Daily Republican., 1881-03-04
DIAMONDS AND HEARTS.
NY aRRALDIHY gLHMnING.

lao uubA Vi q DCDtOAMuot 10Y "Ao
softly falling. In the west there yet
remained rare, beautiful tints that the
glorious sunset had left, while the brisk
autumn brseze that swept over the
trees told Of dresrisr days to come.
Rita Lawtop sat all by herself in the
pretty little library at Rarlsoliffe, hur.
riedlY writing letter she wished to
mail on the following morning, her
tiny golden pen fairly Tying over the
tinted sheet.
She was vary pretty, with large,
wisttul eyes of q tender gray that made
such beautiful contrast TO her raven.
black hair, which, in turn, seemed
only to enhance the purity Of her pale,
sweet face. A petite, graceful girl with
au innate delioAvy OF refinement that
was perfectly charming.
At last she laid aside her writing,
and leaning back in her chair, listened
to the nipples of conversation that
hoa.sd from the next room--listsned
in the vague, half distresstul way OF
thought tina! had somehow come 70 be
quite natural to her these few last
weeks Of that short, delightful visit at
Rar!sclff-that Of all these people who
had met her there, there was not one
who would care when she should be
gone, uulsss-.and just the faintest
possible little culver ran through her
pretty figure, as the sound of Leith
Chestsr's voice suggested the posi-
bility Of an exception in his favor.
He had been very good to her all
through these pleasant days, frou the
very moment that Aunt Dora had in
troduced him, and told Rita after he
had gone, that he was one of the most
eligible young men in all the country
around, worth a couple of hundred
thousands, and q perfect love of coun
try seat on the Hudson,
Rita had liked him from the very
frst-and liked him none tho less when
her cousin Sophie had whispered to
her, in greatest possible confidence, that
she and Mr.. Chester were so nearly
engaged that it was as good as accom-,
plished-liked him none the less, Ger
tainly, but something had made her
feel ouriousiy strange about it.
Not that she was in love with him,
because she had told herself over and
over again that she was in love with
no one, and tried her best, and almost
succeeded, in convincing her brave lit
tie self that 1t was only reluctance at
leaving dear old Rarnscliffe that made
her SO uncomfortable.
Until the sound of Leith Chester's
voice, talking to bevy of companions
IN the next room, aroused her from
that long, dreamy mosd that had taken
complete possession Of her.
"fhsn you consider me fair sub.
ject for pity, ladies
"But We can hardly believe q word Of
it, Mr.. Chester. Just imagine the moon
gruity of the thipg!"
Sophie Gordon laughed, and looked
straight into Mr.. Chester's handsome
face.
He smiled as II amused.
"The inconRruity OF what Miss Cor
dom I do not comprehend your mean
ing"
"Why, the idea of you, Of all men,
leaving us What on earth are you
going to do with yourself?"
Leith Chester looked across at Ralph
Bradley, who was vainly trying TO in
terest Mrs. Gordon In conversation
pretty Mrs. Gordon, who had her eyes
on Leith Chester in the interest Of her
daughter Sophie.
BRADLEY. what do you thinkf Shall
stand 1t, II ! emisrate my to farm In
the westl"
"Your farm? Bless my soul, Chester,
is that farm all that is left you from the
wreck Of your fortuneY'
And Ralph Bradley leaned forward
as he spoke the words.
Leith Chestes laughed, as much at
the horror on Mrs. Gordon's face, as at
Rslph's ready reply.
"Oh Mr.. Chester. you never are 20.
ing into those horrid Yves tern wilds.
because you have lost everything else,
are your l thought surely you meant
it for assort Of caprics. you know.
supposed there was delightful little
cottage, and everything romantic.
Rita came into the room at this juno
ture In good time to see the surprise
and growing GOODNESS on her aunt's
pretty face.
Leith looked quickly up at her and
bowed.