Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1876-04-13
HEARTS OR DIAMONDS?

lDcy are uOI worm so mucn, COUSIN
Hugh; was thinking of you," and Edith
May raised her little black curly head from
The sofa cushions and glanced carelessly at
her cousin, Hugh Conway, as he stood in his
slX-fcct, manly beauty, towering above her.
''Ah. | am glad you can waste a few min
utcs Of your precious time thinking Of me,
said Hugh, with IL profound bow, while his
grey eyes tWlnklcd u little.
''I;crhaps you would not be SO polite if you
knew what thought said Eda, hastily.
1T makes not the slightest difference what
it was, fair cousin, for have other things to
speak of just now. We intended having
skating party tomorrow evening at the lake,
and Mr.. Marston gives 4 supper. | was
asked to give you an especial invitation, as
the day would be incomplete without you,
machere. Will you go:'
''CondllOnally, cousin Hugh.
''And what are your conditions, queen
"Of what? Pray finish; hate blanks'
''Queen of hearts, or-Of Diamonds.
Which is it, Eda?"
''You talk in riddles, cousin Hugh Pray
get down from your stills long enough for
me to understand YOU.
"W ell, then, Eda, which will it be-queen
of my heart or Carl LennOX's wealth."
81 have no expectation Of being queen OF
anything, cousin, as am rather republican
in my ideas; yet, if had to choose between
wearing hearts or diamonds, l should certain
ly chose the latter, not only because they are
the most brilliant, but because hearts strung
around my neck and in my hair would look
evening MIR. Conway" and, with light
mocking laugh the little lady left the room.
Was woman in such humOr wooed?
Vas ever woman III such hulnOr won?
Poor Hugh. His face heightened, and
perfect demon of despair seemed to take pos
session of him and look out of his eyes,
Eda was trying spirit. 1t was not the
first time she had worried him to the verge
of desperation as well as despair But when
he tried to forget her, she would be so sweet,
SO mcekly good, that she almost drove honest
hearted Hugh crazy.
''She is SO pretty, and so confoundedly
sweet, that can't help loving her; but don't
really believe she has any heart, and | might
as well let her alone" And with sigh Hugh
put on his hat and walked off. Had she no
heart: All. if Hugh could only have seen
her then. Her eyes were full of tears and
lips trembling as she said sadly: How could
i.-oh. how could be SO cruel and heartless.
am wearing out my own heart as wellas his.
But this one time I'll try him, and then
easy to be cruel. And, besides" Here !
Eda's head was raised quickly from, the Win
dow sill as q pony phaeton dashed past, and |
ii 1t was Hugh and Annie Laurence, Eda's S |
especial enemy and rival.
Annie looked charmngly, and her blue rib
Dons were flying like banners of victory.
Anger, sorrow and piquc were all visible
in EtiA's face, but the door bell rang just then
and presently the servant appeared With
card MIR. G.. Il. LennoX"-and determin-
ed TO revenge herself on Hugh, with face
wreathcd in smiles, Eda went down.
But blame Us women motif some appear
Too cold at times and some too gay and light.
Some grcts gnaW deep. Some are hard to bear.
no knows the past: And who can Judge us light 2
While at supper that night Mrs. May asked
Eda If she had decided to attend the party
80 yes ma am. l would not miss it for
MIR. LennoX is coming for me-"
ana Eda looked silly out of the corner of her
eyes to ''see how Hugh would take it." and
was much amazed to see his face SO placed,
''Just AS If he didn't care bit" Eda said an
grily TO herself
lhat evening Hugh tried to get moments
talk with the dark-cyed witch, but failed in
every attempt.
AT last he saw her step into an alcoye.
where, hidden by the heavy crimson curtains, {
She was having good cry. But as soon as
She saw Hugh push back the curtain she i
arose, and hastily brushing away her tears, t
said good night.
Nv All minute, Eda, | have something to /,
say to you, said Hugh, hurriedly, as he de- !
aimed the little hand she had held out to him. t
Il would like to obligc you, cousin but | ]
an too sleepy and tired to care to hear any, ,
hing just now. Besides, | must 90 and j
'rmp my HAIR for tomorrow. and Won are =
pressing my ring into my finger :
Hugh set his teeth together hard when he t
recognized IA ring he saw Carl Lennox buy
ng "a few days before; and he knew why Eda
gave him her left hand :
lie turned away without saying word, but '
as Eia caught sight of his white face she q
was frightened /