The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-02-12

est dye, without shadow Of a heart. Her
one aim was to secure rich husband, who
would keep her in ease atlluence oil her
} butterfly life. She had been pleased and
flnttcred with Ralph Ashton's presence :;
an when she saw him falling under the
spell OF her charms, instead of releasing
him there and then, as ali honorable wo-
man would have done, she strovc the
harder to please, until she gained her own
wish-namcly to say ''No" to the import
ant question.
AS Ralph Ashton gazed long and bit
terly at the beautiful picture he felt the
one great hope of life die within him, and
all became darkness and despair. At last,
snatching it angrily from the easel. he
ripped the canvas with his knife, and thrust
tho whole into the CRATE, watching the
llames consume it with look of fierce
hatred.
i The mex: day friend, coming to call,
was surprised to find this placard on the
door, 'Gonc to Europe"
a suppressed murmur ran through Mrs
B-'s crowded rooms as Ralph Ashton
entered them. 1t was his first appearance
III society since his return from Europe,
and Nils. B had secured him, though
ny dlnt OF strategy for that one evening.
NJ least as She announced triumphanlly to
her guests.
lie was quite lion now, for his paint
n5s had won him fame and already riches
enough to secure comfort.
Jessie Handbook was there. She had
not altered, but looked as fresh and beau
tlful as ever as she stood &ndcr the full
light OF chandelier, clad, sngularly
enough, in white silk, garlanded with tube
roses just as he had seen her for the first
time, when he had fallen 80 madly in love.
blush died her checks rs she observed
his tall figure approaching her. 81 will
win him yet" she SAID under her BREATH
For the man whom oil the world acltnowl-
edged seemed very different from the Door,
unknown artist she had scorncd.
Miss Handbook What pleasure |"
She felt her hand graspcd cordially and
thought she noted look of the old interest
III the speakers brown eyes.
lie remained by her side the most of the
evening, making himself wonderfully agree
able by descriptions Of his travels, and
when be placed her Ill carriage, whisper
cd softly:
"May come tomorrow
Alter that their old intimacy seemed re-
VlVcd. The gossips began TO dream of Il
grand wedding, aud all the girls envicd
| Jessie her fortune. She was very hapDy,
too; for the fir time she knew what it
was to love; yes, she loved Ralph Ashton
from her very soul, and felt sure he loved
her in leturu. Only one thing troubled
her; ho did not speak.
"Hc is waiting to be sure of me-" she
would say to herself. 'IIo will not risk
another REFUSAL" And she became doubly
gracious.
One afternoon he remarked carclcssly, as
No sat by her side:
| 81 ana soinS away LU-iIiviIom, jessie
| shall you miss he 2''
what question, Ralph Z" she replied
blushing. "You know shall. You'll not
DO gono long"
| 'Only few weeks. shall bring
friend buck with ne whom hope you will
love for my sake"
Indeed will," she answered. "Is hc
like you2"
"liurdly." And curious smile played
about Ralph Ashton's mouth az he rose and
bide her good by.
Three weeks later Miss IIardbrook re-
ceivcd II little thrcc-corncred note, which
read as follows:
| DEAR JESSIE: Meet me at Mrs. W---'s
reception night. l wish to Introduce you
" my friend Il, A.
1t was with great care that she prepared
for the reception.
II must look my best Ralph will wish
me to appear well before his FRIEND" she
VIII slcrcd, as she gazed admiringy at the
image rcit ctcd in the mirror.
The rooms were crowded with guests,
and the little Swiss clock on the mantel
had chimed eleven, still Ralph came not.
Jessie was growing impatient, when hush
for an instant proclaimed new arrival,
and she saw through the crowd making his
way directly toward her, Ralph Ashton,
with beautiful woman dressed in pure
white, leaning on his arm.
i "Ah we were looking for you,' he
said as he approached. edith, dear, this
ls the friend told you of; Miss Handbook,
allow me to present my wife,
Jessie Handbook grew white to the very
lips at that word. The room whirlcd, she
rccicd and would have fallen had he not
caught her in his arms.
'The heat has overcome y0u," he SAID,
aloud. But he knew better for bending
close he whispered in her cur, "Grccli
meets Greek !"