The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-08-23

we're an obdurate woman-hater, and
when she learned that you were coming
she wagered-some .trife, doubtless
that you would be her conquest before
the summer would be over"
"a pair of gloves staked on a mans
heart bauble to be won by the losing
of a mans faitb--was that it, Elena?"
he inundated, in a strangely mirthless
and bitter voice.
But Miss Champney had slipped from
her place and disappeared. There was a
look upon his face that had frightened
her; for the traitor is ever the coward,
and beside, for an instant, she had been
assailed by confusing sense of shame
for the despicable thing she had done.
"But he will care for Hilma no
longer she thought, in ignoble
triumph. "He will be grateful for my
interest and sympathy, and he will
learn to love me-"
For a moment Alaric Maury stood
still, staring straight into Dothingness.
He was sensitive man, and one who
trusted infinitely or not at all; he had
believed the fair, endearing Hilma to be
worthy of such trust, and what had
been divulged to hum was painful and
bewildering.
II cannot believe her so silly, SO unre-
fined" he murmured.
And Just then he turned and beheld
Hilms standing by an open door.
She was gazing at him timidly and in
sweetest depreciation. There was no
need for her to explain that she had un-
IL L IL oh 90 hat al
detraction of herself-that her presence
had been unnoted 80 long only because
her modification had held her dumb.
He moved toward her irresolutely, but
as he perceived her distress, the pathetic
humility of her aspect, all his heart
went out to her in tenderest compassion.
at is not quite true?" he questioned
gently regarding her with more yearn-
ing than disapprobation.
II did make the wager, she confessed,
and uncomfortable tears began to glist-
en- on her dropping lashes. But was
not serious in the least. From Miss
Chsmpney's descriptions, I imagined
that you was opinionated and unfeeling,
and we're prejudiced against all women.
And when you came and were so differ.
ent was sorry and ashamed and miser-
able. was afraid that you might learn
about it and misjudge me in every way"
che concluded with exquisite naivette.
He bent toward her, his eyes eager,
his face fame.
"Do you care to know that you have
won your wager?" he demanded passion
ately. st love you, and shall love you
always. In these two soft. weak hands,
Hilma, you hold my happiness. Your
conquest is as complete as you can de-
in his voice.
Il deny any intent of conquest" she
responded, with q delightful smile.
"And beside" she admitted. blushing
like rose, II lost my heart before any
endeavor to win yours could have been
begun"
''That was your punishment for your
wicked vow to captivate the orgre," be
laughed, as he drew her to his heart with
the kiss Of betrothal.
Miss Champney was mildly amazed
some time later.
II am not angry with you, Elena, at
ALL" declared Hilma. II am really glad
that Alaric knows about that absurd bit
Of nonsense"
"Of course. was persuaded that !
was doing right" Mise ChampDey
avowed. with Weakness that was edify-
ing. "Sincerest friends often have
these disagreeable complications to ad.
just"
And, luckily, Hilma was too guileless
and generous to guess how gently the
truth had been distorted in its telling.
and how very different denouement
had been designed by her particularly
dear friend-Miss Champney.