The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1878-01-03
HER ONE CHANCE:
The story Of a Bargain,

Half-a-dOzen young men sat chatting
over their champagne, after a lively sup
per, with Harry Beaumont, at his moth.
er's delightful villa near Richmond. As
the hour grew late, ard the guests reluc-
family spoke of their departure, the
young host, at parting, called upon them
TO drink one more glass to the loves Of
their hearts. "
&C. And especially to your mothers
charming guests, Grace and Mary Bloom
wood !" added Frank Treverton, the
gayestaof the party, bowling to Harry
Beaumont
''And why 10 you omit tneIr COUSIN
Blanche ?" asked Harry. "She is worth
both the beauties put together. For
any man who could put up with the
plain setting, she's jewel.
." is she ?" returned Frank, carelessly.
Well, I've thought 80 once or twice
myself. But It's a pity, for she's con
foundedly plain, and will never get a
husband unless by chance"
d" The more fools they that overlook
her, said Harry.
Why don't you appropriate her
yourself, then, asked two or three of
his companions.
"'Il" exclaimed Harry. go I'm in
owe with beauty myself, and could not
think Of such a thing-but that only
proves I'm fool, like the rest of you. ]"
" declare, Harry, you almost per
suade me to take her, cried Frank. cat
all events, I'd be willing to run the risk
Of having happiness thrust upon me. ,
Beside, tbs a shame such O fine girl
should not have one chance for q bus-
band. What say you all ? Suppose we
agree that the fellow that is hit by the
cork which Harry is going to let fy,
shall offer himself to Miss Blanche, and
thus be made happy. for life, in spite of
himself"
Agreed |" cried some of the party.
Others, however, demurred. At last.
after some debate, the resolution was
carried, with the proviso that n prior at
tachment should be an exemption from
the decree.
Harry cut the wire, and the cork,
after vaulting almost to tho ceiling. de-
scended plump on the head of the orig
iustor Of the proposal.
Dished, by Jove!" cried that luck
less hero, when he felt the fatal tap on
his crown, while roars of laughter from
his unsympathizing companions attasted
their enjoyment of the humor and JUS
tice of the fiat, as well as perhaps their
sense Of personal relief at their own es-
cape.
Well, Tn in for it." cried Frank,
after a heavy gasp. However, I'll stand
by my bargain. I'll offer myself as per
agreement, and trust to my lucky stars
for a refusal
A derisive jeer, and the universal ex-
clamation, No hopes of that-nO hopes
of thnt % damped his rising spirits at
view of this mode of escape.
Why not ?" he asked, rather family.
"She, plain and pOor-yOu, hand
some and rich" returned one of the
party, laconically.
Frank sighed he felt the force of cir
CUmstances.
And now, reader, IT is time for me to
let you into n secret.
The whole Of the strange conversation
I have described was overheard by the
person most interested in it-nameIy,
Blanche BioomwOod herself for, with
the other young ladies, Grace and Mary,
she had gone into the conservatory ad-
joining the dining-rOom, and there, in
consequence of the raised voices of the
young men at their supper, had recog-
nized her name. The result added one
more confirmation to the truth of tho
proverb about listeners. hearing no
good Of themselves.
1t Is needless to say that Blanche's
feelings Of modification and annoyance
on this occasion were severely painful.
The reader may well imagine that as the
conversation progressed she blushed-
she hid her face-she tried to stop her
ears, and being prevented from making
her escape by her companions, who
roguishly held her still, fearing any
movement might betray them, she final
" sat, pale and quiet, while toars Of real
agony rolled down her cheeks.
But what Of that What If another
and yet keener pang mingled with the
modification sho felt at hearing her
name so disrespectfully mentioned? 4?
What if, like a silly, susceptible girl rs
she was, she had been foolish enough to
look too often and too kindly on Frank
Treverton's open face, till a warm and
tender feeling for him had almost un-
consciously sprung up in her imprHdent
heart? We are not going to accord her
any sympathy on that accountable had