Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-08-29

She forgot that her troth was plighted
elsewhere-forgot everything but the
droop forward on Guys breast.
"Oh my darling-my darling" he
murmured in passionate accents,
what have l done to deserve such
happiness? scarcely dared to hope
that you would be mine, and when l
had your sweet little letter, l think l
was nearly delirious with Joy for a
time"
"My letter? Why, it-why, l."
"You expected me before, dearest ?
You thought me tardy wooer, did you
not? But l have strange and wonder
full news to tell you, only now I can
think Of nothing but you, my beautiful
one!
ooh! Guy, 'stay-stay. Have you
my letter with you? Let me see it,
please?'
Reluctantly, and with many fond en-
dearments, he withdrew his arms, and
produced the precious epistle.
She read it, and her bushes we're
succeeded by a deadly pallor, as she
discovered that she must have put the
note in the wrong envelopes. SO that
the letter of acceptance had reached
&c Morley, Esq, care of Mrs. Prett,
and the letter of rejection had gone to
&c. Morley, Esq, Petterwood Hall. +"
Their initials and surnames being the
same had rendered such a miscarriage
perfectly easy and undetectable.
Unwittingly she had obeyed the die
tates of her heart. Should she now let
things be as they were? Should she
say no word, but allow her lover to re-
main in blissful ignorance of her former
mercenary determination No one had
been in her confidence /; even her father
mad been unaware of the receipt of her
two proposals. But honor and loyalty
whispered nay. She must tell Guy all,
and then-and then
He had become impatient, and would
have drawn her to his side again but
she stepped back.
"No, no, wait. IL have something
to say toyou."
Very low and quivering was her
voice.
Eyes, darling, am listening, but do
not try my patience too much. You
have not given me single word of
welcome yet"
Whittier she grew.
81 made mistake. ! did not write
this letter to you"
Did not write that letter to me,
Adrienne? Oh, Heaven! what do you
mean 2
He had sprung forward and grasped
her arm so tiercely that she WINGED with
pain. His face was CHASTITY. and his
eyes we're fixed on her with wild en-
treaty.
81 had proposal Of marriage from
Mr.. George Morley, and 1 wrote this
letter to accept it,"
And what was my answer, then p
he hoarsely interrupted.
I'll said was sorry but 1 could
not be your wife, but"
He staggered back. The revulsion OF
feeling was too much, and he felt
stunned and dizzy.
For the first time since she had be-
gun her explanation she raised her
head and looked at him. With a cry
she sprang to him.
sob, Guy, forgive me, forgive. II
is you care for, you love. I have
been SO unhappy ever since I sent the
letters. 1t was his wealth that tempted
me. l have been so poor all my life,
and thought it would be 80 nice to be
rich but when had written saw my
wickedness. I knew I could never be
happy with him, and I did not know
what to do. l have been dreading that
he would come all day, and I was afraid
to see him."
She chung to him in agony but he
was passive and silent, making no mo.
ton to hold her.
"Ohl Guy, speak to me-" she
moaned say you do not utterly de.
spise me"
Gently he disengaged her hands,
slowly he retreated pace.
"You would have thrown me over
because was poor you would have
married George because he is rich"
EYES," she faltered, standing like g
criminal before him, he. bosom heaving
and her fingers tightly entwined.
"You would have done violence to
your own feelings you would have de-
ceived him by pretence of affection
when all the while his wealth was the
attraction
EYES," came the low, pitiful whisper
"And IL should have been treated
as daring, presumptuous fellow
who"
mono! I never should hav,
thought that. You do not know how
bitterly I repent. Oh T.! forgive me
even if you can no longer love me rs
She waited, her very attitude plead
ing for mercy then sadly, and will
tagging feet, she turned to 60.
Scarcely dozen yards had she pro
ceeded when with hasty stride or two
he had overtaken her.
She shrank away.
"Spare me any further reproaches
You are cruelty just for a moment G
weakness You would mete out Lifetime
of punishment"
My darling -
She started and turned, and the love
she thought was forfeited forever sh.
knew was hers still.
6 must tell you my news now, dear
est. had telegram yesterday, sum
moning me to London at once. l went
and found it was from a firm of lawyers