The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-05-17
LOVE AND MISUNDERSTANDING.

LOVE AND MISUNDERSTANDING.
II was six o'clock in the afternoon and
David Bertram's betrothed, pretty Lis.
beth Dacre, awaited his coming by the
roadside.
She had been gathering wild straw
berries, and now, with her basket full,
she had seated herself upon lichen-cov-
9 ed boulder near . spot which she
knew David must pass on his way from
the mill.
There was soft glow on the girls
rounded cheek, and q happy, conscious
look in her happy eyes, as, entirely con-
cealed by the Tricky growing foliage
about her, she listened for her lovers
approaching footstep. She did not have
long to wait; but peering from her hid
ing place, Lisbeth saw with surprise that
David was not alone. He was walking
slowly along, talking animatedly, while
BY his side, with her hand in his clasp,
was strikingly handsome woman.
Into Lisbeth's happy blue eyes stole
startled, panied expression. What did
it mean? Could it be that her lover was
false?
She shrank back behind the friendly
shelter Of the wild rose vines which
screened her retreat. They were close
at hand now, and Lisbeth could plainly
hear what they said, and as she listened
her little hands clasped themselves con-
yulsively together.
Dear Davie, the knowledge OF your
love, and being able to see you once in .
while, have been all that has kept me up
this last year. But must 90 no farther
With you now. I will meet you again
soon. Good-by, dear"
Then Lisbetl saw her lover stoop and
kiss the speakers lips, and with warm
hand pressure they parted. the stranger
turning back in tho direction she had
come. After David was out of sight Lis
beth crept from her rose-embowered
nook. 1t was changed maiden who,
with pale face, aud q proud, resolute
look in her eyes, pursued her way home.
ward. Poor little Lisbethl Her trusting
and affectionate heart had received its
first cruel shock
Mrs. Dacre looked up with . smile as
her daughter entered.
See, Lisbeth," she said, there is q
letter from your Uncle Edwin. he has
been successful in an enterprise which
has made him rich, and he writes to say
that if we will come and make our home
with him, it will crafty him very much.
1t is Q long time since l have seen Ed.
win, and would like to go; but, dear, !
know before I hear it what you will say.
know nothing could ever induce you
to go so far away from your betrothed."
"You are wrong this time. mother; for
my reply is-let US go, and the sooner
tho better"
Then, in answer to her mothers look
Of evident surprise. she exclaimed, her
enforced calmness giving way at last:
"Oh, mother! I am SO unhappy.
David, he whom l thought 80 true. is
falsel Do not question me. I cannot
speak more about it. Oh, my mother,
comfort me; nave only you left now!
When David Bertram called Q few
days later to see his betrothed, he found
that Mrs. Dacre and her daughter had
left the vii age that morning.
The young mans face grew very white
and stern o. he read the short. cold note
which Lisbeth had left for him, assign
ing no reason for her abrnpt departure,
but giving him back his freedom and
bidding him farewell.
II did not think SO fair O face could
belong to a coquette!' he murmured to
himself
Liabeth did not lack for admirers in
her new home. Beauty such ~ hers
could not fail to attract attention, and it
was not long before it was rumorel
about what . charming niece Captain
Ferraro had. But Lisbeth was alike
Indifferent to ali who sought her favor.
One afternoon, % Lisbeth came into
her mothers room, she found her perus'
ing q letter which she had just received,
With q very thoughtful face.
List eth" she said. "would You mind
telling me now what it vas that came be-
tween you and Mr.. Bertram? have .
reason for asking."
Then the girl told her mother Of the
ssene she had witnessed. which had dis =
eloeed 20 her her lovers unwoTthinses.