Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1883-04-05
ONLY A DREAM.

A riehly-furnished room in one of
the principal streets of London, West
End.
Its inmates were a beautiful woman.
a handsome but somewhat haggard-
looking man.
The latter stood opposite the mirror,
and, though his face was turned
toward it, he seemed to experience no
great satisfaction at the countenance
that met his gaze.
The two had evidently been arguing
some point, for the woman's cheeks
were flushed and her eyes were humid.
"Do you think L would forego my
engagements for a foolish dream p he
asked.
"To please me, dear Ralph. You
seldom do anything to please me of
lac" she pleaded
bah Look at your wardrobe -
was his response.
"Oh ! dresses and money-yes; but
counted upon more than that when 1
left my fathers home. Consider, 1
gave up everything"
Eyes; and when you will cease !
taunt me about it?"
"Oh, Ralph, never taunt you t
least, never mean to. Forgive me =
l am thoughtless at times. You know
love you; but don't you suppose |
see and the charming face grew
more o1uent as the dark eyes were
brimmt with tears" that you never
cared for me as l care for you? There
don't look that way. Only listen to
me this once-stay home only to-day |!
Lisetta is coming, and the poor g.ri
viii think it SO strange if you are not
here to welcome her. Tomorrow the
danger will be passed-to-morrow 1
shall be happy again"
A woman's wlim," he responded,
slowly drawing on his gloves. "The
thing is simply impossible. 1 made
the engagement. Beside, I'm out of
funds, and you know what that means
to mel may say to us-while in these
very expensive apartments.
Ralph, you know l would willingly
20 into the meanest-"
"Oh, stop-stopl No more of that.
know that you don't know anything
about it. You never lived in a mean
place in your life. You never had a
wish ungratifed, even since you have
known me, am proud to say, and
you never shall. That is why 1 must
go out tonight
"Oh, Ralph, stop this way of living !
will be poor with you-live in lodg-
ings, leave these splendid miseries, go
anywhere-and love you to the end,
if you will give it up"
"You forget that / am prejudiced
against hard work." he said, turning
half-aside. al need a fortune at my
back with my luxurious tastes and my
beggarly experience. l thought 1
should have one" he added, bitterly,
"but there was mistaken"
Eyes, but who knows what may
happen? Ny father loved me once
there is no one to take my place; let
US try" Then. frightened at the for
bidding expression of his face as he
turned upon her, she shrank back, only
aiding, IF you would only stay home
to-day-tonight ! Oh, if you knew
how fearfully real that dream was p
"Why, did l cot you, or myself p
he asked, coolly. Did / scatter my
brains (quite an unne isary com
modify in my business) all ,vsr the
foor2 Bah ! what weak things women
arel have had occasion to remark
that before
"Then you will gol You will net
heed me?"
"I will go. I win not heed you
Then, Ralph, goodbye; shall
never see you alive"
He burst into low. musical laugh.
"Ah, my dear, there's an easy way
to fill my purse. When that is full Of
the hard, yellow rocks"
She made gesture of despair and
hid her face in her hands.
1t this is to be our last interview
hadn't we better play a little at
ths sentimental? Shall ] kiss you at
partingf'