Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1875-07-15

but strange, curious glitter had
come into the brown liquid depth of her
eyes-an unwonted hardness around the
exquisite curves of her deep red mouth,
as she turned away.
so that is the end of it all 7 she said
to herself, with a short, hard laugh.
Miss Murray was none Of your sem
timental heroines who dissolve into sud-
den grief. There was plenty Of heart
breaks in the recesses of her inner be-
ing, but you saw no outward traces of
it.
She went through her school duties
just as usual, although her heart felt
cold and dead within her. ike Z lump
'of ice, md kh4 SSk016 Wof1o CG{ncd
changed. But when she got home, she
went straight to her desk, took out a
certain little journal, gilt edged, and
tied with ribbon, in whose pages she
had written out her heart. Deliberate
ly she inscribed the one word 'finis,' un-
derneath the last entry, and tearing it
into a score of pieces, opened the win
dow and flung it out to the keen Feb
ruary air, like a flock offiuttering 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:
'It is we'll 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 a gene
raj thing. She sat by the table in her
prettily furnished parlors, at the More
land House, looking at some rare cam
eos which had been sent in for inspec-
ticn hy famous jewelry house, while
Mrs. Hays eagerly expressed her opin-
ions, aud Mr.. Arkwright, bending in n
true lover-like attitude over the 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
moment. 1t is passing sweet to hear
hattcring words from one we love-
At this instant there was rap at the
door.
Oh said Mrs. HAYS, with a know
ing little nod, it's my other guest. An
old school friend OF mine, Patience dear
"a friend and acquaintance of yours,
Mr.. Arkwright. Come in Kate Miss
Eldridge'-as the door slowly opened
and superb girl, in a black silk and
rose-colored ribbons, sailed in like a
queen-'.llow me to present Miss Muir
ray. Mr.. Arkwright, don't think you
need an introduction. My DEAR
Kate as Patience rose with welcoming
smile, and Mr.. Arkwright turned red
and pale in breath-'who is this ser
want with this basket ? 1t is some mis-
take, think
No mistake at all, Mrs. Hays. Pray
allow the man to enter said Kate re-
gally motioning for the basket to be
set down at the heiress' feet, and then
dismissing the waiter with a second i'm
perious gesture. Miss Eldridge, be-
Eeve you are to be married to this gem
tleman. As his wife expectant I make
over to You all the presents he has be-
slowed upon me in the last six months
There are eighteen faded bouquets, u
pearl opera glass, a glove box, three
rings, Russia leather fan, a photo
graph album, 4 silver card case, six VOL
umes of poetry, a 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 pressures, the ex-
pressive glances, and one kiss bestowed
during moonlight walk in the park,
about six weeks ago.
Mr.. Appleton Arkwright was tall
muscular fellow. lacking not much of
the regulation six feet in height, but he
positively seemed to shrivel and grow
small and contemplate, as he stood
there under the scorching fire of Kate
Murray's grand eyes.
A cold sweat broke out in beads on
his brow. He pulled uneasily at his
waxed mustache.
Patience Eldridge turned to her lover.
SIS this true 2 she asked.
Mr.. Arkwright cleared his throat with
an effort.
THAT is-a young lady has no right
to suppose that becausa-
Did YOU give her these things? Is
it true what she says:' reiterated Pa
tience.
'Y-ves;. but
Quick as lightning, Miss Eldridge
pulled the diamond cluster from the
fair finger Of her left hand. as if it stunp
her
Take this to bear them comranv y
she said. i accept no divided homage
As for YOU. Miss Murray turning to
Kate, you have acted like u woman Of
spirit, aud 1 honor YOU and respect YOU
for ii :
The male coGuet sneaked out Of the
Moreland House, feeling excessively
cheap and small, while Kate and Pa.
tience cried in each others arms. 70,
they both liked him better than be de.
served.
Never mind, said Kate. its like
having q tooth out-hari b,,, ~h>l.