Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-02-18

sdW d JouHS A@oy o0''0
deep in the clear water. The ludlc'
rousnsss of her position was the mos'
apparent feature Of the situation, and
she seemed to appreciate the humo'
of it, for she laughed heartily. Mau'
rice helped her to step to the bank
and she thanked him between hel
peals of ringing laughter. She was
pretty, and the flush of excitement
blossomed in her smoothed cheeks
and deerened the red of her full lips
"You are wet" said Maurice, pity
.ingly.
"Not very" she replied, merrily,
"and I don't care if l amt will
only make me cooler. | saw COW
down there standing in the water, and
the same plan ought to work we'll
with woman"
Then you jumped in purposely ?"
ooh, mol and she seemed to be
conscious Of two great freedom with
stranger. II was crossing over that
log and slipped off. But I suppose |
must return now or risk cold"
Whereupon she thanked him, show
ed her white teeth in a sweet smile
and disappeared.
Maurice returned to his fishing,
but with no success. Perhaps the
splasling advent of the beauty had
scared away the fish. Anyhow she
had set Maurice Lantlev' heart beat
ing at a rate unknown since his So
ourn among the mountains. He com.
pared her with women he had known.
None CT them stood the test. She
was certainly the prettiest woman he
had ever seen.
That night at supper he saw her
again, as he had expected to do, know
ing that there was no other hotel
within ten miles. A young fellow was
with her-a brother, she told him
when the supper was over, and Mau-
rice presumed upon his slight acquain-
tance, by leading her into conversa-
ton.
You are new arrival here p he
ventured.
Yes she replied, turning her
bewildering eyes upon his. i came
to-day and am to stay a month.
VIII you walk? it will not be
dark for an hour yet.
Probably the woman does not live
who cannot read mans mind with
reference TO her own impression upon
it. This woman, Cora Trenor, already
knew that Maurice admired her, and
that he could easily be made to love
her. She hesitated, and seemed about
to decline his invitation. The precipi-
fancy of his attentions would have
furnished al excuse if she had nc
other; but love of admiration con-
quered, and they walked until twi-
light together-her small hand rest
ing softly upon his arm, her voice in
his ears, her eyes kindling his. Both
were intoxicated with passionate emo
tions-his of sudden, overpowerine
love, she with the excitement Of con.
quest.
A sudden shower came up one day,
month after the first meeting CT
Maurice and Cora. The former, re-
turning from a stroll, took refuge
under a rough shed, where he found
Cora ensconced.
!" We're caught you see" she cried
Yes; but l find sunshine here in
spite Of the storm
"How nice y laughed the beauty;
"I like to be complimented."
"And you have become so accus-
toned to them, that you cannot judge
between sincerity and aattery."
There was something in his tole
that caused her to lift her eyebrows
in elegant surprise.
ooh I! l know you don't hatte,
me" she said, lightly.
"How?'
"I wouldn't like to tell you
"Why ?"
Because it would make me appear
vain IN your eyes, and"
"And you do really value my opin-
ion?' he asked, taking her hand,
which she gently drew away again.
Well, with provoking sang Jro'd,
"if you will force me to be egotisti.
cal, because 1 am pretty. Men al