pressurcs, the expressive
glances, and one kiss bestowed during a
moonlight walk in the park, about six
weeks ago.
Mr. Appleton Arkwright was tall mus
eular fellow, lacking not much Of the
regulation six feet in height, but he posi-.
lively seemed to shrivel and grow small
and contemplate, as he stood there under
the searching fire Of Kate Murray's grand
eyes.
A cold sweat broke out in beads on his
brow. He pulled uneasily at his waxen
mustache.
Patience Eldridge turned to her lover.
" Is this true?" she asked.
Mr. Arkwright cleared his throat with
an effort.
"I-that is--a young lady has no right
to suppose that because"
"Did you give her these things? Is IL
true what she saysP" reiterated Patience,
"Y-yes; but"
Quick as lightning, Miss Eldridge
pulled the diamond cluster from the fair
finger Of her left hand, as if it stung her.
"Take this to bear them company r.
she said. 81 accept no divided homage |
As for you, Miss Murray" turning to
Kate, 'you have acted like q woman Of
spirit, and l honor you and respect you
for il |"
The male coquet sneaked out of the
MOreland House, feeling excessively cheap
and small, while Kate and Patience cried
in each others arms, for they both liked
him better than he deserved.
Never mind" said Kate, otis like
having tooth out--hard but wholesome. I"
" We shall get over this in time, sob
bed Patience "for Of course one can
never marry man whom one despises.
Mr.. Appleton Arkwright secured new
boarding house at once. He did not care
again to meet the pretty school teacher
who had turned SO unexpectedly upon him.
But he had lost his heirsss; and Miss
Murray has the satisfaction Of feeling that
in this particular instance she has vindica-
ted her sex.
High words very often mean low Ian.
guage