The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-04-19
sham, SO l am able to defect the differ

ing to tell me about your engagement
because thousand things may pre-.
vent my marrying. WHAT'S the use Of
borrowing troubieW
"And yet you have promised to marry
him."
"Pshawl what's promise in this age
of development?"
"You must have lied to him, toor'
"Certainly. What of itp
"Did you lie to me also, Blanche,
when you told me that you loved mepy
SNOW, that's unfair, Hugh" and there
were tears in the beautiful eyes lifted to
his, unlikely as 1t may appear.
''Then why do you damn your soul
with such'a promise?"
"Oh, Hugh, damn is an awful wordp
''Do you love me, BlancheW
"Of course | do, you old ninnyW
"Will you break this unnatural en-.
gagement, and marry me?"
"Oh, how abrupt! That isn't the way
to 60 wooing."
"a have been less abrupt on several
occasions. Will you marry me imme-
diatelyW
"Perhaps," and the slender fingers
resting on his arm ,twitched convul-
sively until they were held fast In the
firm hand of her companion. "There is
the stage, Hughl" said the lady, collect
ing herself with mighty effort, and with
drawing her hand.
"And there is Mr.. Ercourt. 1 didn't
expect him until evening. Will syou
ride up to the house, Hugh? How for
tunate, Mr.. Ercourtl L was just wish
| ing that some one would contrive way
to elevate me to the hotel again without
the trouble Of climbing the hill, and here
you areW
"God help usp' groaned Hugh, as
Blanche sprang lightly into the. vehicle,
and seated herself, rare and radiant, by
The side of her plighted lover.
"Strange, isn't it, HughW she said
in q low voice, as the driver wanted a
moment to examine the horses; "but l
can't help thinking, to-day, OF Lola
| MonJez." And as the numbering stage
started, she whispered: "Vive la baga-
telleW
Bewilderingly beautiful WAS Blanche
Wilder the evening OF the same day.
Blue silk, white illusion, rosebuds and
diamonds, the last new earnings, bracelet
and Drooch-a present from her in
tended misunderstanding tout ensem-
BILE usually becoming TO the lovely
blonde.
Mr.. Escourt did not dance.
| IL must have one waltz; where is
HughW said Blanche, as, hanging on Mr..
Efcourts arm, she sought the man she
loved. "You won't mind, please? Hugh
and l have danced together since we
were children"
"Your wish is my law; DEAR"
"Tnank you."
"Here you arep as they last came
upon him they sought.
| "Mr. Ercourt requests that you will
waltz with me, Hugh. Listen to those
strains Strauss most heavenly measure!
Comew
81 am not dressed for the ballroom,
Blanche"
"Wnat matter? You always look
WellV
"Bianche, you will kill me!' as, with
his arm around her waist, they kept
time to the dreamy, graceful adagio.
"Did You see my diamonds, Hugnw
"You must return themP
"Twenty-tiye thousand dollars
worthW
"You asked me to save you once"
"Nonsense!'
81 shall do all there is to do, Blanche"
every well. Isn't this dellciousp
With you and music, never would ask
| for anything elsel One turn more, dear.
| Pm not in the least tired"
Every well done," said Mr.. Ercourt,
as, at the end of the waltz he threw
shawl around the fair shoulders of his
nrOmised wife, "rhat was the very
poetry of notion"
eyes; Hugh dances well, keeps good
time, and all that sort Of thing" said
Blanche, with remeNinditference.
"Mr. Ercourt," commenced Hugh, 81
have trifing communication to make
we are alone here-and would save
my friend Blanche from committing a
crime. She is engaged to marry you,
and loves another with her whole soul,
| and has just confessed 1t for the thou
sandth time"
A silvery laugh rang out, sweet and
clear, ON the fresh mountain air.
"Is this man speaking the truth, Miss
Wilder?" and the millionaire drew him
self up with considerable dignity.
"Why, how can you ask question SO
ridiculous, Mr.. ErcourtP Go in; and go
to bed like good boy, Hugh. Waltzing
always affects his head. l should have
stopped sooner"
And Hugh, stunned and wretchcd,
saw the PAIR walk calmly away-his dia-
mOnds sparkling on her neck and arms,
his hands carefully arranging the shawl
about her shoulders. The last effort had
been made.
There was nothing more he could do.
He had promised to save her ii salvation
was possible, and he kept his word.
EXTRACT FROM JOURNALS:
May 10Th, 1Sl3.-Met Mrs. Ercourt on
Broadway to-day.
How weary and haggard she looked.
ooh, Hugh" said she, II am SO glad
to see youW
"Are you illr' asked.
sNo; only little nervous. Going to
Europe next week for my health"
What else she would have said, had
not hurried away, heaven knows.
"Good-by, Blanche"
"Good-by, Hugh. You tried TO save
me, didn't your God bless you, dear
old boy"
June 18th.-"Died at sea, suddenly,
by heart disease, Mrs. Hartwell s. Err
court"
Gone home! could not save her, but
God has.
Hush, tired hearth Hush! she is pure
now.