Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1881-06-02

tiently.
IL have made up my mind" again
repeated Jack. slowly, Ito write to
Miss Leighton and tell her that owing
to a previous attachment l am unable
to comply with the conditions of my
uncle's will"
Jack. YOU dear, old darling" Civ
ing his hand little squeeze. at which
a smile lights up Jack Hastings plain
face, but it vanished on hearing her
next words. "How about the fortune,
Jack?'
Hang the fortune. repeated the
young man. and then rs she looks du-
bious, Nellie, you don't care about the
money!"
mo. but ="
"But what?'
"A little money is very nice to have:
but. Jack, had ever so much rather
have you,' smoothing his forehead with
her cool, soft hand.
IL know YOU would, Nellie; now
when shall it be. dear?'
"Oh. not before you have seen Miss
Leighton"
but never shall see her. she will
not want to see me after she receives
my letter"
..Oh, but would rather You should.
Just imagine your seeing her after our
marriage and falling in love with her,
should die. Jack" and this time there
are tears in the blue eyes. but whether
of grief or with mirth Jack cannot tell.
All his persuasion cannot move her, and
SO he leaves her.
As she watches his retreating figure
her face dimples and smiles; she is quite
sure Of her conquest, now, and is u lit
tie less jealous Of Miss Leighton.
The weeks sped swiftly by, and the
second week in September had arrived.
In two days Jack is to meet Miss Leigh
ton. for. notwithstanding his letter, her
guardian has sent word that he thinks it
advisable for the young people to meet,
as Miss Leighton is anxious to make
some arrangement about the property.
and next Wednesday is set for the meet
ing.
He has taken his farewell of Nellie.
after swearing eternal fidelity; but she
is not fully convinced. She has pictured
Miss Leighton in glowing colors a a
beauty, with dark flashing eyes and a
stately figure, for since she is relative
of Jacks, Nellie cannot get the idea out
of her head that she is brunette, and
is certain that Jack will fall in love with
the young lady on the spot. She ends
by asking him in pathetic tones. What
ciH then be left for me to do" adding
to Jacks misery.
The night has at last arrived. and
Jack has spent a longer time than usual
on his toilet and feels in dissatisfied
mood as he rides along towards Beacon
street. At last the carriage stops. Jack
is admitted and shown into small re-
ception room by servant in livery.
He hears the low strains of waltz, but
his attention is instantly caught by a
portrait which hangs over the mantel.
1t is the portrait of lady; the face is
proud and intelligent, the eyes large,
dark and brilliant; instinctively Jack
knows that it is a picture of Miss Leigh
ton. and he laughs to himself as he re-
calls Nellie's description of her. He
hears the rustic of silk dress in the
hall and the original of the portrait,
only prOuder. handsomer, if possible, is
standing beside him.
For moment, Jack remained mo-
tionless, his breath almost taken away
BY the suddenness of her appearance.
All his fine speeches fly to the four
winds.
III believe you wishedto see me-"
he stammered.
Yes" Her voice Is low and con-
trasting strangely with his. Mr.. Cary.
my guardian. thought it best, as he
wished you to know that it is over half
q million that you are refusing when
you refuse to when you refuse the
alliance"
A soft flush covers face and throat, as
she speaks She is very beautiful and