Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-07-06
DR.. AnIeIgh's Peril.

about that. Sky threatening-a regulal
stoIm brewing-one could see at
glance.
She stood, all flushed and excited, il
the curtained bay window, her face
clouded, her blue eyes flashing, hel
breath coming quick and fast.
lie stood at her side, stern and pale
his hands clenched e1citedly, his darl
eyes full Of mingled sorrow and passion
'Allieu
John Ansleigh's voice was low ant
intense with feeling.
1T is all your fault, remember he
went on with an effort at calmness. y
have only requested you, kindly and
gentlJ-and as your bctrothed husband
l surely have some right-to desist from
these foolish firtatiOus. Why, Allie,
you were flirting last night with that
Mr.. Mayne, whom public opinion pro-
nounces a-a-I can't tell you, only
that lie is not proper company for you,
my darlingr Johns voice lost it's angry
tone, and grew very gentle and tender.
You know that this would not trouble
me so if you were no. dearer to me
than my own life. Say you are no
anSry with me, sweetheart9
DR.. John Ansleigh bent his hand
some head and his dark eyes gazed into
Allies blue ones.
But the little lady was IN contrary
mood, that morning. She felt like
anything but meek submission to the
will of her lover, even though she knew
that all that he had said was true, aud
prompted by his love and care for her.
Allie Ray was an orphan, an heiress
TOO Just related from the restrictions OF
boardlng-srhool life. She had lost both
her parents in her infancy, and had
passed the eighteen years Of our lie
under the care OF hrelngs, and later, at
fashionable school. And, pure as q
flower, she had grown up amidgt weeds.
She had been betrothed to DR..
Ansleigh for nearly year, and was
now under his mothers care passing a
few weeks at a watering-place.
Society pronounced Allie hear lless
fllrt but she was merely a thoughtless,
careless girl, plunging beadlong into
the unaccustomed gaietes about her
with all her heart. Surrounded by
scores Of admirers, no wonder her head
was n early turned with admiration aud
fla ttery.
John Ansleigh's words had touched
her pride. Did he then imagine that,
because she was careless and happy,
that she was shallow and silly, and
needed guiding hand?
She mentally resolved 10 cut Mr.
Mayhe's acquaintance that very day;)
but then John should not have the sRtlS-
faction of thinking that his words had
instigated tie step. John had no con-
Gdence in her love, she tsld herself
Well, let him think as he pleased.
All the girls defiant spirit was in
arms, and when John, at last, fearing
that he bad wounded her sensiGYe
nature. attempted 10 set matters right
betw cen them, he was stricken dumb
with amazemeut as she turned upon
him a face that was white and angry,
her blue eyes fairly scintillatlng.
You've said enough, John Ansleigh?'
she cried, passiOnately. Il can see
now the-the mistake had made. We
were never intended for each other: we
are not suited. You want a wife that
will obey you like puppet-a woman
with no will or miad of her own-a
perfect Grselda. And l can never
submit to tyranny in any form. The
man love must tiust me; and since
YOU have ceased TO do that, we are best
apart. | give you tack your freedom.
Allie, stop!
DR.. Ansleigh was white as statue.
Do>ou mean what you says You do
not love me then. AllieP'
The girl was thoroughly aroused now,
and regardless OF consequences.
'No!' she eric d, madly, ! do not love
you any more!
She dashed aside the heavy curtains
that draped the bay-window, and Was
gone. Aud just then man arose from
The lounglug chair beside the window
where he had been OstensiLly reading.
and sauntercd slowly away.
II was Mr.. Mayne, and there Was
curious smile on his sensual lips aud an
evil light IN bls gray eyes.
Listeners hear no good of them
Selves he mnltered. We'll, maybe
moi; but at any rate, 1 know which
card to play next. Piqued and angry
at Ansleigh, the beauty will turn to me.
pn play the heart-broken lover, step in
before her anger against the handsome
doctor has time TO cool, strike while
lhe iron Is hot,' and Pm mistaken IT
Pm no. engaged to Allie Ray and her