The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-08-17
SCATTERED HOPES,

a, '' D' present at her marriage.
Mayn l go?" | exclaimed, bursting in
to her room with Maude's open letter
in my hand.
II would like you to do so, my dear"
sad my dear good mother; land we
must manage it somehow. ="
Who knows? I may come across
the Fairy Prince while l am gone;
only fairy princes ride through the
world in search of heiresses nowadays"
ratified on.
Il fancy human nature is much the
same as ever, said mamma with
glance OF maternal pride at my mischiev-
Gus sell, whom she was pleased to think
attractive.
started onmy dreamed-of visit with
heart made glad by visions of future
tl1umphs at bah and s0irec, long chats
with Maude, who is my dearest friend
and conhdante. and last, though by no
means least, the knowledge that as
pretty and stylish an outfit as any gi.l
need desire was packed in the trunks
awaiting the train.
As left my beautiful mountain-home,
l little thought should return woman
who had slipped from the intoxicating
cup OF JOY. only to find its draught
more bitter than the waters of Marah.
But am anticipating.
Mande was oycrjoyed to see me, and
we were soon installed in the pretty
room prepared for my reception, deep
IN the condolences so dear to girlish
hearts.
We were interrupted by the dressing
bell, and as MaGde rose to leave she
said:
Look your prGtticst tonight, Lena,
for there will he several persons to din
ner; and then Bert has heard me speak
OF You 50 often that | want you to make
good impression on him
And who is this Bert for whose
benefit am to don my war-gear?'
asked.
lie is sisters brother-in-law, on a
visit and just now is the lion of society.
lie is handsome, but rather tickle; and
besides, some people have coupled his
name with May Atkins, who is also on
visit to ne However, l know YOU
cancapture him; but guard Your heart. "
Trust me Tor that, - laughed. I'm
yanquish him with his own weapons,
though I'm no tlirt -
':Oh, OF course n1t!N laughed Maude
douned Il lovely dress OF pale pink,
with soft creamy oyerdress, and gold
bands On my arms WhLe great creamy
roses nestled in the dark hair that
would curt and break loose from every
restraint Dame Fashion sought to i'm
pose upon il. / iu"W / was looking
well as | cHt.i,t III, iaam where most
OF the OnrSts We're assembled
/ was r0nyersing with an inane-looE
ing Young man when Maude pinched
my arm and whispered
Behold, the conquering hero comes.
lraised my eyes and saw-but how
shall describe Bert Montrose?
Not above the medium height, his
physique was perfect His well-pOised
head was covered with clustering rings
Of auburn hair darE-blua eyes that
sparkl2d with mirth and mischief ore
moment and the next would grow soft
" luminous as the waves Of old ocean
when the .mo0nheams rest upon them;
beautiful, sensitive lips. almost con-
coaled by the dropping moustache,
lie was standing by a lovely girl,
whose dark torpical lovelinnss served as
an admirable foil to his light beauty
She reminded me Of rich pomegran-
ale with her dark peachy skin and
bright color
Who Is the giri?' asked M&ude
Why, May Atkins, Of course. See,
they are coming over here, and III in
troIuce you; then he shall take You to
dinner, soyon can hegir your attack at
once.
After the forms Of introduction were
over dinner was announced. and Mr..
Montrosc offered me his. arm.
We were seated directly opposite Miss
Atkins, and rs | e2erted myself to en-
terrain my companion, l caught her
dark eyes fixed on me with glance
that seemed to declare me her enemy.
After dinner / was called on to sing,
aud sang, "Prett' Birds.
As | turned, Bert Y as standing at nv
side. his blue eyes shining.
'Sinr something else. - he Command
ed, and obevcd. and sang again snd
again.
When / finally arose he said:
Come ont On the yerandah ard tel
me Of yourself Where did YOU learn
t. sing like the pretty birds them
Selves
From those same birds, l answer
ed You must know Mr. Montra@c, |
am but a country lassie. or a second
Rasselas, out on an expedition to see
something of the world
Let me be your GOOD angel, and
point out the most interesting objects
agreed. / answered
90 next morning he tO6k me out, ana
| shall never FORGET the look in Nav "
hu:s eyes Wurn l came down dIeSSGl
for walking. and Bert met me, witt only
courteous good morning to her.
So il was. At ball ard s0iree he was
ever at my sile, and | knew | had given
him my heart. but not masked, for
eyes. tones, actions can speak, though
no Word of love had passed between US.
This generally marks an ellipsis of
time, but III this case it is intended to
indicate momentous period of my
life.
was out on a shopping expedition,
and being tired, went into restaurant
and ordered coffee.
As l.. drew behind my screen, | be-
came aware that the compartment next
mine was occupied, and | was about 10
change mine. when heard a name that
enlisted my attention at once; so | be-
came an unwilling listener to the con
vCrsatiOn that followed.
Bert, what do You mean to do about
Miss Lena Mays? You are going il
pretty strong in that quarter, old fellow,
it strikes me
"Confound it all, Jack, | heard the
voice that loved best say, Il am more
in love with her than anybody l ever
saw
Bert, my friend, are you doing right?
Do you forget the wife up in the Blue
Mountains, who has at least nominal
claim on you"
My God! Jack, can't you let me for
crnf th1t rs well as | camp There for