Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1880-10-04
ALI For The Best.

led me on, making believe you cared for
me, until you forced from me confess
sion of my love, that you might Eadd
another to your long list of conquests ?
l know you to be selfish and proud, but
1 did not believe you capable of this.
But I will not censure you, if your con-
science does not-I love you too we'll
for that"
And the speakers eyes rested with
loving, pitying glance upon the dark.
handsome face by his side.
Shelah Fortescue did not meet this
look, but stood with downcast eyes, ner-
vously pulling to pieces a geranium leaf
she had just plucked.
In average faces the power of express
sion is pretty evenly divided among the
leading features, but Shelah Fortescue's
eyes seemed to monopolize it. 1t would
have been hard to find sweeter mouth
when the eyes were smiling; it would
have been difficult to match the delicate
outline of the face or the exquisite CHS
cling of every feature. Nothing could
be more finished than the contour and
pose of the high-bred little head. or the
wealth of raven hair by which it was
surmounted. But from all these the
attention was withdrawn when the dark,
mysterious eyes flashed upon the spec
tator look in which all their express
sional power was concentrated. Eyes
like those might suggest that they would
express too much unless they were un-
der remarkable control by their owner.
But this they were, for Shelah Fortes-
cue could, when she chose, express more
in one glance from those dark, dreamy
eyes than most women would in half an
hours conversation. But now those
eyes were half concealed by the long jet
lashes, and you could only tell that
she heard the deep, impassioned words
addressed to her, by the impatient man
ner in which she tossed away the leaf
she held in her hand.
"Shelah,", he said, after waiting in
vain for a reply, "can you give me no
hope-no promise that may serve as a
goal in the race of life? All, darling,
you, with your cold, proud nature. can
not comprehend how deep and lasting is
my love for you. know have little
to offer you now in return for the love l
ask, but cap you not promise me that
some tine in the future, | care not how
for distant that time may be, if should
bring name-one which men honor
to lay at your feet, you would then ac-
cept my love ? | know my life has been
one of idleness and folly up to the pre-
sent time, but it was because there was
1 nothing to stimulate me to follow the
higher and nobler walks of life, and |
simply followed where my idle inclina-
4 tions led. But with such prize as
4 your love in view, there is nothing |
would not do or dare"
4 And as he ceased speaking, almost
unconsciously, he attempted to take her
hand. She drew back hastily, and foi
the first time spoke. and her words came
in clear, measured tones. 40 say thai
| am surprised would but indifferently
express what l feel at this moment, Ell
mer. When you first mentioned this
subject, | supposed you were jesting
but, since you have assumed such 6
tragic style, | must either think you are
really in earnest or that you have beer
cast for a disappointed lovers part
one OF the fierce ones, you known
some private theatricals, and that yol
take this opportunity of releasing you
part. If | am correct in any latter sur
mise, let me assure you that. if my crit
icism is worth anything, the piece will
be complete success as far as you
acting is concerned"
And she laughed low, musica
laugh, as she toyed with chased gol
bracelet upon her shapely wrist.
"Shelah, how can you speak so light
ly of subject which to me is the mos
serious of my life Has not my until
ing devotion to you for months pas
been automatic proof of my love?'
"Yes, Elmer, your attentions hav
2 been somewhat pointed, and on severs
occasions you have been uncommonl
sentimental for one of your matter-o
e fact disposition but | did not suppos
!. for moment that these little bursts {
: sentiment would culminate in anythin
;, more serious than your making love
me in a general way, the same as 20
d did to hundreds of others. You low
# making seemed to please you, and, /;
|, it did not materially inconvenience m
y felt some compunction about deprivir
you of the pleasures of occasionally b
:: ing sentimental"
q "But, Shelah, | love you-madly, d
= = votedly. You surely would not wrec
! my life by your coquetry for you kno
IF Shelah, you have given me every reas'
lie to believe you cared for me. %
+ "Well. if it is any pleasure for y