Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1884-11-08
MARTINsBURG, W. VA, SATURDAY, NOV. s, 1884

u -
who, nevertheless, was always ex
quisitely dressed, went everywhere
and lived, metaphorically speaking
on the fat ofthe land.
She had written to Cora Leslie,
her mothers cousin, that she would
like to spend the winter with her
and Cora, full of sweet, womanly
compassion, promptly sent money
for her to come.
81 never had a sister," wrote
Cora, "and / am sure / shall love
you dearly"
And it was thus that Ariadne had
rewarded her. The old story over
again of the serpent who stings its
benefactor.
But although Cora had been blind
the rest of the world, like Duchense
was more clearsighted.
Col. Vayason, Mr.. Chesterton'f
uncle, took him sternly to task for
his detection from the line ofequity
Dukelaughed.
"My dear uncle," said he, .you
take things too seriously! Cannot
an engaged man so much as look al
another woman ~
But one day In blossomy May,
Col. Vavason's card was brought ur
to Miss Leslie.
Cora was preparing to go out with
Miss Duchesne for drive. She was
full of bright happiness that morn
ing, and even Miss Duchesne breath
ed more freely, for Ariadne Bucking
ham had left them the night before
in response-so at least she gave
them to understandable telegram
from her father, who was i'll. The
nightmare dream was over at last !;
all the world was May!
She ran down into the draw.
ing-room, where Col. Vavason lean
ed against the mantel, tall, pale and
handsome.
ooh, Colonel" she said brightly,
81 am glad to see you. Duke is
coming ="
But she paused as her eyes fell on
his pale features, the look of mate
horror in his eyes.
"Duke will never come here again, .
said he IN a low tone. "Be a hero
inc, Cora. Bear your trouble brave.
~. Duke went away before day.
light. He left a note asking me to
tell you. He loves Ariadne Buck
ingham, and has followed her to her
home!"
And so Cora Leslie closed the
chapter Of her first love-or rather
Marmaduke Chesterton closed it for
her.
At the end of a year Marmaduke
Chesterton came back. He was not
married to Miss Buckingham after
all. The beautiful brunette had
accepted his presents and smiled on
him with those melting eyes of hers,
amused herself at his expense and
finally welded young lieutenant of
Artillery to whom she had been en-
gagged for years. Duke was pale
and haggard as he stood there in
the boudoir, where he had first ask
ed Cora Leslie to be his wife.
But Cora was lovlier than ever.
As he looked upon her he marveled
that he could have ever cared for
one like Ariadne Buckingham.
"Cora," he said, in broken
voice, "can you ever forgive met"
"Oh, yes" she answered smiling,
~ forgave you long ago. And oh,
how you must have suffered, Dukei"
But" he went eagerly on, ~ am
disenchanted now. My eyes are
open at last. l know that l never
really loved any one but you. Sweet
Cora, is it too late to ask you to re-.
new our engagement once moreP
Il am afraid it is" Cora, still
serenely selfpossessed and calm.
"But why" he urged.
"One reason" answered Cora,
ais that / have long ceased to care
Except, Of course, as a friend) for
the man who loved Adriadne Buck
ingham better than me. The other
is that | am to be married next week
to Col. VavaSon.v
Tony uncle?"
EYES," she answered, "to your
uncle. love and honor him as /
never loved and honored man be-
FORE"
So Marmaduke Ches:erton lost
both blonde and brunette, and Miss
Duchesne was satisfied at last that
her darling was worthily welded.