Stevens County tribune., 1878-07-11

rose in rebellion. II was novel expert
ence to the spoiled and petted beauty.
IIc pointed to low, rustic seat, and
she took it. AS though to measure
strength, they look into each others faces
his pale, determined; hers passionate.
resentful. Then Gerald turns his head
away, lest resolution should fail. His
tone is low, but full of fierce, suppressed
energy: So
''You have not played with my love for
months, Maud, without learning what it
is. 1t comes between me and all other
chance of happiness"
He pauses few seconds, wherein she
plucks a wild-foWer, and picks it to
pieces. Sweet and pensive she looks
now, and unwontedly thoughtful; but
his eyes are on the distant hills.
"frCm time to time, when would
have spoken, you silenced me, and l
| thought it glrlish Coyness. You made
me believe you cared, Maud"
If only he would look now, and see
how the girls mobile features answer the
sortowrul wall in his voice! But he does
not.
II saw you flirting continually, but it
was your nature, and did not mind, for
thought you gave me more. So you
fooled me as you fooled Others"
Fortune-hunters, all of them," she
broke In.
Possibly" and his proud head was
thrown back little. ~ am free from
that imputation. Rich as you are, Miss
Conway, the Sorthwicks of Sourthwick
are richer"
"lt was true; as she knew we'll. Cen
eral Sorthwick, the elder, had the repu.
tation of being the wealthiest landowner
in the country, and he was the only son.
at is time the farce were ended, he
continued. ~ have been too long the will
ing slave of your caprice. It is not fitting
| the woman honor above all the world
should be on terms of free and easy in
limacy with such man as Captain
Hall"
A contemptious curl of the lip empha-
sized the words. ... ....
Maud started as though they had stung
her; her hasty temper in arms immedi-
ately.
by what right do you venture to
critcise my friendship, sir?"
You shall give me the right" he re-
oined, hotly," or from this day I will
never willingly touch your hand nor see
your face. Friendship! what is that be-
side such love as mine? Choose between
them, Maud: his friendship Or my love,
will never ask you again"
This desperate earnestness almost
frightened her; Nevertheless she made
a mocking eurtsey.
"Love may desolate and grieVe you,
Love may stay awhile and leave you,
Friendships truth will ne'er deceive you,"
she quoted. Then he fairly turned his
back for some seconds, that she might
not Ste the panied working OF his features.
He was pale to the very lips when at
length he did look, in silence offering his
hand. Silently she laid her own in it.
The agony in his eyes subdued her; what
was woman's weak petulance in COM
parison with this2
"For the last time," said Gerald soTth-
wick. He bowed low over the white
fingers, and kissed them: then walked
away. She heard a horses hoofs present
ly. at furious ga.op.
The lodge-keepet touched his hat as
Gerald rode up, and he saw with surprise
there were great tears on the old mans
rugged cheeks.
"What is the matter Williams2"
Have you not heard, sir? I thought
you knew from the rate you came, and the
look of your face"
"No-no-what is it?'
Williams whispered a few words.
Gerald swayed to and flo in the saddle,
and would nave fallen, but that the old
man supported him.
''Strange news!" said Captain Hall to a
friend that night. "Old Sorthwick is
ruined and has shot HIMSELF
Nonsense, man he is as rich as Crtesus
Yes; fabulously so, that is, he mort
gagged every acre years ago, and bought
Turkish bonds; that counts for his large
income. They have just stopped payment,
you know, and other speculations have
turned out much worse. The young cock
will crow less loudly now, will he notE
And an evil light cleaned in the sperker's
blue eyes.
Silvery moonlight flooding a farm,
house, and an unusually large garden ap-
pertaining thereto. Up and down the
graveled walk PAGES Gerald Sorthwick,
mondily smoking fragrant cigar. On
the air is borne sound as of an irregular
bass solo, varied by the occasional squeak
of shriller striDged instruments.
1t denotes that half mile off, in the
| little town of Sorthwick. an archery ball
| is being held. The committee, in view
| of his fathers recent death and his own
social ruin, had decided not to send the
customary remainder; but Gerald. with a
poor mans morbid sensitiveless, misinter-
prets the kindness. With an impatient
movement, expressive of disgust, tosses
away the half-smoked cigar. 1t alights on
the soft turf of small croquet- -grornd
and lies smoking. Then, with curious
smile, he crosses and picks it up careful
| ly.
II had forgotten myself" he mutters:
''the last OF the box, and brand am
not likely to tlste yet awhile"
So, with the cigar between bis teeth, he
passed through the gate, and across green
meadowland toward the town.
The music grows distinct as he ap
proaches.
think l am wise," he reflects bit
terly.
"To-morrow by this time shall have
left the old life quite behind me. Gerald
Sorthwick, tea-trader,' China. Vague,
that, and it is about all l know; but /
shall be better out there. The old po-
sitions, habits, instinct, reminiscenle ca,
would be SO many dead weights in
England"
A wealthy tradesman passes him, and
touches his hat. Gerald acknowledges
the courtesy with that market politeness
which has ever won him popularity with