The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-08-16
A just Retribution.

81 declare, that was the handsomest
man ever saw DO come and see, Eta!
lie Is going in at the Hampton's."
ooh, l may as well spare myself the un-
Etta," rs you know any person who asso-
ciates with such poor people can have
nothing In common with mo-"
''For shame, Eta! I think the IIamp-
tons are very nice people, and | mean to
invite then, to the party, too. l do not see
any reason for sighting them over than that
they are poor, and perhaps you and | may
have the same fault some day; who
knows2"
"Indced, am doing no such thing! |
am very fond of May Hampton, and fear,
since your arrival, have greatly sighted
her."
''Wcll Bertie, we have discussed this
same subject on various occasions, and as
see | cannot change your views in the
least, l think we had better dropped it,"
The above conversation took place in
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
ut boarding school. People wondered that
Two girls 80 entirely different in locks and
disposition should become such warm
Eta Mayfair was lovely blonde to look
upon, but that was all that could be said in
her favor. She was one of those shallow
minded girls who 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 rs to
whether tht Iamptons were to be invited.
The days rolled on, and the long looked
for evening came at last. Bcrtie and Eta
were receiving their guests, looking lovely
in evening toilets.
"Thcro comes the handsome stranger,
Bert, and he acts as though this kind of
scene were no rarity with him. But I
guess 1t Is, or he would not associate with
those Hamptons."
sNow, Eta, why will you persist in
picking at those people z"
But before they had time for moro con-
versatlon May Hampton had made her way
to them, and was saying
My cousin, Mr.. Lester, Miss Ray and
Miss Mayfair"
BERTHE received her friends cordially,
"lulC l1Itd oINiC1 dp GlkCIll Ill a VClS IutlC
manner, which said as plainly as words,
"You do not belong to our set"
"Who is the handsome blondc2" said
Horace to May, as Berthe and her friend
turned away to greet some new arrivcls
''Shc Is friend of Bertic's from the
South. But please watch your heart close
ly, Horace, as l am sure she is not worthy
oft"
"Nevcr fear, little COZ! My heart is
flirtproof."
BERTHE turned to them, presently saying
81 am 80 glad you came, May was
afraid you would not"
81 like your parties too well to miss one :;
but had hard work to persuade Horace to
come"
'Indeed, Mr.. Lester! 1t would have
been unkind in you to remain away, and /
am very glad you came"
81 also am exceedingly glad, as I have
made what I hope will prove to be a very
pleasant acquaintance"
BERTHE blushed pretty, while scornful
look passed over Etta's fair face. But her
coldness could not hold out long against
Horace, and she began chatting pleasantly
with him, thinking, the while, ole is the
handsomest man have seen since came
here, and l must add his name to my list
of victims"
Bertie's brother presently came to claim,
Mays hand for q waltz, and Eta said, II,
an aside to Berthe
~ am surprished at Al's asking that
Hampton girl to waltz"
"Why, Eta, Ipresume he has right to
waltz with his future wife, If he sees fit.
thought You knew they were engaged"
'"Woll, dld not, and think 1t is ridi-
culous The idea of your parents allowing
Albert to marry 80 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 whirlcd away.
AS Horace and Eta hoated through tho
room, people were heard to remark what {
very handsome couple they were.
"By the way, wish you would war;
that cousin OF yours against Eta, said Al
bort, as he and May were strolling through
the conservatory after tho waltz
'He does not need any warning, rs HI
understands her perfectly"
The next morning, as Berthe and Eft,
were slipping their chocolate at a very lat,
breakfast, Bertie inquired
.fsWell, Eta, what is your opinion o
Mr.. Lester7" fI +. 81 D.
"Oh, he viii do, replied che. eff h,
were only rioh, ! think would do my ut
most to win his love; but as 1t is, he will