The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-11-14
BOTH FORGIVING.

We'll, Nettie, here am! What is
il you want to ask me?"
Il have heard a report that you are
paying attention to a young woman in
Woodville. Is it truepn
The girl spoke quietly, but there was
slumbering fire in her great black
eyes which told story of repressed
passion.
The young man addressed changed
color and WINGED under her steady look,
but he made pretence of answering
lightly:
80 it is the same old story you have
sent for me to come andhear. You are
jealous little piece, Nettie."
Harmon, will you tell me the truthp
| had much rather hear you speak out
like man, even if it breaks my heart,
than to die by degrees while doubling
you-and do doubt YOU"
"Then, if you will be happier to
know, instead of to imagine, the truth,
here it is: / am going to be married to
the girl in Woodville next Tuesday
evening. She's one of the meek sort,
and won't keep me in hot water by her
jealousy, as you do
Anger had evidently got the better of
prudence in Harmon Harris mind, or
he might have continued to temporise
with the girl who had been supplanted
in his tickle fancy by the newer and
perhaps more attractive charms of her
rival.
Nettie's cheeks blanchcd, and she
stood for an instant as though turned
into stone. Then she pointed to the
door.
go. false heart Never let me see
your face again! But know this: / will
spoil your happiness, as you have
ruined mine!"
obeyed her; but, strive as he would, he
could not keep his cheeks from blanch-
ing. He looked the despicable cring
ing creature that he was-for he who
wins girls heart to break it always
has the characteristics of a coward.
But, once out of Nettie's presence,
the momentary feeling of uneasiness
vanished, and he said half aloud:
That's good job over; she took it
easier than ] thought she would. All l
have to do now is to hurry up the we'd
ding-day, and set out for the west with
Kitty. Her money will buy and stock
farm, and we'll live in clover. She's
good little thing, and not a spitfire
like Nettie."
Kitty Nash was considered quite an
heiress in the country neighborhood
where she lived.
Upon the death of her father she had
come with her mother to make her
home at Meadow Farm with chileless
old uncle.
She had six hundred pounds invest
cd in Government securities, and upon
her mothers death would inherit as
much more. So mercenary feelings
might have helped to cause the change
in Harmon Harris matrimonial inten-
lions.
But Kitty reioiced in his love, and
was so bright and engagingin her ways,
that each day frightened her chains
about her lover, and by this very means
prepared for him surer punishment in
the coming days. For Kitty was total
ly ignorant of the claims of Ncttie Upon
Harmon, and, sweet-tempered as she
was, there existed strong undercur-
rent of firmness beneath her gay, light
hearted manner.
Then, too, Kitty was an unsparing
critic of her own actions, having a most
tender conscience about wrong-doing of
any kind.
But Harmon rushed on TO his fate.
The wedding-day was set, the feast was
being made ready, the minister was in
his place, and the bride and groom had
taken their positions before him.
Suddenly the sound of horses hoofs
sounded upon the gravelled carriage
sweep. They came fast and furiously,
and then n messenger dismounted be-
fore the door, and striding in, said:
Il have an important message for the
bride. 1t must be given her at once. J"
So, robed in'her vestal white, Kitty
received the letter, and paused to read
it before the ceremony should proceed.
Then, with cheeks and lips as white
as her dress, she turned to Harmon,
and handed it TO him with the ques-
ton:
lis it true that you had no right TO
ask me to be your wife? Read that,
and answer me as truly as though you
were lying on your death-bed."
Harmon took the letter and ran his
eyes over the uncertain writing. Cold
chills ran through his veins as he read,
for he felt that the threat contained
therein was genuine one. Thus the
note ran:
MAY the girl who has won the hand and
the fafge heart of the man who has ruined
my happiness, see before her my ghost ey-
cry time she looks at Harmon Hart. My
living form she cannot ever see, for before
this is read l shall be dead and out of my
misery.
"NErTIE STANTON"
Harmon. is it true? Have YOU