The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1877-08-04
OUR STORY TELLER.
A LITTLE MISTAKE.
BY ANNE S. Frost.

~ SAY l1dINSN GIOIUlD2lldHl WIS Ill II
bad temper, was to put the mildest form
to express the savage mood in which he
found himself on one winters evening
as he shot through the main street of
the town of l. onhis way homeward.
Everything had gone contrary to his
wishes all the week.
To commence with, he had fallen in
love with Josephine Ormund, whose
pretty face was her only fortune, and
who worked for her daily bread in a
paper box factory. Entirely ignoring
the fact that Harvey rockingham was a
man of standing and wealth in l.,
pretty Josie allowed the minor facts that
he was insultingly free in his addresses to
influence her 50 strongly, and then her
dignified reserve taught him the lesson
he needed, that when he sought her for
his wife she refused the honor.
4" As if, by Jove," the angry man
meditated, Il was only a hod car
rier.'
To add to his discomfture, the heiress,
Miss Maude Chesterton, whom he had
held in reserve that his ambition might
win wife, if his love would not, had
coolly informed him that she was en-
gagged to Fred Holman.
Now, if there was any man above
another who was utterly detestable in
the ewes of Harvey rockingham, it was
Fred Holman. They had been rivals at
school, where both stood well in talent,
application, and social position, and
Fred was even a little in advance in
every study, carrying away the contested
prizes far more frequently than it suited
Harvey he should.
In society, Fred shandsome face ready
wit, courteous manners, and frank, sunny
temper kepthim everin higher favor than
Harvey rockingham sullen cold dis
position could ever gain. And now, when
Maude had been ever gracious to the sonof
the wealthy banker, Silas rockingham,
she answered his love suit by the tidings
that his lifelong rival had her promise
to be his bride
" And the worst of it is, it will be just
the match to suit his uncle, muttered
Harvey, savagely. No fear of his dis
inheriting Fred now"
For Harvey knew that Fred depended
upon the goodwill his mothers brother,
James Rutherford, wealthy and eccen-
trio bachelor, for his income. He had
been left an orphan when mere boy
and his uncle had adopted and educated
him, and would probably make him his
heir. But the bachelor having long ago
put away sentiment, if he ever felt it,
looked to Fred to make match that
would increase his fortune and social
position. 1t was the wish of his heart
to see Fred the husband of Maude
Chesterton, and his wish was to be full
Ellal 1
with love, would have liked to see his
rival refused, disinherited, humbled, as
he felt himself humbled, since neither
love nor money would accept him.
He strobe over the pavement in saw
age mood, and started suddenly to see
Josephine Ormund coming out of the
drug store few steps ahead of him.
In her hand were several packages, and
her face was pale and anxious In mo-
ment Harvey wasby her side.
Let me carry some of your parcels"
he said, lifting his hat as he spoke.
"Thank YOU | have only few steps
to CO." answered Josie, hurrying for
ward, nervously.
You need not be afraid of me-"
Harvey said, noting the nervous manner.
/" [ will not annoy you'll Why will you not
believe my respect for you is as great
Amy loveT'
And before he knew exactly where
his words were leading him, the young
man was renewing the offer he had made
before.
Under the doorway of small tene-
ment house Josie stopped and faced
him.
You have spoken so before, Mr.. Froth-
ingham," she said, gently, and because
what / have kept secret for six
months, / am already married."
Josie, hurry. Why do you stand
there" cried voice in the narrow hall
way, and man stepped into the bar of
light thrown across the open door by the
street lamp.
Fred Holman" muttered Harvey.
starting forward "Marriedl and to
Fred Holmanw
1t almost consoled him in his disap-
pointment to think of the hold he had
on his rival. Engaged to Maude Ches-
terton, and married to Josie Ormund !
Fancy the proud face when she knew
she had been deceived for a girl who
worked in a factory. And sweeter still
was it to Harvey rockingham to think
of the rage of James Rutherford when
the news reached him.
But in his triumph Harvey Frothing-
ham resolved to be very cautious, to
have strong proof of his rival S marriage
before venturing to accuse him to either
his uncle or betrothed He noticed
the number of the house, in the glare of
the street lamp: No. %, Ralph Street
This was the entry he made in his note
book, in case his memory proved treach-
erous. 1t seemed to him that fortune
favored his plans.
Only the next day, happening to 90
into large fruit and flower store. he
saw Fred Holman selecting the contents
of large fancy basket of choicest fruits
and rarest blossoms Nodding carelessly
to Harvey, he wrote the address upon a
card, and attached it to the pretty
basket.
Harvey, taking the place Fred had
just vacated, read the card:
Mrs. f. Holman, No %, Ralph
Street"
What proof was needed now? 1t was
not in the nature of Harvey Frothing-
ham to work openly in any scheme. A
blow in the dark suited him better.
Feeling sure of his position now, he
hurried homeward to write two anony-
NOUS letters, that would, he fondfy