The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1880-07-16

common place remarks, he decided TO en-
gage his ciz-a ciz for the next set. He
found himself repaid for his daring, for
Irene Pierce could speak of her own sex
without malice. Her conversation was
intelligent, which. assured him she was
familiar with the best books, and her
choice language pleased him. ALI this
he discovered in the pauses of the dance.
and she pleased him SO well that he
fingered at her side rather longer than
mere politeness demanded when the set
company with his friend Sinton, he had
encountered some rail1ery. He an
nounced himself to have found Miss
Pierce the most agreeable girl he had
found in long time, truly lady-like and
intelligent.
''You can't deny that her hair Is red, !"
laughed Harry.
Certainly not; but it was tastefully
arranged.
CHAPTER II.
The next day, in the afternoon, found
Bert Dean standing ON the steps of the
house, which belonged to Miss Pierce's
father. He did not tell his friend that he
| had asked permission to call, but he did.
He found Mrs. Pierce and her daugh-
ter sitting together in the back parlor,
with their work. Irene was brading q
sacque for her little sister, and her
mother employed on something more
| practical She had not been we'll
| schooled, as the idea that she was to
leave the room did not occur to her.
Irene did not look as plain as she had
done last night, as her animated con-
| versation dazzled him. There was an af-
fectionate confidence between mother
and daughter that he had not met in the
best society, and he found it, or some
thing else, SO pleasant that he largely
outstayed the limits of a fashionable
call
81 had better not call again. he
thought as he went home "b but what a
| delightful companion she would be
A week or two went by, and Bert adj
hered to his new resolution of not call
| ing, but was unable to prevent himself
from watching for her.
May" he asked carelessly of his
cousin one evening, "who are these
Pierces 2"
'sOld friends of mine" she answeared; |;
excellent, substantial people; but why
do you ask?"
81 have met thera but here, and that
is the last time have heard of them, ;"
he said.
Mrs. Pierce thinks home is the best
place for girls. so she does not go out
much?"
Ii Irene Pierce went out so little, there
was scarcely chance that they should
meet except at her own house. And did
he really care enough about the acquaint-
ance-was it valuable enough-for him
to take trouble to find it?
Probably these questions were an
swered in the affirmative, as the next day
brought him to Miss Pierce's door. Nor
was that the only occasion on which the
neighbors opposite had the privilege of
seeing him. Again and again he came,
but as time was going on, he grew strange
ly difident. Drawn day by day by Irene's
side, happy nowhere else, he could affirm
even to himself that she was more than q
friend to him. There had been time
that, to declare himself lover, involved
some sacrifices on his part; it seemed
make such sacrifice, yet doubt, with
anxiety whether Irene would care to ac-
cepti it.
Some weeks of suspense went by, and
he could wait no longer. One bright day,
when favoring fate had left them little
while alone. he spoke-not very elo-
8
to make his meaning plain.
Irene colored deeply, and refused him.
At this he grew little more self pos
sessed, and begged to know he reasons.
She declined to state them. He per-
sisted; was there previous attachment.
She blushed more wildly, and said no
such thing existed.
Was there not some hope for him,
then? Might not her resolution be over
come? Might not these reasons cease to
exist?
Oh, mol Her resolution was unalter-
able.
Then he urged an explanation, and in
sisted on it as his right. His suit was
pushed with ardor, and Irene's agitation
proved that she was not insensible. But
with great effort she commanded her.
self.
ST should be most unjust to you and
to myself" said she, ''could I allow
transient feeling to set aside my judg-
ment"
.sTransient! o Irene!"
But she silenced him.
ssCou1d allow myself to give you
wife whom everybody-you, most of all
must consider disagreeable ?"
She hesitated moment.
'.What do you mean ?" cried Bert, IN
amazement.
"You cannot have forgotten our first
meeting" she said, more composedly;
"do not oblige me to repeat your words
that evening""
The room swan around Bert Dean.
s'That little frightp' Oil the sacrilege,
the horror, of that speechl Gould he
have made it-and about that angel
Overwhelmed with notification, he
strove to explain, to say how entirely his
feelings were altered.
Enough, sir" said Miss Pierce, with
dignity. "Spare yourself the trouble of
apologizing; it is quite unnecessary, and
altogether useless" And SO she left him.
Surely this was an awkward situation
for lover, particularly for Bert, who
had contemplated arranging matrimonial
affairs in such a quiet, well-bred way.
He went home in despair. Could any
woman-eyen Irene, gentlest, dearest of
women-forgive such an insult to her
vanity? If she could only see his heart,
and know how long he had ceased to re-
gard her as plain, in how many ways she
was even beautiful to himl But to ex
plain this to her-it was impossiblel He
could never obtain her pardon. And her
love? That was too far and dear to
dream of.
Private life has its NapoleoEs. how