The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-01-13

devotion.
In vain Nettie endcavored to check the
flow of words, every one of which sne felt
was an insult to the man she really loved,
in spite of her foolish vanity, and to whom
she had promised faithful affection. The
caunt spoke SO rapidLN that not unit. b
paused tor his rep4y, couid Nettic 1nd an
opportunity even to speak.
Then, in faltering voice, half ehoked by
her contending emotions, she declined the
honor of an alliance with the Polish noble
man.
"You cannot mean to refuse me-" be
cried, in genuine astonishment; ''you can
not mean that you have been coquetting so
heartlessly!" ..-
IL mean that I must decline you pro-
posal," she answered, more firmly, "and re-
quest you to allow NE to pass"
"But, Miss Wheatop-Nettie, your love
me. Surely you would not let me so de-
ceive myself. You love me! There is some
bar, perhaps, to our marriage; but you love
me-"
81 am already betrothed, )" the girl said,
desperately, not conscious of the interpre-
tation her words admitted Of until third
voice spoke.
"Consider yourself free. Miss Wheaton,
if you love this man." said Mr.. Martin,
stepping into the room. pardon my intru-
sion. came unexpectedly to the city, and
your aunt told me you were here. Mrs.
Hunt kindly directed me to this room, where
find my coming most opportune. l have
the honor to bid you good evening and fare
we'll"
And, not seeing Nette's piteous, pleading
face, he turned and left the conservatory
A moment later Mrs. Hunt was hurrying to
the room, where Nettie had fallen senseless,
overcome, the anxious hostess said, by the
heat and the perfume of the flowers.
Aunt Mary was sitting up when the little
white-cloaked figure came in, and Nettie
threw herself into the kind embrace, sob
bing bitterly. She did not see tall figure
near the window, half hidden by the curtain
folds, as she sobbed out her story.
"And Alfred will never forgive me-" she
said, in conclusion. 81 saw it in his face ~
"Do you deserve that he should?" Aunt
Mary asked, still holding the girl close il
her arms.
''No. fought never to have allowed the
count to pay me so much attention. But i,
was mere Irritation, auntie. He cares
nothing for me, though Wheaton is golden
prize; and never gave him thought even
of friendship. And had tried to be good
l had, indeed. | meant to 60 back to Nor
ton and help Alfred in every good work.
meant to use my money for charity, for use.
full aims only, and it is only my silly head
that has drawn me into these last few weeks
of frivolty and iooishness.
"Do you love Alfred, then?"
"Love Alfred! Aunt Mary, do you sup
pose | would have promised to marry hin
II L mad not l0Ued him.
"But when the count asked if you loyeC
him, you only said you were betrothed.'
"Do you suppose l would even mention
Alfred to him?" Nettie asked Indignantly.
"Then if Alfred would forgive you now
would you be quite happy?'
eff he really forgave me, knowing all m,
folly and my sincere penitence. Oh auntie
to lose him now would drive ME away from
all | hoped TO be. could not go back t,
Wheaton and work as had promised my
self to work, if he turned coldly from me
I need his counsel, his protection--auntie,
need his love-"
The tall figure came from the shadow of
the window curtains, and in the eyes of thu
Rev. Alfred Martin there was mist of tear
as he bent over Aunt Mary's chair and tool
Netties hand.
''1t was tearing my heart from my bosom
to give you up, Nettie," he said, as sh,
sprang up, with a cry of joyous surprise
"but you must make your choice now, dar
ling cannot take my Dife from such
scene as that witnessed tonight.
81 am all yours if you forgive me-" sh
said, humbly. eve will go back to Morton
tomorrow, if you wish"
Aunt Mary discreetly left the room, but
returning very soon, found Nettie alone
fearful but happy, sure of forgiveness, anc
very sure she would never again triae witt
hearts JUST FOR AMUSEMENT.
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