Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-03-30
AT ODDS WITH LOVE.

bad temper, was to put the mildest form
of words to express the savage mood in
which he found 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 Har-
vey Foster was man Of standing and
wealth in L., pretty Josie Ormstead al
lowed the minor fact that he was insult
ingly free in his addresses to influence
her so strongly that her digni6ed reserve
taught him the lesson he needed; and
when he sought her for his wife, she re-
fused the honor.
To add to his discontinue, the heir
ess, Miss Maud Chester-whom he had
held in reserve, that his ambition might
win wife if his love could not-had
coolly informed him that she was engaged
to Fred Holt.
Now if there was one man above an
other who was utterly detestable in the
the eyes of Harvey Foster, it was Fred
Holt. They had been rivals at school,
where both stood well in talent, applica-
ton and social position; and Fred was
little in advance in every study, carrying
away the contested prizes far more fire.
quently than it suited Harvey he should.
In society, Fred's handsome face, ready
wit, courteous manners and frank, sunny
temper, kept him always in higher favor
than Harvey Fosters sullen, cold dispo-
sition could gain.
And now, when Maud had been ever
gracious to the son of the wealthy banker,
Silas Foster, she answered his love-suit
by the tidings that his lifelong 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 muttered
Harvey savagely. ''No fear Of him dis
inheriting Fred now.
For Harvey knew that Fred depended
entirely upon the good will Of his moth
ers brother, James Rutherford, wealthy
and eccentric bachelor, for his income.
He had been left an orphan when mere
boy. and his uncle had adopted and edu-
Gated him, and would probably make
him the heir. But the bachelor, having
long ago put away sentiment, if he ever
felt it, looked to Fred to make match
that would increase his fortune and social
position. 1t was the wish Of his own
heart to see Fred the husband Of Maud
Chester, and his wish was to be fulfilled.
Harvey Foster at odds with love, would
like to see his rival refused, disinherited,
humble as he felt himself humbled, since
neither love nor money would accept him.
He strobe over the pavement in a savage
mood, and started suddenly to see Josie
Ormstead coming out of shop few
steps in advance of him. In her hand
were several small packages, and her
face was pale and anxious. In a moment
Harvey was at her side.
LET me carry some Of your parcels
he said, lifting his hat as he spoke.
Thank you, have only few steps
to CO." answered Josie, hurrying forward
nervously.
"You need not be afraid Of me" Har-
vey said, noting her nervous manner. 81
will not annoy you. Why will you not
believe my respect is as great for you as
my love-"
And before he knew exactly where his
words were leading him, the young man
was renewing the offer he had made be-
fore.
At the door of small lodging house
Josie stopped and faced him.
"You have spoken to me before, Mr..
Foster" she said gently; land because
believe YOU are sincere, l will tell you
what have kept secret for six months:
am already married.!
Josie Be quick! Why do you stand
there:" cried voice in the narrow hall
way, and man stepped into the bar of
light thrown across the open door by a
street lamp.
Fred Holt" muttered Harvey, start
ing forward. married! and to Fred
Holt"
II almost consoled him in his own dis
appointment to think of the hold he had
upon his rival. Engaged to Maud Ches-
ter and married to Josie Ormstead Fancy
the proud face when she knew she had
been deceived for girl who worked. And
sweeter still was it to Harvey Foster to
think of the wrath of James Rutherford
when the news reached him.
But in his triumph Harvey Foster had
resolved to be very cautious to have strong
proof of his rivals marriage before ven-
turing to accuse, to either his wife or his
betrothed. He had noticed the number
of the house in the glare of the street
lamp. mo. % Ralph Street" This
was the entry he made in his note book,
in case his memory proved treacherous.
1t seemed as if 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 fruit and
rarest blossoms. Nodding carelessly to
Harvey, he wrote the address upon a card,
and attached it to the pretty basket.
"You will send this at once" he said,
and left the shop.
4 And Harvey, taking the place Fred
had just vacated, read the card. Mrs.
F. Holt, No. % Ralph street"
What proof was needed now: 1t was
not in the nature of Harvey Foster to
work openly in any scheme. A blow in