The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-09-06

him at Newport three years ago-poor,
dear Harry and 1. :"
She gave her handkerchief a very un-
certain twirl, that left the shade of a
doubt in the minds Of some of her
| listeners whether il was intended as an
evidence of her uncomfortable sorrow at
the remembrance of her "poor, dear
Harry" or to attract the attention of
Tom Lacy, who was flirting outrageous
ly with Mabel Townley at the further
side of the room. And SO Casper
Ducey had a passport to the society of
Boroville, and was received with open
arms.
"How do you like him, Florry?" John
Myers inquired one afternoon, as Mr..
Ducey whirled past the window in a
basket phaeton, nodding gracefully to
Florry, and then turning to make some
witty remark to Mrs. Digby, who occu-
pied the seat at his side.
The widow laughed, showing every
one of her front teeth to the fullest ex-
tent of propriety. She was exultant,
and her face showed it; and John and
Florry smiled, and so did Mr.. Ducey-
in quiet, gentlemanly sort of way.
80, like him exceedingly we'll, "
said Florry, in answer to Johns ques-
ton. "He spent last evening here, and
| he's going to take me out in the morn
ing for a ride to the lake with that
splendid turnout of his. How delight
fu, p
"Which?"- almost savagely-"Ducey
or his horses9"
both, to be sure" Then, saucily,
"What stupid you are, John /
meant the ride"
Florry rode with Casper Ducey the
next morning and many mornings there
after, and John Myers and the widow
grew jealous. Ducey became Florry's
constant attendant, accompanying her to
concerts and parties, and taking her for
boat rides on the lake and long drives
over the pleasant country roads. They
walked together, sang together, danced
together, In short, il came to be fact
that Florry Castle and Mr.. Ducey were
deeply in love with each other, or were
flirting beyond allpropriety. He brought
her flowers and music, and read poetry
to her in his rich, clear voice-by-and-
by he made love to her in the same voice.
To say that Florry was not charmed
with her brilliant cavalier would be in
direct opposition to the facts of the case.
All thoughts of poor John Myers were,
for the time being, banished from her
mind. She had no time now for odd
little chats with him, as of old; perhaps
the inclination was wanting, also. John
became desperate. He could no longer
stand silently by AMI see matters go on
as they had been going for few weeks
past.
He found her alone in the parlor.
"Florryp half fearfully.
"Why, John |" with little start of
surprise. "You have been so shy of
me of late So you have not forgotten
me quite 2"
Forgotten you, Florryl" There
was world of reproach in his earnest
voice. 81 shall never forget you. L"
81 hope not, john" she interrupted.
May be she apprehended what he might
have said. CT have something to tell
you, John. To-day promised to marry
Casper Ducey."
She was cruel, and she knew it. eft
is best So" she thought; che must
know it some time"
"And you love him, Florry?" after a
long pause.
eyes," without looking up.
Better-better than you could ever
love me?"
CT think so, john"
His face was pallid, and his voice
trembled as he said, "Then Heaven
bless you, Florry, and make you happy.
I wish you all joy and peace, now and
hereafter |"
Never till this moment had she com.
pretended the full depth of John
Myers love. How nobly self-sacrifcing
he was-this man who could thus give
his hearts idol up to another because
he thought she would be happier with
him.
What a world of anguish those few
words cost him none could comprehend
but himself and another-One that reads
all our hearts. How she pitied him as
she thanked him for his kind wishes.
He toiled patiently on at the old, mo-
potonous drudgery in the counting
room, striving to crush his wild, I'M
availing love, to drown it amid the
ceaseless cares of business.
Mrs. Digby, tired of her futile fishing
for the "great CATCH" as she mentallv
styled Ducey, put a fresh bait on her
hook, and cast her line for Tom Lacy;
and, as the latter gentleman's heart had
long since become enslaved by her
pretty brown eyes, he was a compare
lively easy victim.
Then the widow exulted over little
Mabel Townley, who did not care a straw
for Lacy, and was satisfied in the proud
consciousness that she had lover atany
rate.
After while, the Borovillians ar
ranged to have a grand picnic in Crimp's
grove, mile out of town.
OF course all-that is, all who be-
longed to the "circle were expected
to attend. "The Quimbys, the Bro.
dalles, the Thomases, and Mr.. Ducey
and Florry, and Tom Lacy, besides DR..
Granton and his cousin, Miss Ellis, and
ever 30 many more are going" said the
widow, "and we shall have such
splendid time !"
"Of course you will go, John ?" said
Elorrv