The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-02-24
A HEROINE AFTER ALL.

A HEROINE AFTER ALL. =
1t was lovers quarrel, no doubt about
that. Sky threatening-a regular storm
brewiug-one could see it at glance.
She stood, all flushed and excited, in the
curtained bay window, her fair face cloud
ed her blue eyes flashing, her breath COM
ing quick and fast.
He stood at her side, stern and pale, his
hands clenched cxcitedly, his dark eyes full
Of mingled sorrow and passion.
"Allie!"
John Ansleigh's voice was low and in
tense with feeling.
1T is all your fault, remember" he went
on, with an effort at calmness. have only
requested you, kindly and gently-and as
your betrothed husband, surely have some
right-to desist from these foolish firta-
tons. Why, Allie, you were flirting last
night with that Mr.. Mayne, whom public
opinion pronounces ALL can't tell you,
only that he is not proper company for you,
my darling!" Johns voice lost its angry
tone, and grew very gentle and tender.
"You know that this would not trouble me
SO if you were not dearer to me than my
own life. Say you are not angry with me,
sweet hearth
DR.. John Ansleigh bent his handsome
head, and his dark eyes gazed into Allies
blue ones.
But this little lady was in contrary mood
that morning. She felt like anything but
meek submission to the will of her lover,
though she knew that all he had said was
true, and prompted by his love and care for
her.
Allie Ray was an orphan, an heiress too,
Just released from the restrictions of
no.
her parents in her infancy, and ha passed
eighteen years of her life under the care of
hirelings, and later, at a fashionable school.
And pure as flower, she had grown up
amidst weeds.
She had been betrothed to DR.. Ansleigh
for nearly year, and was now under his
mothers care, passing few weeks at a wa
tering- place.
Society pronounced Allie heartless f1irt;
but she was merely thoughtless, careless
girl, plunging headlong in the unaccustom-
ed gaities about her with all her heart Sur
rounded by scores of admirers, no wonder
her head was nearly turned with adulaton
and flattery.
John Ansleigh's words had touched her
pride. Did he then imagine that, because
she was careless and happy, she was shall
low and silly, and neededa guiding hand?
She mentally resolved to cut Mr.. Mayne's
acquaintance that very day; but then John
that his words had instigated the step.
John had no confidence in her love, she
told herself. Well, let him think as he
pleased.
All the girls defiant spirit was in arms,
when John, at last, fearing that he had
wounded her sensitive nature, attempted to
set matters right he was stricken dumb with
amazement as she turned upon him a face
that was white and angry. her blue eyes
fairly scintillating.
you've said enough, John Ansleigh!"
she cried, passionately. II can see now the
the mistake I have made. We were never
intended for each other; we are not suited.
You want a wife that will obey you like a
puppet-a woman with no will or mind of
her own-a perfect Griselda. And I can
never submit to tyranny in any form. The
man I love must trust me; and since you
have ceased to do that, we are best apart. I
give you back your freedom"
"Allie, stop!''
DR.. Ansleigh was white as statute.
DO you mean what you say? You do not
love me, then, Allie?"
The girl was thoroughly aroused now,
and regardless Of consequences:
"No! she cried madly, Il do not love
you any more!'
She dashed aside the heavy curtains
that draped the bay window, and was gone.
And just then a man arose from the ioung-
ing chair beside the window, where he had
been ostensibly reading, and sauntered
slowly away.
It was Mr.. Mayne. and there was curious
smile on his sensual lips and an evil light
in his gray eyes.
Listeners hear no good of themselves,
he muttered. well, maybe not; but, at
any rate; I know which card to play next
Piqued and angry at Ansleigh, the beauty
will turn to me. I'll play the heart. broken
lover, step in before her anger against the
handsome doctor has time to cool, strike,
while the iron is hot, and, I'm mistaken if
I'm not engaged to Allie Ray and her $780,
O00before the sun sets.
"The best laid schems o mice and men
gang aft aglee!" !.... ....,q .-.g....... ,.
But Mr.. Mayne had forgotten that.
For long time John sat in the bay-win-
dow, his head bowed, staring his misery in
the face. Could it be true Allie loved him
no longer? All, we'll, it was better for him
to know the worst before it was too late.
An hour or two afterwards he saw Allie,
radiant in white organdie and pink ribbons.
sitting on rustic seat in the hotel grounds
in conversation. with Mr.. Mayne. John bit