West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1879-07-19
Al Great Cost

Hartley Cline, the master of Mapleton.
had a terrible temper, "A fierce, ungoverned
spirit, which almost everv one connected
with him feared. He had lived fifty odd
years in the world, yet people prophesied
that 1t would yet be subjugated at great
cost.
Not that he was brute or IA tyrant lie
was generous with his dependents, tender
with his children, just with all men. II
was only when his indignation was aroused
that he was terrible in its uprising. Few
dared to face its volcanic force.
Fortunately for the peace of the house
hold, his two children, Leigh and Clarice.
were not like him. Both were blonde. sun.
ny and facile. The former was abroad
with party of artist-friends The latter
was at home-her fathers pride-the mis-
tress of his house. And these two children
had no mother She had died nineteen
years before, at Lcigh's birth
Clarice was TWO years her brothers elder.
FAR, graceful and good, her father promised
himself great things of his only daughters
beauty. Love and wealth he had bestowed
freely upon her rank and title should bc
hers when she married. But for Clarice's
marriage he was not yet ready. She was
lar too dear and necessary to his daily hap
plness. Therefore, Clarice kept her secret
like the grave, that she loved her half-cousin
Allan Larrimer-another genial and sunny
spirit
These young people, congenial and un-
spoiled, became committed to each other
because gay youth loves gay youth, - be-
fore they realized all that their confession
OF mutual affection involved for Hartley
Cline would not be likely to consent 10
(lariHa'Q Until \
He was an American, undistingllished.
and of moderate wealth, and It was the de,
sire OF his heart that Clarice added a foreign
title to her other graces. For this reason
he had invited Count Herman to Mapeton.
Count Herman was a German, fat and face
tious. He was not the only titled man 10
whom Hartley Cline had proffered his rare
and costly wines, but the counts good hui
NOR was particularly agreeable to him, so
that he found it pleasant to imagine him at
some distant day, his ally and son-in-law.
TO be sure, he was twenty years older
than Clarice, and she laughed at his rotun-
dlty, and cared nothing for his title, but her
father considered the match not only posi-
bic, but probable, since he approved
Ii was happy summer, though Clarce
shook with terror when she thought of her
father discovering the tender connection
which she had formed. For, fear as she
did promise to marry Allan, she yet, with
great sweetness, freely confessed her love.
and enjoyed 10 the utmost the stolen mo-
ments they could spend together.
But when they could no longer meet in
lonely rustic places, by appointment, from
time TO time, and Clarice could not receive
him with any frequency at home, regre,
dimmcd her happy spirit In vain Allan
expressed his willingness TO face her fathers
anger; her panic Of terror at the suggestion
quite disarmed him of his purpose.
Winter set in. For a time, only notes
passed between Clarice and Allan I.arrimer
Suddenly there came change. Leigh
was coming home.
eyes, my boy is coming home" said
Hartley Cline, rubbing his hands in pride
and JOY. "What shall We do, Clarice, tc
please him 2"
"What have you thought of, papa ~
"a reception on the night of his arrival.
All his old friends here.
eyes, we will !" she replied, gladly.
80 invitations were issued, orders given.
and preparations commenced.
Hartley Cline had planned masked par
". II would be all the merrier To- hav,
Leigh surrounded by so many unknown
friends. He, the host, would wear dom
mo, and FOR a moment, at least, defy Leigh,
bright eyes 10 descry him. Early in The
evening all would unmask that Leigh might
recognize his congratulators.
When the household was the busiest
Clarice stole away 20 her chamber. anC
hastily wrote a note:
''ALLAN: We are expecting Leigh HON,
tonight, and a masked party of his friend,
are invited to Mapleton to receive him
ms gives me opportunity 10 see you with
out causing any one to suspect how glad
shall be ot the meeting. ! was getting Il
despair OF ever seeing you again. Wear ,
troubadour's dress, with the inclosed ribbor
pinned to the sleeve. You will find what
you need at the costomers, Sechrisi Com,
precisely at eight
Your owS CLARIcE."
lnclOsng knot Of rOse-pink ribbon ir
the sheet and dispatching the note by ar
outside messenger, Clarice returned 90 bet
task OF arranging flowers for the rooml
with brighter eyes and warmer checks. Ir
the afternoon, note Of response was placed
in her hand
''MY DARLING CfARICR /, too. bav,
been In despair of ever seeing You apaip
For al my promise not 20 acquaint voui
father with our love, have been almost or
the point Of going 10 him, stating the truth
and demanding n right 10 see you. Bu
now ] need do nothing TO alarm You
VIII, according 20 your directions, be al
MapletOn precisely at eight, wearing q trou
bador's dress with The pink ribbon on th,