Daily Republican., 1879-11-14
A SLIGHT MISTAKE.

street of the town of l., on his way
homsward. Everything had gone ex.
actly contrary TO his wishes all the
| week.
Entirely ignorant of the fact that
Harvey Foster was a man OF standing
and wealth in l., pretty Josie al
lowed ths minor fact, that he was insult
ingly free in his addresses, to influence
her SO strongly, that her digniiied re-
serve taught him the lesson he needed;
and when he sought her for his wife
she refused the honor.
To add to his discontinue, the heir
ess, Miss Maui Chester-whom he had
held in reserve, that his ambition
might win a wifB II his love would not
had coolly informed him that she was
engaged to Fred Holt.
Now, il there was one man above an
other who was utterly destestabis in
the eyes OF Harvey Foster, it was Fred.
Holt. They had been rivals at school,
where both stood well ia talent, appii
cation and social positions and Fred.
was ever little in advance in "every
study, carrying away the contested
prizes far more frequently than 1t suit
ed Harvey he should.
And now, when Maud had been ever
gracious to the son Of the wealthy ban
ker, Silas Foster, she answered his
love-suit by the tidings that his life.
long rival had won her promise to be
his bride.
"And the worst OF it is, it will be just
the match to suit his uncle,' Dutter-
ed Harvey, savagely. "No fear OF him
disinheriting Fred now."
For Harvey knew that Fred. depen-
ded entirely upon the good will of his
mothers brother, James Rutherford, q
wealthy and eccentric bachelor, for his
income.
Harvey Foster, at odds with love,
would like to see his rival refused, dis
inherited, humbled, as he felt himself
humbled, since neither love nor money
would accept him.
He strobe over the pavement in a
savage meod, and started suddenly to
see Josie Ormstsad coming out Of a shop
few steps in advance Of him. In her
hand were several small packages, and
her face was pale and anxious.
In q moment Harvey was at her
side.
"Ler me carry some Of those par
cels," he said, lifting his bat a. he
spoke.
"Thank you, have only few steps
more to co." answered Josie, hurryipg
forward nervously.
You need not be afraid Of me, !"
Harvey said, noticing her nervous man
ner. 81 will not annoy you. Why
will you not believe my respect is as
great for you as my love
And before he know exactly where
his words were leading him, the young
man was renewing the offer he had made
before.
At the door Of small lodging house
Josie stopped and faced him.
"You have spoken SO before, Mr..
Foster" she said, gently; "and bs.
cause believe you are sincere, will
tell you what have kept secret for six
months; l am already married."
"Josis | Be quick! Why DO you stand
thersi" cried q voice In the narrow
hallway, and man stepped into the
bar Of light thrown across the open
door by . street lamp.
FIRED Holt!'' muttsred Harvey start
ing forward, Married. aud to Fred
Holt"
It almost oonsolsd him in his own
disappointment to think Of the hold he
had upon his rival. Engaged to Maud
Chester, and married to Josie Ormstead!
Fancy the proud face when she knew
she had been deceived for = girl who
worked. And sweeter still was 1t to
Harvey Foster to think Of the wrath Of
James Rutherford when the news reach
ed him.
But in his triumph Harvey Foster
had resolved to be very cautious to have
strong proof Of his rivals marriage be-
fore venturink to accuse, to either his
uncle or his betrothed. He had noticed
the number Of the house in the glare OF
tho street lamp, "No. 20 Ralph street"
This was the entry he made in his note
book, in case his memory proved treach-
erous. II seems as II fortune favored
his plans.
Only the next day, happening to go
into large fruit and flower shop. he
saw Fred Holt selecting the contents Of
a large fancy basket Of choicest fruits
and rarest blossoms. Nodding careless
ly to Harvey, he wrote the address
upon . card and attached 1t TO . pretty
basket.
"You will send this at onoe," he said,
| and then left the shop.
And Harvey, taking the place Fred
had lust vacated, read the card: MRS.
+, Holman, No. % Ralph street."
What proof was needed nowf 1t was
not in the nature Of Harvey Foster TO
work openly in any scheme. A blow
| in the dark suited him better. Feeling
sure Of his position now, hs hurried
home to write two anonymous letters,
which would, he fondly hoped, disin.
hsrit and utterly confound his long sue
cessful rival. :,
One Of these venomous missives found
Maud Chester in her pretty toudoir,
triaing with some embroidery, and
dreaming sweet dreams OF her love ana
Fred Hoits devotion. She was a hand.
some, digniaed girl Of nineteen, full Of
all womanly sweetness, unspoiled by
her great wealth. She loved Fred Holt
With the whole strength of her young
heart, and she was sure that her love
va, returned.