The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1876-09-22

you choose to honor in that way Should
We chance to meet, let it be as strangers
tor my vocabulary contains no word by
which I can fully express the scorn in
which | shall ever more regard you.
Il remain, very respectfully,
MINNIE RANGToN.'
Good heavens! What is the meaning
Of this? Has her love for me departed
since last saw her and been bestowed OF
another, and is this the paltry manner in
which she seeks to rid herself of my com
pany and sever the engagement? 1t is one
series Of falsehood from beginning to end,
and is plainly Of her own coinage tool"
tits strange how quickly, when suspi-
eion is once aroused, people jump to con
cluSions, be they true or false; and this is
especially the case when two Of mans
strongest passions, love and jealousy, are
at all concerned in the matter.
Al this juncture the cabman approached
James, who was excitedly pacing up and
down the verandah which surrounded the
House, and said
I'D like to have my fare, sir, for must
be off, l can't wait here all day unless
you pay me for waiting"
"Iou may remain, for I'll want you to
take me back to the station, and III pay
you for your time" replied James.
All right, sir" said the man, going
back to his vehicle, but wondering at the
peculiar manner in which the gentleman
was acting.
Il will see her!" cried James, "and
wiring the truth from her. The meaning Of
this scandalous note, in justice to myself,
must be explained before l leave Nal
yern"
He rang the bell, and again the servant
made her appearance.
"Tcll Miss Rangton that I must have a
few minutes conversation with her"
The servant departed to deliver the mes
sage. aud quickly came back with an an
swer.
"Aiiss Rangton desires me to inform
you that it is impossible for her to grant
your request, and wishes you to cease an
noying her with such solicitations, and to
leave this house immediately"
"But she shall speak with me-" cried the
o0,y- -, f,r;o+od Io,,oe
!I was instructed not to admit you,
and with that she shut the door in bis face,
and locked it also,
'She is afraid III force my way into the
house-as if we're some cowardly ruffian,
and not a gentleman. | will 60, for
should de8pise myself if / were again to
beg for that explanation which It is my
lard though, not knowing the cause, to
BART in this way from the woman you love.
Perhaps | may judge her wrongl y-per-
haps some persons have slandered me n
my absence, and she has believed them.
It is possible, and yet she has not acted
like woman who has been injured, but
ike one who commits an injury. Well
she won't see me, nor shall | try to force
her again, so I'll go from here, and, in
time, may learn to forget her,"
He walked slowly, the picture of agrlet-
stricken man, down the graveled walk, but
as he reached the gate, lady approached
it from the other side.
"My dear James," she cried, 'wha1 j
the matter? You look as if some great
misfortune had befallen you"
"And SO there is, Mrs. Rangton. Read
this and judge for yourself, and then ex-
plain it if you can" he replied, handing
her Minnie's note.
II really can't conjecture what has caus-
ed her to write you in this fashion," said
Mrs. Rangton, when she had perused the
missive. This morning" she added,
Minnie was looking joyiully forward to
your coming"
"And you don't doubt that my affection
for her is as great as it ever was, Mrs.
Rangton ?" he asked, interrupting her.
Il have had no cause to doubt, James,
nor will | till I have full and sufficient
proof. am convinced that there is some
great mistake, but what IT is, ] can neither
say nor think"
II hope it may prove nothing worse
he replied, sadly. II sought an explana
tion Of her strange conduct, but she would
not grant me an interview. Good bye, Mrs
Rangton, for | must 60, else ! shall nls'
the next train. You may tell her that
for
flames, you shall do nothing ofthe kind
/ have known you since you were child
and I'm sure you would not Do anything
wrong Or unman1y. | have always place.
as much faith in you as | have in Minnie
james; therefore, as you say you canno
explain what has caused her to take TIL
sudden dislike to you, she herself mist @
so. for your satisfaction and mine. Com'
with me into the house; We have alread
delayed too long. The sooner this matte
is cleared up, the better for all parties con
H ~