The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-03-11

she sent one by my husband" And
again the little gossip hurried off to
some other point.
That evening Mr. Cherry lad bust
ness at his office, and as soon as he was
fairly out of sight his wife followed and
saw him 80 to Mr.. Sterling's. A few
minutes later she also rang their bell,
and upon entering the room said
"Why, Mr.. Cherry, l thought bust
ness called you to your office y
$50 it does but l called here first to
let Miss Sanderson know l was ready"
sob, yes; l see she is ready to go
out
Frank and Ida exchanged glances,
and Mr.. Cherry's face flushed, but Irene
turning to the lady said:
Il have little business at your hus-
bands office. Please excuse me for not
beng able to enjoy your cali"
Certainly; shall only stay few
minutes.
Mr.. Sterling went out with them,
and as the door closed, Mrs. Cherry
said:
"What possible business can she have
at my husbands office after six o'clock
His hours are from seven to twelve and
from one to three"
"She is in danger of losing some of
her property, through her uncle's
nephew, and Frank promised to go with
her to consult your husband this evening
as he can't leave the store in the day.
time"
cit seems to me Mr. Cherry is very
obliging to her. never knew him to
be so accommodating before"
"Well you needn't to be afraid of
Irene, she's as true as the stars above
u.s."
"Why, Mr. Sterling, Mrs. Palmer
told me you had good reason to be
jealous of her."
81 have been told that at least six
times day for month past, but Ion't
believe word of it.
"You don'tl Didn't your husband
give her ring2"
Eyes, her engagement ring. The SOL
itaire was loose and she came near los
ing it. Frank took it to the jewelers.
and twice forgot to call for it and one
day she said: Now Frank, don't for
get. She told me she felt like a widow
without her ring"
"Do you think her very beautiful,
Mrs. Sterling "
Eyes hers is high style of beauty.
She is rather tall, a willowy, graceful
motion, beautifully shaped head, bright
blue eyes, chestnut hair, as fine and soft
as silk, fine teeth, fair, low forehead,
and white skin tainted like a blush rose.
Yes, l call her very handsome"
"Well, l don't consider her half as
good looking as you but your husband
told Mr.. Cherry lie thought her the
handsomest woman he ever saw"
81 am glad my husband has such
good taste. If he should say was the
handsomest women he ever saw, should
be ashamed of his judgment
"Well, Mrs. Sterling, 1 thought l
would just warn you little; but l see
| get no thanks for my pains"
"Oh, 1es, thank you, Mrs Cherry. It's
uellrllJIul 10 Lear Ill Tue SOSSilJ VI
country village. Do call again-it
gives US any amount of sport. Irene
enjoys it too, amazingly"
Mrs. Cherry went home indignant,
not knowing what to think of Ida's con-
duct
Frank Sterling was thriving young
merchant who had come from a neigh
boring city with his accomplished wife,
to the town of Marysville, to engage in
business. His mother-inlaw had always
lived there but Ida Mckay had many
advantages over her companions. She
was rich and had wealthy relatives in
the city, where she spent her winters
Her education was not confined to the
limits of the village high school, but she
had spent four years at college, with her
cousin Irene as roommate They be-
came insepalable, though Irene was
naughty, and Ida gentle and approach
able. When Frank Sterling won the
sweet, winsome girl, he became as a
brother to Irene. There was no thought
of jealousy in her heart, tor he chose her
before the proud beauty. Ida had no
idea what talk her coming to the vii
lage would make. She was almost as
much a stranger as her cousin.
Mrs. Mckay was frightened when the
first tale reached her, and hurried away