The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-08-21
Only Flirting.

Grace Burrows, lightly. "You're not
afraid OF our getting married. 1 suppose2
'Pshaw The idea is ridiculousi"
81 am not afraid or concerned for you at
all. You are very safe. Nor am l alarmed
for any suffering you may lnflct upon Mr..
Leton, for he will richly deserve it all. I
am anxious about one who is worth more
than both Of you Experimentation Dcnc.
his betrothed wife,
Miss Burrows looking round quickly. and
astonishcd.
ellis betrothed wife " she repeated
sharply. 81 was not aware of that"
knew you were not &; and what honor
or glory can you possibly derive from tho
conquest of a man who already belongs to
aEother2"
The beauty's proud red lip curlcd with a
scornful smile.
"Another'sW ~ she repeated, contemptu-
ously. "Why, he would throw her over
for me if gave him the least encourage
ment. Hc is completely infatuated"
And,with al air of supreme Indifference,
the petcd belle and beauty swept from the
room'-at the same moment that one of the
window curtains was pushed aside, and q
lady stepped in from the balcony-a lady at
sight OF whom she who had been addressed
as auntie rose to her feet and came forward
with little cry of distress.
"You have heard our conversational Oh,
Helcni"
She took the newcomers hand, and led
her, for she was trembling violently, to a
seat; then, still tendcrly holding her hand,
sat down beside her.
What can l say in excuse or apology
for Grace z" she began, anxlously; but the
other stopped her gently.
have nothing to say to Grace in this
matter, Mrs. Warren. But for him feel
contempt and scorn unutterablc7 am re-
solved upon my course, and nothing cen
change mel"
That night Charley Lcton led his lovely
partner, flushed and painting, from the
waltz, to rest awhile in the cool, green,
perfumed solitude of the conservatory.
She sank, with languid grace, into seat,
and Lcton sank upon his knee beside her,
and caught and pressed her white hands to
his lips.
"You know" he murmured, low and
earnestly-"you know how love you
On, Grace, must it be all in vain2"
She did not answer him-sho did not
draw her hands away. In her heart the
fair coquette admired this man. lie had
gone nearer than any other to touch her
hckle, selfish heart. And he gazcd upon
the heayng bosom, the fearful eyes, and a
thrill of triumph moved his heart. Was
this the flirt against whom he had been
warned-this soft, sweet, yielding girl7
You could love me, Grace2" he whis-
percd; and his arm stole round her waist,
"Have you the right to ask 2" sho mur-
INJURED.
A faint and sudden rustlng in the
hr0nnhna hnqj1n tho,,,-- fho 1;o
SONS stirred as If shaken by a summer
wind, and some of their perfumed whito
leaves fell into tho fountains basin-but
the pair who sat there paid no heed.
Yesl he answered, firmly. "You,
and you alone, possess my heart 1t is
true thought loved. Oh, how we may
deceive ourselves You have taught me
how great was my mistake. For your sake,
Oracle, will ask her to set me free. Twill
implore her"
8" 1t shall not be necessary, sirl"
Again the magnolia blossoms were stirred
were pushed aside, and Helen Dene
stood before them.
They started to their feet in confusion.
am not here by accident" said Miss
Dene, with lofty scorn. 81 saw you lead
this lady to the conservatory, and deemed
1t my right to know what my promised
husband had to say to her. Well, have
heard-and ! am satisfied. Meanwhile I
wish you both all happiness"
A moment they, stood, amazed at the
spirit and beauty that flashed upon them,
and the next shc had turned and passed
from their sight.
Grace caught at her companions arm.
Follow her she cried, eagerly.
Pacify her. shall never hear tie last
of this from auntie."
And she also fled, leaving Leton standing
there like ono bewildered.
He was free. But strangely contradic.
tory Is the human heart. Never had Lcton
admired and valued Helen Dene 80 Lighly