Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1884-03-28
TN SPITE. OF HEB VIII.

" SueStS, gsHtlel1eu,7 were ElDlllilS Ii bllG
smoking-room this lovely summers
morning, putting lazily at their cigars
as they endeavored to while away the
/. time between breakfast and dinner in
\ conversation and smoke
One Of them, who had just languidly
informed his companion that his very
marked attention to Isabel Whyte,
his hostess's pretty but impecunious
niece, was naught but "a little firta-
ton" was a tall, handsome man Of
abont thirty years Of age, with that I'M
mistakable air Of distinction which
5 travel and good breeding stamp indelibly
: upon the face of those whom tickle for
/ tune fsyors with her. smiles. Leonard
Ashley was O. thorough man of the
world. a..
The room in which the two men sat
smoking opened through wide, French
windows on to the lawn, but on account
of the heat Of the morning sun the vene-
I tian blinds were drawn and the view Of
the garden shut off. ..-'
'Well, we'll, old boy, amuse yourself,
ifyou are not in any deeper than bit
Of Irritation said Tom Mayne, after
his friends drawing reply to q little at
tempted advice. But I tell you, old
fellow, it looks extremely like en- old
fashioned courtship to outsiders, and
the aunt has got her eye on it, and ap-
pears we'll satisfied with the turn affairs
are apparently taking. There will be
quite cut up in that quarter when
you throw her over, and you had better
take my advice and do it easy; COM
mence now and cool off by stages, for
you cant carry it much further without
coming to some understanding. Oh, by
the way, is the girl flirting too? Quite
a bright little thing, she. Pity there's
not penny in the family; that's the
only drawback to her making 8 man a
very clever little wife; but of course as
it is, it's quite ont of the question"
"Quite," drawled Ashley, lighting a
fresh cigar. "Let's 60 down to the river
and have paddle before dinner" and
the subject Of Isabel Whyte was blown
away in smoke, as he lazily rose from
his chair and walked to the window
leading to the lawn.
AS Ashley drew up the blinds and
stepped out On to the terrace, a white
muslin hustled round the corner of the
building out Of sight.
"Will Mr.. Ashley join us at tennis
This afternoon?"
It was Isabel who spoke, looking up
brightly into the face of Leonard Ash
ley, who sat next her at luncheon.
Pretty little Isabel, whose penniless
virtues as rich man s wife had been
weighed in the balance and found want
ing, was gazing into the eyes of the man
who was playing with her heart, with
her innocent, trusting. captivated soul
looking out through hers.
"With all my heart, Miss Whyte, If ]
may play as your partner"
She bl,lshed her assent, with her
blue eyes fixed on her plate.
The game that afternoon must have
proved remarkably pleasant to Isabel,
whose flushed and eager face beamed
with enjoyment and satisfaction as she
accompanied Leonard across the lawn
after having been ignominiously de-
feated in five games.
Victory did not seem to be necessary
to complete their happiness, however
for even Ashley showed al unusual
earnestness as he walked by the side Of
Isabel with the racquets slung over his
shoulder, and his tall form bent slightly,
as he talked in low tones to the girl.
His langllid expression had given way
to one of pleasure, and his handsome
eyes snapped in way that was in SHARP
contrast with his usual languor. =
Remember, Isabel, he whispered
as he parted with her at the house, 81
am to have all the dances this evening ?
eyes, ALL" 1920 'sz -
With q tell-tale blush she sped up thu
stairs. NJ s# 81. t..
Leonard walked thoughtfully off t.
his apartment, mixture of strang,
feelings creating turmoil in his heart
When hereached his room, befor'
changing his toilet for the evening, h,
threw off his coat and hastily seating
himself at writing table began hurried
ly letter. He never ceased until til,
task which was a long one, was com
pleted, except now and then to paus
for moment to find some suitable ex
preston, for the wording Of the epistl
appeared to need considerable care.
He finished it at last, and CAREFUL,
folding it placed it in an envelope, which
he superscribed in his best hand:
'tWilfred Ashton Esq, the Pines
Devon" ~ ~'t3 = . - ~
ssThere, uncle mine, this will be 4
little surprise for you at dinner to-mor
row." - j'as.'' IS 81
With these words he laid the 1etA
upon the table and began with unusua
care to arrange his evening dress. I.
Come, Isabel, out here the moon
light is beautiful, and the air sweet witt
the June flowers. We have ample tim
to enjoy d walk among the shrubber.
before the next dance. The breeze vii
cool you; your face is flushed and heat
ed. Besides" he whispered, bendin,
tenderly over her, ST have somethin,
to tell you which can be said better I'm
der the stars and in the silyery moon
light. Come. - b +. s.5E5.ss IN +,
A strange CLEAN came into Isabel
eyes which Leonard did not see, an,
the thin lips were set in straight line
but without q word she slipped her arr
through his, and they moved out to
gether into the glorious night.
5H For some moments they walked Of
among the trees and plants Of the excel
lently kept park, without either sneak