The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1875-06-24

have come to New York to select hel
troussesu. The wedding is to be next
month";"
The deep crimson surged over Kate
Murray's neck, cheeks and brow.
Engaged Appleton Arkwright
1t can't be possible!" she spoke, al
most before she knew that she was ut
tering sound.
"Oh, but it is" nodded Mrs. Hayes
"It's quite a long standing affair. Pa
tience is an heiress, and her uncle
wished her to be quite sure of her own
mind before anything was irrevocably
settled. She's dear love of Great
rre-nOt pretty. perhaps, but the
sweetest, most sensible girl l ever
knew. We are staying at the More
land House. Mr.. Arkwright is to
spend this evening with u.s.. Won't
you come, too? 1t will be so pleasant,
as you arc acquaintances."
Kate Muir ay hcsitatcd an instant.
YES" she said, at last; 81 will
come"
But strange, curious glitter had
come into the brown liquid depths of
her eyes-an unwonted hardness
around the exquisite curves Of her
deep red mouth, as she turned away.
$50 that is the end of it allw she
said to herself with a short, hard
laugh.
Miss Murray was none of your sem
timental heroines vino dissolve into
sudden grief. There was plenty of
heartbreak in the recesses of her inner
being, 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,
like lump of ice, and the whole
world seemed changed. But when
desk, took out a certain little journal,
gilt-edsed, and tied with ribbon, in
whose pages she had written out her
heart. Deliberately she inscribed the
one word, "Finis," underneath the
last entry. and tearing it into a score
o pieces, opened the window and
q ng it out to the keen February air,
like flock of fiuttelins doves.
"And now for my revenge" said
Kate. quietly to herself. "Mr. Ap-
pleton Arkwright shall discern that
1 haye not forgotten all the delicate
little attentions he has shown me of
late. He shall learn also the truth of
the good old rhyme:
at is well TO be merry and wise;
1t is we'll to be honest and true:
1t is w ell to be off with the old love,
Before you begin with the ncw.''
Mrs. Hayes had broken the Truth
when she said that Patience Eldridge
was not pi city. She was dark little
woman, with black tresses, and great
wIstful eyes-a girl with a 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 par
lors. at the Mcreland House, looking
at some rare canoes which had been
se>t in for inspection by famous
jewelry house, while Mrs. Hayes eag-
erly expressed her opinions, and Mr..
Arkwright bending in true love-like
attitude over tht 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 positive
beauty for the moment. 1t is passing
sweet 10 hear flattering words from
one we love.
At this instant there was tap at
the door.
"Oh," said FRS. Hayes, with knew
ing little nod, ''it's my other guest.
An old school-friend of mine, Pa
tieuce, dear, friend and acquaintance
of yours, Mr.. Arkwrjght. Come in,
Kate! Miss Eldridge"-as the door
slowly opened, and a snperb girl, in
black silk and rose-colored ribbons,
sailed in like a queen-"allow we to
present Miss Murray. Mr.Arkwright,
l don't think you need an introduc-
ton. My dear"-t0 Kate, as Patience
rose with welcoming smile, and Mr..
Ark wright turned red and pale in a
is this servant with a
basket? 1t is some mistake, think"
"No mistake q. all, Mrs. Hayes.
Pray allow the man to ENTER" said
Kate, regally, motioning for the bas-
ket to be set down at the heiress' feet, !
and then dismissins the porter with a
second imperious gesture. "Miss Ed
ridge, I believe you are to be married |
to this gentleman. AS his wife expect
ant, l make over to you all the pres
enis he has bestowed upon me in the
last six months. There are eighteen
faded boque,s, pearl opera glass, a !
glove box, three rings, a Russia leath-
er fan, photograph album, a silver
card case, six volumes OF poetry, a |
boquet holder, bracelet, and and a
point lace handkerchief. Of course
they are no further use to me. l am
only sorry that l cannot return yeu
the tender ud-pressures, the expires.
sive glances, and one kiss, bestowed
during a moonlight walk in the park
about six weeks ago"
Mr.. Appleton Arkwright was a tall
fellow, lacking not much of
the regulation six feet in height, but
he positively seemed 10 shrivel and
grow small and contemplate as he |
stood there nnder the scorchiug fire of
Kate Murray's grand eyes.