The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-10-18
\ HEROINE AFTER ALL.

\ HEROINE Al 1Eft ALL
1t was lovers quarrel-no doubt
about that. Sky threatening-a reg
ular storm brewing-one could see
ii at a glance.
She stood, all flushed and excit-
ed. in the curtained bay window,
her fair face clouded, her blue eyes
flashing, her breath coming quick
and fast.
He stood at her side, stern and
pale, his hands clenched excitedly,
his dark eyes full of mingled sorrow
and passion.
"Lottie,'
William Whites voice was low
and intense with feeling.
ut is all your fault, remember,
he went on, with am effort at calm
ness. Il have only requested you,
kindly and gently-and, as your be-
trothed husband. surely have some
right-to desist from these foolish
flirtations. Why, Lotiie, you were
flirting last night with that Mr..
Bookhammer, whom public opin-
ion pronounces a-a-l can't tell
you, only that he is not proper COM
pany for you, my darling" VIII
liam's voice lost It's 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 an
CRY with me. sweetheart.
William White bent his hand
some head. and his dark eyes gazed
into Lottie's blue ones.
But the little lady was in con-
trary mood that morning. She FELT
like anything but meek submission
to the will of herlover, even though
she knew that all he had said'was
true, and was prompted by his love
and care for her.
Lottie Blake was an orphan-an
heiress, too-just released from the
restrictions of boarding school life
She had lost both her parents in her
infancy, and had passed the eigh-
teen wears of her lite in the care of
nirelipgs, and later at a fashionable
school, and, pure as a flower, she
had grown up amidst weeds.
She had been betr0thed to VIII
liam White for nearly a year, ana
was now under his mothers care.
passing few weeks at watering
place.
Society pronounced Lottie 4 heart
less fir; but she was merely a
thoughtless, careless girl, plunging
headlong into the unaccustomed
gayeties about her with all her
heart.
Surrounded by scores of admir-
ers, no wonder her head was nearly
turned with adulation and hattery.
William Whites words had touch
ed her pride. Did he then imagine
that, because she was careless and
happy, she was shallow and silly,
and needed a guiding hand?
She mentally resolved to cut Mr..
Bookhammer's acquaintance that
very day; but then William should
not have the satisfaction of thinking
that his Sords had instigated the
step. William had no confidence in
her love, she told herself, Well, let
him think as he pleased.
All the girls defiant spirit was III
arms when William, at last fearing
that he had wounded her sensitive
nature, attempted to set matters
right. He was struck dumb with
as she turned upon him
with face that was white and an
cry, her blue eyes fairly scintillat-
ing.
You've said enough, William
White !" she cried, passionately. Il
can see now the-the mistakeI have
made. We were never intended for
each other-we are not suited. You
want wife that will obey you like
a puppe:-a woman with no will or
mind of her own-a perfect Grisel-
ia; and | can never submit to tyr
amy in any form. The man | love
must trust me, and since you have
ceased to do that we are best apart
give you back your freedom
"Lottie, stop"
He was white as a statue.
do you mean what you say?
You do not love me then, Lottie?"
The girl was thoroughly aroused
low and regardless OF conse9uesees.
Mo- she cried, madly; Il do not
owe you any more"
She dashed aside the heavy cur
aims that draped the bay window, |
md was gone. And just then man
,ose from the lounging chair beside
he window, where he had ostensi- !
by been reading, and sauntered
;lowly away.
1t was Mr.. Bookhammer, and /
here was a curious smile on his
sensual lips and an evil lightin his
,ray eyes.
Listeners hear no good of them
elves" he muttered. We'll, may
,e not; but at any rate | know
which card to play next. Piqued .
md angry at White, the beauty will
urn to me. Ill play the heart
,roken lover, step in before her an
.er against my handsome rival has
ime to cool, strike while the iron ID
,ot. and I'm mistaken if I'm not
ngaged to Lottie Blake and her
fifty thousand dollars before the sun
cts.
'-The best laid schemes o. mice and men