The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-06-05

They say she's rich, that's what's done it
lie knew what he was about; she's seconC
cousinj they've just returned from Europe
an old love affair, they say. must gay he
seemed pretty well consoled, though. The
last year" another furtive glance, and
with parting shot-"I must say think
he has treated you shamefully." Her tor.
mentor left her.
Poor Rosel was she or the room going uT
or down? She had been afraid to move, tc
speak, almost to breathe, lest she should be-
tray, by hairs breadth, her emotion. That
awful woman-had she really gone? With
despairing cry that would have told vol
umes to her torturer, Rose threw herself on
the bed, more like crushed lilly in her
grief than the representative whose natite
she bore.
Slowly the afternoon shadows passed
when Ross realized she must 'liye and
move and have her being" like everyone
else; slowly she "tool up the sands of life"
again, feeling it must be true. 1t was more
than a week since she had seen Paul. He
had been amusing himself with her in his
cousins absence, then. An indignant flush
swept over her at the thought, but it nerved
her to a sense Of realizing her duty.
Once more the cling-clang rang through
the house; this time it meant dinner, and
she wearily obeyed the summons.
Fortunately her writing afforded every
excuse tor jaded looks. The dinner proved
more of distraction than she had thought
possible.
In the evening, every one gone out, Rose
sat down at the piano, tired HERSELF tco ex-
hausted to talk, she tried to drive away
"dull care"
81 have been enjoying this some time;
but troubled conscience would not let me
remain lost any longer; 1 never heard you
play so-why, Rose, you are crying!"
He held out his arms; for a moment she
lay there sobbing, her head against his
breast; then with shiyer she started-it
was an effort that cost her almost her breath
but she regained her composure, ani cold
ly fell the words:
"Mr Raynorj to what am indebted for
your presence at such time?"
"At such timer he repeated, mechani-
cally. Then with a kindly interest, essay
ing to take hold of her hands, "Rose, what
has happened?"
"What has happened?" 1t was her turn
to speak wonderingly; then, almost hyster-
ically: "0h, nothing at all. I was a little
surprised at something heard this after
noon, that's ALL"
"What was it, Rose? Tell me-"
The eager, questioning voice and look
there was nothing teasing there now.
As she looked, Rose felt ashamed of her.
self What right had she to question any
of his acts?
There he stood, looking at her gtavely;
expecting his answer. 1t was hard to tell,
but bravely she responded;
a heard to-day you were engaged, and
and l thought you might have told me
something about it-an old friend. 1t was
so sudden"
She faltered out this much, but could go
no further.
"Why, Ive been thinking about it for
some time," replied Paul, bright look in
his eyes, a proud smile on his lips. 81 am
surprised you did not suspect it,"
"a don't think l understand YOU" muir
INJURED Rose, with just an added shade of
dignity.
"At least you can congratulate mel" and
Paul stretched out his hand; he was laugh
ing now.
Was he so pleased dt his prospect, or am
used at her?
Batting hard for composure, she quietly
said' "If knew your cousin, would bit
Ii
"NIy cousin? What has that TO do with
it? thought the affair was between US
You and Il"
"You and I? Oh, yes of course, know
it's very stupid in me not to utter the usual
congratulations. You must be glad to see
her after being away so long"
81 beg your pardon, but must be the
stupid one. don't know what you mean"
His answer was Roses blank look of ann
aselnent.
H5 eohtitued: "Rose, either you or are
berelt Of our senses. You don't look like it,
but please tell me what you mean about my
cousin. own her unexpected return, my
brothers delight at seeing her, and their
carrying me off with them to their place up
the river, eliminating in Dicks engage
ment, made a week pass so rapidly that l
owe you an apology for not sending you
note explaining it; but am forgiven now,
am not?" lie drew her towards him.
you'll tell me now what's the mattsr9"
A new light broke IN upon Rose.
ats your brother that's engaged to"
"Why you little goosey, ofcourse it is. BY
Jovel did you think it was fneY You did,
too, you can't deny it,"
His burst OF mirth was contagious Their
merry peals Of laughter brought Miss Phelps
on the scene.
With mock obcisanoe, Paul drew Roses
hand through his arm.
miss Phelps, allow me 10 introduce to
you the future Mrs. Raynor;" and spite of
Roses endeayOrs, he kept it tight within
his own.
"Why, Nj. Raynor am strprsedl Only
this afternoon l was'telling Miss Rose about
your engagement 10 your cousin"
"Iou mean my brother, Mss Phelps.
Your mistake was pardonable. In case you
might make another interesting sketch of
my engagement pray be careful and put in
the right young ladY. Don't you say SO;
RoseY"
"You have not asked me as yet"
"Haye l notY' | thought / had. Then
/ will now, and Miss Phelps is a witness.
Rose, will you be my wie?'
Roses bright blush was his answer.
~ did not hear her" said Miss Pheipsj
tebelling a little against her role"