The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1879-08-16
Ida Melville.


Ida Melville.
Frank Myers and Charley Beckman
were spending the summer in small
town not far from New York they pre-
ferred this to the morepfahionable sum-
mer resorts, because it was quiet. Still
they were not, by any means, en-
tirely without amusement; there were
many balls and picnics, to which they
were both invited; but Frank had only
attended one or two, as he cared very
little for society.
Charley was entirely different in char
acter; he was. indeed, very attentive to
the ladies, devoted by turns to every new
face. He. being handsome, had captured
many hearts, and was cruel in his flirta-
tions, of which he boosted to his friend.
One day the two friends sat together,
talking OF party which had attended the
night before
"Frank, did you notice Jenny Will
liams was quite eclipsed, last night?"
"By whom? asked Frank.
"Did you see that lady in salmon
colored silk ?"
"You know that never take notice of
ladies' dresses"
"Well, that girl with the large blue eyes
and beautiful light brown hair?"
"Blue eyes, did you say ?"
Now, Frank, you know whom mean,
for she was the most beautiful lady in the
room. She attracted the attention of
every one."
well, to tell the truth, I fell in love
with her myself"
Nonsense, old fellow Don't deprive
| me of small Irritation"
"No danger of that wish had any
other rival than you. Did you learn her
namef"
NO. But she is visiting at Judge
CampbelPs, We might call there this even
ing; will you 60 with me?"
With pleasure"
"Well, it must be as you say-you are in
love with this little blonde, for you never
contest with you. / will call for you,
though, at eight, SO be ready"
"All right"
So at half-past eight the two friends
rang Judge Campbells door-belI They
were shown into beautifully furnished
| room, where they found the ladies' of the
| house engaged in conversation with two
| gentlemen; but Charley soon found
seat near Miss Ida Melville, the beautiful
blonde, who was very gracious to him,
| almost neglecting her other admirers.
Charley has. as usual, made con-
quest" thought Frank.
Presently, at Charles request, Ida con-
sented to sing. He attended her to the
| piano, and sang with her in the
| chorus of her song. He had fine
voice, which he knew, and very often as
sisted in singing. Ida sang pretty soprano.
so their voices harmonized together.
All during the evening Ida showed her
preference for Charlie, leaving the other
| gentlemen to be entertained by Cora
Campbell. Frank felt discouraged while
going home, but Charlie was much de-
lighted by tie preference shown him.
| Frank said he, 81 am afraid this is
no Irritation, for | am quite serious about
Miss Ida; isn't she lovely 2"
"You seem to think she is, so that is
enough, without wishing to know what l
think about her" Frank answered, rather
shortly,
"Oho cried Charley. Perhaps may
as well say goodnight"
Goodnight"
After this, the friends called separately
on Ida, Charley visited her much oftener
than Frank. Indeed, he called almost
daily. He was received very cordially,
| and soon found that he loved Ida as
deeply as he could ever love any one,and
he thought his love was returned.
When Ida told him she was going away
| in day or two, he determined, at his
next visit to avow his love for her.
/ The night before her departure, there
| was large party given in her honor.
| Charley Beckman was among the first
| arrivals, but the house was soon filled
| with guests Ida had not made her ap
| pearance. Charley was becoming quite
| impatient, when at last she entered the
| room. She was dressed in lavender silk,
| trimmed heavily with Valencinnes lace !;
a necklace of pearls adorned her beauti
full neck and her hair shone like gold.
| Never had she looked so lovely.
Charley instantly started toward her,
but he found it rather difficult to get
| through the crowd by which she was al
ready surrounded; but at last, having
reached her side, claimed her for the first
dance.
"Will you go out on the balcony with
me? 1t is very warm in here" lie said,
when their waltz was finished.
with pleasure" Ida said. 81 have been
| wishing to go out in the air"
When they reached the balcony, the
young man impetuously confessed his love.
Live without you | never can" he
said, earnestly pressing her hand to his
lips. "Will you be mine, my darling 2"
Ida answered 'yes'' SO softly that none
bat Charley could have heard her; and
he bent down and kissed her sweet
lips.
my own Idal" he murmured, as he
pressed her to his heart.
"Charley, have one request to make
of you: that you say nothing of this for
| three months"
| ut seems a strange request to make,
yet as you wish it, | shall consent to obey
you"
"We must appear as strangers you
cannot write to me nor to you. Only
one letter will send toilet you know when
to come to see me. This no doubt seems
strange to you. but it is necessary that
you should regard my wishes"
"Well, Ida, although it is cruel for you
to make such a request, l will comply
with it. But these months-how dread
| them!"
NOW, Charley, we had better go back,
or We shall be missed" said Ida
"Must we go in soon. This is the last
time we shall be together, remember, for
three months" answered Charley.
/ | know that, but nevertheless we must
return for fear Mrs Cambell will not like
our ABSENCE" said Ida.
And with one last kiss, they left the
| balcony.
Three months passed away. In one of
the most elegant houses of New York,
brilliant company were assembled to
witness the wedding of Ida Melville and
Frank Myers. Just as Ida was making
her responses, loud murmur was heard
at the door. Ida looked up and saw
Charley Beckman.
"My God how could you serve me SO,
Ida ?" he cried, starting toward her.
Charles Beckman, it has been my de-
sire to be revenged upon you. Do you
remember Anna Melville, to whom you
were SO devoted for two years at Sara
toga? She was my sister. You barely
deserted her, and broke her heart BY
her death-bed resolved to avenge her, /
| have Kept my word. Now go
| Without word, Charley left the house.
He never saw Ida again. The successful
hirt had met his punishment at last.
WHISKY DRINKING AT SARAToaA.--
There is less whisky being drunk in Sar-
Il