The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-01-18


time with her in the dimly lie con
servatorv than to chatter with this
and that one in the Illuminated
room beyond.
At last they arise and Join the
company. As they emerge into the
light. Elmer glances at his eompan-
ion; she looks wonderfully faseinat-
ing tonight. She is attired in am
Der colored maize, and for Jewels
she wears the cleaning yellow to-
paz.
If she appeared pretty in pink,
she is bewitching in amber. la the
years that follow, Elmer Richards
never saw the sheen Of an amber
robe. OF the gleam Of topaz, with
out associating 1t with Beatrice Irv-
ing.
Early one morning q few days
later, Elmer while strolling through
the garden, sees Beatrice standing
by a rosebush, endeayoring to d;sen-
tangle her scarf from the thorns
upon which it is caught.
Il am prisoner, you see she
saws with a smile, ~and ike most
prisoners, much against my will"
Shall ! release you?" asks FL
mer, and coming forward, he deity
disengages the delicate thing.
Thanks. You should be reward
ed for your handiness," +" Beatrice says,
and plucks a white rosebud with q
spray OF dark green leaves for q
background.
As she bends forward to fasten i
in his buttonhole their eyes meet,
and something in his causes the girl
to blush slightly and, making a
hasty movement. a stray thorn pierre
es her finger. Atiny red drop fails
on one OF the curling petals and
mars It's whiteness.
There I" Beatfic xciaims, in q
rexed tone, Il have spoilt your aow-
er. Let me get you another.
"Never mind" Elmer replies. 1T
does not show, and besides sou may
scratch your hand again"
No, 1 hope ! should not be SO
foolish another time" says Beat
rice.
Then they stroll down the shady
path together, and enjoy pleasant
chat until the bell calls them to
breakfast.
The summer days pass quickly
by, and some Of Esther's guests take
their departure. Beatrice Irving
and Elmer Richards are among the
last that lInger. 1t has been a bliss
ful summer for him one which be
viii never forget.
One morning Beatrice announces
her intention of returning to her
own home on the morrow, and or
that Elmer determines to know bis
fate. That evening Beatrice comes
down stairs arrayed in the amber
dress that is so becoming, and for
ornaments she wears her favoritc to-
paz. Her oval cheeks are glowing
with a warm rose-hue, and her eyes
scintillate ike stars. As Elmer
watches her, he thinks he has never
seen her so beautiful, so fascinating.
During the evening he request
her to walk with him in the garden,
and she complies, perhaps she has
an intuition of what is coming. 4
few commonplace remarks pass be-
tween them, then Zine. Richards
begins bis passionate declaration OF
love and Beatrice listens with clasp
ed hands and downcast eyes. As
he speaks, the whole scene passes
from him, and he sees nsught, but
the woman at his side. Ardently
be pleads, for he loves Beatrice with
all the depth and feryor Of his strong
manly nature, and if he loses her. he
loses all.
As he ceases speaking, he vent
ures to glance into her half-averted
face. 1twears a fierce, triumphant
expression, a strange look that one
would not expect q girl 10 wear
when listening TO q lovers plead
ings. She turns and faces him, and
in the moonlight he can see the yel-
low lights in her ewes fame like
those irradiating from her Jewels.
"Mr Richards" she said calmly
i can never be your wife."
He draws back, and his face grows
white. lie is not prepared for this.
He had expected a doubtful, waver-
ing answer, q few months proba-
tion, perhaps, but this cold, fat re-
fusal, never
Then why have you lead me on
all these weeks 2" he *, hoarselv.
. Are you heartless, that you can so
trample on q mans heart +? are you
a coquette, a jilt? Oh, Beatrice /
cannot believe Il. Tell me you love
me-"
No, l do not" she replies, firm
". Listen, Mr.. Richards. Five
years ago there lived a young girl, a
bright, happy girl, whom all that
knew her loved. One day a strang.
er came to the village, and-well
Elmer Richards, you know the sto-
rs It is needless fer me 10 repeat
il you know OF whom ! arr speak
ing-little Mile Irving. Where is
She now Who ruined her life. and
broke her heart You, Elmer Rich
ards All, you start and turn pale,
and well you may, for you know
you are guilty. At her death bed
made q vow that if you ever crossed
my path would have nly revenge.
She was 1s sister.
Your sister ?" Elmer echoes.
Yes; did she neuer speak of me
to YOU 2" Beatrice says.
YES, yes" Elmer replies, ~buE
she called you-"
~Tress,' interrupts the girl. - s,
that was her pet name for me-"
There is a long silence then l,l-
mer raises his white, haggard face.
Beatrice, " be says, II meant no
harm to your sister. ! did rot
lream Of such a sad ending. I was
Young then, young and foolish.
Can YOU not forgive me ? WIN
But she interrupts him with
mock;ng laugh, and turning, flies
down tie garden path, He secs her