West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1879-08-02
A just Retribution.

i uctlhTt, lnhl was the nanuSOmest
man i ever saw Do come and see, Eta
lie is going in at the Hampton's."
''Oh | may as well spare myself the un-
necessary trouble, Bert lazly replied
Eta, "a you know any person who asso-
ciates with such poor people can have
nothing in common with me-
"For shame, Ettal think the Hamp-
tons are very nice people, and mean To
invite them TO the party, too. do not sec
any reason for sighting them over than that
they are poor, and perhaps you and may
have the same fault some day; who
knowsin
Indeed, am doing no such thing
am very fond of May Hampton, and fear,
since your arrival, | have greatly slighted
her."
''Well, Berthe, we have discussed this
same subject on various occasions, and as
see l cannot change your views i'm the
least, think we had better dropped it..
The above conversation took place in "A
cosy little morning room. The first
speaker, beautiful brunette, was at home,
while the one whom she addressed as Eta
was her most intimate friend, who had
come from the South to spend the holidays,
and renew the friendship which had begun
at boarding school People wondered that
two girls so entirely different in locks and
disposition should become such warm
friends; but they were SUCH nevertheless.
Eta Mayfair was a lovely blonde To look
upon, but that was all that could be said in
her favor. She was one of those shallow
minded girls whe think they lower them
selves greatly If they are brought into con-
tact with poor people. BERTHE Ray was to
give party during her friends stay, and,
as we have seen, they disagreed as to
whether the Hamptons were to be invited
The days rolled on and the long looked
for evening came at last. BERTHE and Eta
were receiving their guests, looking lovely
In evening toilets
"There comes the handsome stranger,
Bert, and he acts as though this kind of
scene were no rarity with him. But
guess 1t is, or he would not associate with
those Hamptons.
''Now, Eta, why will you persist in
picking at those people Z"
But before they had time for more con
.versation May Hampton had made her way
10 them, and was saying
My cousin, Mr.. Lester, Miss Ray and
Miss Mayfair"
BERTHE received her friends cordially.
while Eta stared at them in a very rude
manner, which said as plainly as words,
''1ou do not belong TO our set. "
''Who is the handsome blonde 2" said
Horace to May, as Bertie and her friend
turned away 10 greet some new arrivels.
''She is friend of Bertie's from the
South. But please watch your heart close
ly, Horace, as | am sure she is not worthy
Of it,"
'Never fear, little con My heart is
fiirtproof"
BERTHE turned TO them, presently saying
81 am 80 glad you came, May | was
afraid you would not"
'1 like your parties too well TO miss one
but had hard work TO persuade Horace to
come"
'Tndeed, Mr. Lester! II would have
been unkind in you to remain away, and
am very glad you came"
81 also am exceedingly glad, "a / have
made what hope will prove to be very
pleasant acquaintance"
Berthe blushed pretty, while a scornful
look passed over Etta's fair face But her
ooldness could not hold out long against
Horace, and she began chatting pleasantly
with him, thinking, the while, 'He is the
handsomest man have seen since | came
here, and ] must add his name TO my list
Of victims"
Berties brother presently came TO claim
Mays hand for q waltz, and Eta said, in
an aside TO Berthe
81 am surprished at AIS asking that
Hampton girl to waltz
why, Eta, presume he has a right 20
waltz with his future wife, if be sees It,
thought you knew they were engaged -
''Well, did not, and ] think il is ridi-
culous The idea Of your parents allowing
Albert TO marry 70 much beneath him ,"
Berthe smiled, and returned
"Albert is his own master, you know !:
he is of age
Mr.. Lester here approached, and desired
the pleasure Of that waltz with Miss May
fair; and Bertie's partner coming at that
moment, they were both whirled away.
As Horace and Eta hoa;ed through the
room, people were heard 10 remark what q
very handsome couple they were.
"By the way, wish you would warn
that cousin Of yours against Eta, said Al
bert, as he and May were strolling through
the conservatory after the waltz.
'IIe does not need any warning, rs he
understands her perfectly
The next morning, as BERTHE and Etty
were slipping their chocolate NJ very late
breakfast, Bertie inquired
well, Eta, what is your opinion Of
Mr.. Loster7"
''Oh, he will do, replied she. "1f he
were only rich, think would do my ut
mos, to win his love; but IS Il is, he viii