The Van Buren press., 1876-01-18

:, shedid uot speak, not even when Carol
said something about a book and lefi
the room.
He came unann nounced--a man of TWEEN
| ty five, yellow haired, handsoMe--a man
any woman with unclaimed heart might
have loved.
Maude held out her hand with laugh
l didn't exdect you to night, Law.
reno"
He took it gravely, but did not attemp,
to kiss her. There was something in her
proud face which checked him.
"What dreary day, isn't 1t t?' she
said in her softest tones, clasping her
hands together least he should see them
tremble, and looking at him, her white
lids dropping a little.
How beautiful she was! The soldiers
face flashed little with pride as he look.
ed at this queenly girl-hls promised
wife.
"It is rather damp, my darling he re
turned, gaily.
She played with the rings on her fin
gers, loosing one. a bright cluster Of dia-
monds, aud halt drawing it off.
"This old house is dreadfnlly dull, |
am utterly miserable here--utterly miser-
able!"
Maude!' her lover cried, in grave
reproaeh.
Her eyes flashed as she looked up at
him proudly.
Don't you think it must be dull. with
two old women for my companions p
He bent over her eagerly.
at must be dull, dear, know. Don't
spend the winter here Let it form our
honeymoon, passed in sunny Italy, my
daring"
His proud lips qnivered; but she laugh
cd lightly
Il shall not spend the winter here.
am going abroad-to Paris; have friends
there, and shall see little of the world.
do not know my heart, Lawrence"
Lawrence bit his lip with annoyance
IL hardly understand you; you are
in strange mood tonight
She went on recklessly, twisting that
bright betrothal ring
1t was hardly fair to claim my promise
so soon, Lawrence-I am fettered before
have known anything of the world s
real life. They may be golden chains to
you; to me they are simply CALLING"
The insulting words stung him to the
quick.
Fetters do you call your words OF
promise have no wish to chain you
Maude-Miss Thornton, you will" he
returned hotly.
She rose up, playing careessly with
her rings.
They are fetters--easily broken,
tough, when no love binds the links to-
gether, There-take back your ring" "
She slipped it otf and held it out, laugh
ing the while. He clasped her Wrist and
thh ring dropped between them.
What do you mean Are you play
ing with me 1t has gone too far for 6
joke"
Loose my arm, Captain Gary-you
hurt me. tell you my promise has be.
come CALLING chain. l like you, you
know, but not well enough to give uf
better chances in lite | Am handsome
| Il have ten thousand year. A captain
in marching regiment is not a good
parti"
" For Heavens sake. stop" he exclai m
ed. hoarsely. II won't reproach you
Maude--I am glad yon have dropped
your mask. You are not worthy of an
honest mans love! will crush mine as
crush this bauble " He stamped upon
the glittering diamonds with his heel as
he spoke.
| For shame You have spoiled a ring
worth the rector's yearly income. she
exclaimed lightly,
But he needed not the words in his an
cry pain He caught the girls hands III
his with no gentle clasp, and looked
sternely into her face.
Heaven help and pity you, Msnde
The triumphs you covet. the rank yor
may gain will turn to ashes at your touch
| know you love me Nay, let your eyes
droop; know their secret-you have lei
me read it often enough. And now say
Heaven forgive you for the words yor
have spoken this night and for the sol
emu promise you have lightly broken! /!
He wrung her hands and strobe out OF
the room, his heart beating iercely with
| pain and anger.
With low heart broken cry, Maudt
dropped upon her knees and covered
her face from the light.
Miss Carol coming, found her sob
bing wildly. The companion knelt dowr
and put her arms tenderly around her.
" Miss Maude. dear Miss Maude, wha
is the matter? Where is Captain Gary Z
Maude put up her hands with u pas
sionate gesture.
"He is gone. Car. He will never
come any more He dosn't love, me Car.
Not love you?" echoed Carol, il
high disdain
y" He dosen't--hc seeks my money y
And Maude sobbed out the whole wretch
Ell story-the whispered words hehinc
the laurel fence, and her own hard words
to Lawrence.
Didn't you tell him what you hae
heard p
TELL him 7" questioned Maude, hel
face flushing hotly. No, indeed" y
Then you ought to have done SO