Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1879-05-08

with him. Diamonds managed these
interviews so we'll that he soon became
the af1iancel husband of the widow,
and the ardent and favored suItor Of
Miss Bell.
So each lady being under the bliss
full delusion that she was the sole OBJ
ject of his choice, could, in her sweet
security, allow him to be gallant to
her friend; it was SO geptIeman|y.
We will keep our engagement a
sweet secret, darling he said to the
widow, until my birthday, just three
weeks hence. 1t seems long time
to wait, dear one, he said caresslna
her, but it would give me such plea
sure to make it known on that day
How astoushed they will all be,won
they, pet? Now just set your little
head to thinking what pretty things
/
you would like me to get for you.-
Do not be afraid to tell what you fan
cy, for whatever money can purchase
my wife shall have
There was no need to make any
such request of Mrs Lee, for her little
head had been busy thinking of what
she intended to have ever since she
had met Diamonds. First came his
diamond ring and pin-cach, as Mel
| lie said, as large as a frying pan-
which she alreany looked upon as her
own property.
1T is in bad taste for a gentleman
to make such "A display, she SAID to
herself. i can easily talk HIM into
living them to me. Won't they all
be Jealous There are that absurd
| Miss Bell and that contemptlb1e I:ttle
school girl Nell, both tagging after
him all the time. believe they ac-
tn,!Iy imagine he cares for them.
That evening, Diamonds being left
alone in the parlor with Miss Bell,
drew close to her and bending over
her, whispered tcnderly, almost sad
ly;
If you had not said something |
heard you say once, | would have the
boldness to ask great favor OF you.
why, what did say she asked
coquettishly.
You said you would lever live out
side Of New York.
We'll, what Of that
why my home is in San Francis.
co he said significantly.
Just then, 10 Miss Beli's great veX-
alton some one entered and interrupt.
I'd him ; bat the next day she did a
great dead Of shopping, and began ma
king her troussea Immediately.
The afternoons Of Diamonds were
devoted to business visits down town
lie said, and AS he liked a walk for a
constitutional, lie generally managed
to pass Nell's $ ;hool ust AS it was be,
ing dismissed, and had the pleasure Of
escorting her home. During these
walks lie so ingratiated himself in her
favor, and dazz,e'l her by descrlp,
tions Of his wealth ami his home in
California and Of the magnifcence he
intended to lavish on his wife, tn 1t
she finally consented to e]ope with
hin, partly because it was romantic.
Dear mamma will be sure to for
give me, she thought. Aud she plct,
ured herself coming with her husband
in her own carriage, To ask her moth-
er's forgiveness and receive her bless
ing, and Of then carrying her oft with
her to her home in California, which
her lover had SO glowlng(y described.
The evening assigned for the elope-
ment arrived The day following
was to be the much. h.talked Of birth
dav of Diamonds, on which he was to
make known to the household his be-
trothai to Mrs. Lee, and on which al :
so lie had, IN tender, significant
tone, requested Miss Bell to grant
him an interview.
The household were all assembled
in the parlor as usual, engaged in a
merry chat. Diamonds, Miss Bell,
Mrs. Lee, and Nell formed the livliest
group and the hearts of the ladies
we're beating high with their varied
emotions. Little did any imagine
what passed in the minds of the 9TH
ers. ...... ......
Poor little Nell trembled like a
fr;ohtanaI L;r1 at that dreadful