Connecticut western news., 1878-03-21
Won by a Leap.

The London season was just at its height, when one lovely afternoon late in June, three young Life Guards men were strolling up the walk on the right side of Rotton Row. All three were fine looking, handsome men, but 1t is with the tallest and handsomest that we have to do. Sir Harold Arlington is full six feet, a typical blonde Englishman, broad shoulders and athletic looking, with deep, tender, true blue eyes, firm mouth and Grecian nose, and 8 full, fair mus tach. He was first captain of the "Queen's 2nd,' and was immensely looked up to and respected by all the regiment it was rumored that he had saved more than one young fellow from lAruin, and sorrow worse than death. About midway down the row girl rode slowly past scarcely girl, though still very young one would be more apt to call her fine woman. She sat upon Ter horse as if born in the saddle, straight as an arrow, looking like perfect Anna zon. Her close-ftting habit revealed an almost faultless figure, her small head gave one the idea of being from another age, so stern, so grand and classical. Her eyes were gray-now they were quiet, but they could flash fire.
 By love what splendid woman p exclaimed Harold. ss Know who she is. Townsend p
 Don't you know? That is the great American beauty whom every one is talking about, Miss Van veckten. She is cold as stone, they say; no one can get within mile of her, and as to making love to her-impossible p
 should like to try. She would be worth winning if her mind is as attrac- live as her face,' Arlington said.
 She is as clever as Minerva, hear. and 1t any one could win her, you could, old fellow"
 Harold replied with vehemence. s In two months time will be refused or &C., cepted."
 All laughed, and Arthur Hume, the third member of the party, said:
 "She is to be at Lady SaIa's tonight. can get you an introduction.
 Thanks" and so the subject was dropped.
 There she is there she is !'' AlIing- ton exclaimed to Lord Townsend as they entered the crowded ballroom that night Yes, there she was, looking more charm ing than ever, in white silk, her hair e,a ponepadour and with profuse silver or naments. She was talking somewhat scornfully to her companion, renowned lady-killer, but all his fascinations had evidently no effect on her.
 Sir Harold was presented, and, hear. ing that she hated to dance, he led her of into retired corner of small and beautiful boudoir. After few common place remarks, in which he learned that she detested London life, and longed for the country where she was gong soon on visit to Viscount Frotheringham, he led her into discussion on the literature of the day, subject in which he was perfectly 0u .fait and if he found her all rumor had reported, she. lon her side, was most agreeably surprised to find young man who would talk of something more than balls, gossip and the opera, and who had read something more than the ightest novels.
 From that night Harold was a well come visitor. He rode with her talked with her, walked with her, and was seen with her everywhere. Townsend and Hume said he was in fair way to con- firm his former statement, but Harold himself knew that he was no nearer her heart (f she had one :? than that first night. She liked him, she admired him. and found him an agreeable companion but no more. He almost despaired, he put forth every effort, had never talked 50 well in his life, had never made so many gallant speeches, but all to no prsr- pose.
 Esther Van Veckten was to leave Lon. don In another week. He was, by this tune, madly, passionately in love he felt he must win her or no one. She had become the one woman in the world to him. He wrote the following note to Lord Frotheringham, very old friend
 DEAR CHARLE.-You have often asked me to run down to you for a little grouse sbootino Will you have me now for couple of weeks l frankly own to you that it is not the gronse but your beautiful friend Miss Van. Vecktan that attracts me, Yours sincerely, .< HAROLD ARLINGTON