The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-03-04
A FLIRT'S STORY.

| AhiouSH Gil eiCoO years Tic lutHuOTy Ol
Amy Lees pale face has haunted me-
and will to my dying day.
Twenty years ago was a beauty and
a belle, and, as might be expected, a
heartless coquette. Suitors l did not
lack, but to all gave the same answer
after they had laid their hands and for
tunes at my feet.
An orphan, with plenty of money, and
none to control, l led a gay life.
usually spent my summers at one of
the numerous fashionable resorts.
But this summer with which my story
has to do, l received an invitation from
my cousin Amy to spend the summer
with her at my uncle's farm.
To be sure the prospect was little
dull.
But was beginning to tire Of fashion
able society, and longed for few months
of quiet country life.
So went.
Amy was sweet, gentle girl, with
brown curls and dark violet eyes.
Quite beauty in her quiet way.
My beauty could well be compared to
some glowing tropical fower-hers to
the simple unpretending daisy.
A few days passed quite pleasantly
But soon began to tire of this quiet
life, and longed for some excitement.
felt that must get up a Irritation
with some one.
An opportunity soon presented itself.
One evening when | entered the room
found stranger there, who was imme-
diately introduced as Mr.. Grey.
He was a handsome man this Mr..
Grey, and, as | soon ascertained, not a
stranger to education and good sociely.
Another fact | was not slow in COM
pretending; he was Amy's lover
Amy loved him, l. knew by the bright
happy glance that followed him.
A demon whispered:
"Why not bring this man at your feet,
as you have many Others? What if he is
your cousins lover?-the conquest will
be the greater"
I needed myself, and exerted myself to
please.
Two or three times, in the midst of an
animated conversation, / glanced toward
Mr.. Grey; his eyes were fixed upon me,
and in his glance read unmistakeable
admiration.
| retired to my room that night, fully
satisfied that before many weeks might
number Mr.. Grey among my list of vic
tins.
Amy was unusually quiet, and there
was sad look in her dark eyes, as she
kissed me and said good night.
After that night Mr.. Greys visits at
my uncle's house were frequent.
For while we three walked and rode
together.
Soon Amy began to make some trivial
excuse, and we soon Ceased to expect her
company.
Each day she grew paler, and her ewes
were at times strangely brilliant.
She worshiped that man, and, wretch
that was, glored in my triumph.
One evening, my aunt and Amy were
sent for.
A neighbor, who had been ill for some
time, was thought to be dying.
Uncle and tried to while away the
time with chess, but somehow chess
seemed uncommonly dull that evening,
and we gave it up.
Presently Mr.. Grey was ushered into
the parlor.
Soon after, uncle excused himself, and
we two were alone.
tried to keep up lively flow of con-
versation, but Mr.. Grey seemed thought
ful, and conversation soon tagged.
spoke of returning to the city soon.
A sudden change swept over his face.
He caught my hand, and said, passion
ately:
"Isabel, can no longer keep my Sc
cert; | must speak. You are dearer to me
than life itself. Tell me that my love is
returned, and shall be the happiest of
men,"
"Excuse me-" l said coldly, drawing
away my hand; | thought you and my
cousin Amy were engaged?
"We were. But, Isabel, she will, she
must free me! Promise me that YOU
will be my wife if Amy tells me I am
freeW
gave the promise. did not mean it.
was brought to my senses by the pas.
sionate kisses he pressed upon my lips.
"Don't for PHYS sake, smother me-" /
said, coldly.
He put me from him.
"Isabel" he said, sternly, "are you
trihing with me%
tried to laugh lightly.
He bent down, and almost hissed in
my ear:
"Beware, Isabel Wayne-beware how
you trife with me-" then he was gone.
Then heard the door open, and
Amy's light step sounded in the hall.
81 hope you haven't been lonely, lisa.
bel, DEAR" she said, as she entered the
room. "Why did you sit up for me-
Poor Mrs. Brown is no better, and nam
ma is to remain all night. She thought
l had better come home, as could do nc
good by staying"
II didn't mind sitting up" I replied
Besides, l had agreeable company. Car
you guess who called here this EVENING"
She started, and that wild haunted
look I had noticed so often of late, crep
into her eyes.