The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1881-08-13


effort to withdraw her fingers.
Instantly he released her
II see that / have hurt you," he re-
turned, cotirteously, and took up the
idle oars. pardon me-" lie con
tinued, Il will not do it ever again"
A few bold strokes, and the boats
keel grated on the shore Ten min
utes later, and the two rearpeared in
their hostess tastefully appointed
| salon.
A group of men instantly gathered
about Miss Allison. Never had her
laugh rang out more clearly, her gay
sallies of wit and repartee been more
sparkling; but ever from time to
time, her eye roved restlessly to the
open window, where, on the parterre
beyond, shown the red light from a
mans cigar.
1t was still there, still cleaning,
when she had gone up to her own
room. She crossed to the window to
pull down the shade, but stood Il
minute, fascinated, motionless.
'After tonight he will forget me-"
she murmcred sadly. And II shall
remember him foreverr'
Then; rs though a sudden truth
had btifst upon her, she drew down
the shade-to throw herself with
quick impetuous motion, prone upon
the couch, and weep the first heart
| tears she had ever shed.
1.-THE drama has ended-Miss Al
lison has refused him p This was
the general verdict when, twenty four
hours later, Bayard Hunter babe his
hostess adieu, and Withdrew to town
on plea of sudden business,
OF course the news reached sgd
ney's ear.
Il have not refused him." she said,
aloud. Not even that satisfaction is
mine," she said to herself-"nor ever
will be- 1t was only the might have
beenr"
He was not the man, she knew full
well, to plunge deeply into Irritation,
or associate his name at once with
another woman's, or to retire later or
rise earlier or in any way disturb the
even tenor of lis way. The differ
ence between theit was only this
his heart was healing, perhaps al
ready healed, but he would bear its
scar to the grave, hers Was II tester
ing sore, which hurt the more that
she had let the physician who might
work its cure, pass her by.
The summer waned to n close.
Nature had lent autumn its wond-
rous paint and magic paint brush,
and mountain and hillside were con.
verified thereby into glorious beauty.
Then came King Frost, first to
heighten by his touch, then to kill,
followed by Winters tagging foot
steps, mercifully bearing the white
shroud 6f SNOW to cover up all signs
of devastation and decay.
The season in the gay world was
at its height Occasionally, muir
murs among tie debutantes for it's
honors arose at the Fact that, though
Miss Allison's fourth winter, her for
mer success paled in its riost cfful-
gent light
She and Bayard Hunter constant
ly met. She almost wished he might
avoid her, bit at their first chance
encounter lie had approached with
outstretched hand.
GLOW charmingly YOU are looking,
Miss Allison" he had said
And all in vain she had watched
for trcmor in his tone, or shadow
of embarrassment in his manner.
"Only week between him and
shipwreck - she thought bitterly.
"Ah, he has sailed so far from the
fatal rock, that doubtless he would
now laugh at its supposed danger;
and II was weak and vain enough
to think he stood upon the preci
pieces brink"
The new year had come, and one
evening Sydney stood alone in her
fathers diawiug room, looking out at
the fast gathering darkness, when
through it's sombrc shade she saw a
figure pass and mount the steps.
"a visitorw she uttered, YEARLY;
then waited the inevitable announce
ment she knew must follow.
But spite of her every effort, she
started when the servant, throwing
open the door, uttered Mr.. Hunters
name. Oh, how glad she was that
the rooms were not yet lighted as She
went forward to receive him!
"May / welcome you in darkness"
she questioned.
'As you WILL" he answefed. II
have but few moments to stay. /
am come to bid you goodbye and
to ask you to wish me bon voyage"
"Bon voyage? You are going
abroad?'
Eyes; l sail on Saturday. hest
tated about calling, but my desire to
see you led me to believe that you
would pardon my audacity in sup |
posing my going question of |
enough moment to make it worthy a
special call"
my friends are always welcome,
Mr.. Hunter. l did not suppose it
necessary you should hear that re-
peated now"
'sNor is it. 1t was oily morbid
fancy on my part Which Induced me
! - ,.,oe+;o, ~ cball .on5,, ho III, 7