New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1882-08-16
WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE,

tn0 Day-W1nUOW az May, anu May re-
turned his gaze with one of innocence
and coquettish vexation and indifference
curiously combined.
LOT course I have been doing some
thing, Misunderstanding perfectly
dreadful, according to your ideas. I
can always tell when you look at me
that way. What is it this time?''
Maurice was young, handsome, intel
Ggent, and had been engaged to May
Just seven weeEs-seven weeks, when
each day brought him the assurance
that he was the happiest and unhap-
piest man in the universe happy in the
prospect Of future happiness, miserable
because of the wilfulness of his lady
love, who was only less lovely and en-
chanting than provoking.
just now, pair of the softest, velvet
lest blue eyes imaginable looked appeal
ingly at him, and dainty scarlet mouth
pouted bewitchingly at him, as May,
with suspiciously patient innocence,
questioned him.
''You are. right, May-:it' is some
thing more than usual this time-al-
though not perfectly dreadful" accord
ing to your code, evidently. IT was
last night did not like the way you
permitted Vane Selwyn's attention
that care for him in the least, under
stand, but May-the honor, the princi-
pie of the thing.''
She laughed, then her blue eyes dark
ened, vexedly.
Honor! principle principle, hon
or!' she repeated, irritatedly. II de-
clare you are for ever harping on them,
until you have become downright stu
pid."
Maurice's mouth compressed trifle,
but he bore her angry words patiently.
1T seems we scarcely ever see each
other of late, May. For all the satisfac-
ton to be derived from our engage
ment, we might as well not be en-
gagged"
She interrupted him coldly.
"Yes-I. have often thought myself
we might as we'll not be engaged at all
Indeed"
She hesitated, a palpable meaning in
her silence that brought hot flush to
his face.
MAY! What do you mean?'
II mean just nobody else scolds
me as much as you do, and I'm tired Of
it. I'm tired of all of 1.-THE engage
ment and everything"
Such strange, strange look was in
his eyes.
''You are tired of me?''
Il didn't say that. But Aunt AIDE
laide thinks had better-she thinks I
ought to marry q richer and
we'll. 50 do t.
''Then you wish to be released from
your engagement to me?'
In all her acquaintance with him, May
had never known him like this, and the
pale gravity on his face, in his manner,
half-frightened her, while, at the same
time, there was defiant sense of dar-
ing to say such venturesome things,
daring to experience a new sensation,
that she felt thrill of pleasurablo reck-
lessness.
II really wish il" she said, promptly.
'.You are released he announced,
quietly. ''Good-morning, Miss Oliver. -
well, he may CO." she laughed, her
cheeks glowing warmly. '.Auntie is
right; he is not the kind of husband !
ought to have-he's not rich, like Mr..
Selwyn, although he's far handsomer
and more refined. I'd rather be a rich
mans wife any day, and I'm pretty and
accomplished enough to win all the ov.
ers want, if Mr.. Selwyn don't suit!
So, Mr.. Maurice, good-bye!'
Mrs. Oliver glanced up from her easel
in bright corner of her boudoir, as
May came in, half an hour afterwards.
''You look remarkably radiant, my
DEAR" she remarked, admiringly. rs
it that pale blue plush basque, or the
pink corals you have on7''
..Oh, auntie! It's neither. I'm just
delighted at having given my lover his
conge!"
very well, May irreproachable and oil
that sort of thing, but with your youth
and beauty you ought to make more out
Of your Winter campaign in the City.
want TO send you home with an engaged
ring on your finger, and Vane Selwyn'l
initials inside. You can do it easily,
i my dear and Be : rich woman all your
"And it's just what mean to do, too
auntle dear, she laughed; "and 70 pc
gin, I have just sent note of accept
ance to Mr.. Selwyn, saying will 60 t.
the theatre tonight Her Darling
Folly" isn't it, at the Frivolity?"
Mrs. Oliver meditatedra moment.
Yes, with Miss St. Guy-go by al
means, May, and wear your white plush
hat and black velvet toilet
Beautiful as the dream Of . poet, MAJ
greeted Mr.. Selwyn when he called fo1
her that evening blue eyes shining
cheeks glowing, lips Ike fragrant carna
tons and he told himself It must no
be long before he contrived3 10 posses.
this lovely little girl for his own.
Bright, gay, rejoicing, with nota pen
itent thought in her foolish little hear
for Maurice, all aglow with deliciou'
excitement, May started for the theatre
and two hours later all London was par