Mexico weekly ledger., 1879-12-18
A SLIGHT MISTAKE;
f-a.5kzs 80 Or
at o=rs WITH EEUE Lc-E

form of words to express the savage
mood in which he fornd himself one
winters evening. as he shot through
the main street of the town of l.,
on his way homeward. Everything
had gone exactly contrary to his
wishes all the week.
Entirely ignorant OF the fact that
Harvey Foster was man of standing
and wealth in l., pretty Josie
Ormstead allowed the minor fact,
that he was insultingly free in his
addresses, to influence her so strong
ly that her dignified reserve taught
him the lesson he needed; and when
he sought her for his wife she refused
the honor
To add to his discontinue, the
heiress, Miss Maud Chester-Tbom
he had held in reserve, that his ambi-
ton might win wife If his love
would not-had coOlly informed him
that she was engaged to Fred Holt.
Now, if there VAS one man above
another who was utterly detestable In
the eyes of Harvey Foster, it was
Fred Holt. They had been rivals at
school, where both stood well in tai
ent, application and social position;
and Fred was ever little in advance
in every study, carrying away the
contested prizes far more frequently
than it suited IIarvev he should. In
society, Fred's handsome face, ready
wit, courteous manners and frank,
sunny temper kept him always in
higher favor than Harvey Fosecr's
sullen, cold disposition could gain.
And now, when Maud had been
ever gracious to the son of the
wealthy banker, Silas Foster, she an
swered his love suit by the tidings
that his lifelong rival had won her
promise TO he his bride.
''And the worst Of it, 1t will be iust
the match to suit his uncle" mutter-
ed Harvey, savagcly. ''No fear of
him disinheriting Fred now"
For Harvey knew that Fred 6le-
pended entirely upon the good will of
his mothers brother, James Ruther-
ford, a wealthy and eccentric bache-
ior, for his income. He had been
left an orphan when a mere boy, and
t his uncle lad adopted and educated
him, and would probably make him
heir. But the bachelor, having long
ago put away sentiment, if he ever
| felt it, looked to Fred to make q
match that would increase his fortune
/ and social position. 1t was the wish
of his heart to see Fred the husband
of Maud Chester, and his wioh wus to
be fulfilled.
Harvey Foster, at odds with love,
would like TO see his rival refused,
disir herited. humhied as he felt him
self humbled. since neither love ror
money would accept him. He strobe
over the pavement in savage mood,
and started suddenly 10 see Josie
| Ormstead coming out of shop f.w
steps in advance of him. In her
hand were several spali packages,
and her face was pole and anxious.
In a moment Harvey was at her side.
LET me carry some of your par
cells" he said, lifting his hat as he
spoke.
THANK you, l have only a few
steps to 20" answered Josie, hurry
ing forward neryOu,ly.
~ ou need not he afraid of me- -
Harry said, noting her nervous man-
urr. ~ will not aHney You. Why
will YOU not believe my respect is as
great for YOU as my love-"
And, before he knew exactly where
hi> aords were leading him, the young
~ u was renewing the offer be had
iu 81. 'rtore
sIsr." Il Il small fodging-
g.. psf and faced him.
y, spnNcr so before, MIR.
IT, ~a'';, @rntIy; ''and, be-
- fiNc yon are sincere, | will
..., spu "Ga1 have kept Il secret tor
sjE months; am already married -
Josie! BE quick! Why do vor
nd .hrrr!' cred vuicc in the
..r~os. hallway, and Il fuan stepped
t@lo Ihr bar of light thrown across
yhr open door by street lump.
Erred Hult!" muttered Harvey,
,tar,iug forward. "Married! ! and tc
Fred UnIt!"
1T almost ronsolcd him in his owr
Disappointment to think OF the hold
he bad npor his rival Engaged tc
Maud Chester, and married to Josie
'Ormstend /! Fancy the proud face
when she knew she had been deceireC
for girl who worked. And sweelel
still was it TO Harvey Foster TO thinE
Of the wrath of James RuthcrforC
when the news reached him.
But in lis triumph Harvey Foster
had resolved to- be very cautious, t
have strong proof Of his rivals mar
riage before venturing to accuse, tt
either his uncle or his betrothed
He had noticed the number of in,
house in tue glare of the street lamp
mo. %, Ralph street." This wa
the entry he made in his notebook
in case his memory proved treacher
GUS 1t seemed as if fortune favored
his plans.
Only the next day, happening t,
go into large fruit and flower shop
he saw Fred Holt selecting the con
tents of a large fancy basket /,
choicest fruits and raIest blossoms
Nodding caIelessly to Harvey, h
wrote the address upon a card, an,
attached it to she pretty basket.
"You will send this at once" h
said, and then left the shop.
And Harvey, taking the place FREE
had just vacated, read the card
"Mrs. F. Holman, No. 28 Ralp
street"
What proof was needed now?
was not in the nature of Harvey Fos
ter to work openly in any scheme. !
blow in the dark suited him better
Feeling sure ot his position now, a
hurried homeward to write two anony
nous letters, which would, he fondl
hoped, disinherit and utterly confoun
his long successful rival. BE
One of these venomous missive
found Maud Chester In her prett
boudolr, trifing with some embrioe