Daily Republican., 1884-07-31
HELEN'S PLOT.
BY GUISEVERE.

She stood In the doorway, a pretty pic
ture, with her bright flushed cheeks and
sparkling eyes. In one little gloyed hand
was held the skirt OF her dark green RI.
ding habit, and he other poised lightly a
pearl-handled whip.
vet jockey, and swept the braids of raven
hair.
Mabury Chester looked at her with
look oi surprise in his dark blue eyes.
You are going out, Laura 2"
Yes, foi morning canter over the
hills"
" But you said you would ride with me
to Clinton"
Did 1. Oh, no, Mabury, don't
think said this morning. l made this
engagement with MIR. Earlsley week
ago."
:" Gerald Earlsley."
" Certainly. But am sorry you mis-
understood me. Let us 10 tomorrow.
Mabury Chester's face darkened.
g 1t is always the way" he said
bitterly. " He is first in everything.
Laura, believe you are deceving me.
The little hand that held the whip
frightened its clasp, and flash leaped into
the luminous brown eyes.
scorn deception % she answered
quickly. Perhaps you would like to
have me break my engagement p
." would desire you to break any en-
gagement with Gerald Earlsley. / dis
like the man the feeling is mutual, and
these attentions bestowed upon you only
serve to give him chance TO 1aunt his
triumphs In my face. Again and again
have | requested that you will not accept
his escort nor favor, and as often you de.
fly me-"
1t is not Defiance" said Laura quite
ly, but with an ominous CLEAN lin her
eyes. I" accept attention from him
as l would from any other esteemed
friend. You need not dictate to me, Ma
bury, l am old enough to judge Of my
own actions"
Mabury did not answer Immediately.
He was modify thinking of the past.
1t has come to open rebellion" he
reflected. "Gerald Earlsley is determined
to win, and / am as determined that he
shall not. Laura's willfulness thwarts
me every time. II she loves me-
All There was the bitter doubt--if
she loved him. With look of deter
mination on his handsome, blonde face,
he turned to his companion.
" Laura" he said slowly" let us I'M
derstand each other. Gerald Earlsley
and are enemies ; you cannot accept
favor from us both. 1t is for you to
choose, and there can be no better time
than now"
Laura crested her head proudly and
her lip curled. Hers was a proud, will
full spirit that chafed under restraint,
and now at his calm tone of authority 1t
angrily rebelled.
" A time to choose" she repeated
haughtily. There can be no choice.
Mr.. Earisley is friend, and as such l
shall always regard him, unless he proves
himself unworthy, which is not likely,
as l know him now as true gentle
man."
Then you refuse to grant this one re-
quest %
Mabury's lips were paling and his eyes
weHe dark with mingled disappointment
and wounded pride.
"You refuse ?" he repeated. You
will accept attentions from him as you
have done ?"
shall do as think best in the mat
ter"
"And you will ride with him this
morning ?"
Certainly"
He crossed the room with rapid step
and took both her hands in firm
grasp.
4" Laura, 1t is no within of mine. am
in dead earnest. II you care aught fol
me YOU will not place me thus In the
power of my enemy. Give up this en-
gagement grant me this one favor, beg
of YOU"
For an instant she wavered, her eyei
| fell be meath his earnest gaze, and the
color fled from her cheeks.
81 cannot" she answered firmly.
"Then ali must end between us !'
The words fell from his lips mechanical
Ily, He felt her hands tremble in biz
| grasp, saw the proud lips culver, ther
she raised her head and looked at hin
Icalmly.
LAURA" called childl,h voice, from
the lower hall, "Mr. Earlsley hai
come"
Laura, Laura, l entreat you," h
pleaded passionately.
Again her eyes fell she stood irreso
lutte. He released her hands and re
treated from her patiently, waiting FOL
her reply.
{" Laura" called the silvery voic'
again.
A wave of color swept over the pretty
face, the eyes darkened and she raised he
head defiantly.
az am coming" she answered, and
|pathering up her skirts in one dainty
Hand, she turned and tripped lightly dowr
the wide staircase.
To The man standing there with foldet
larms and face like carven marble, foatet
Itbe sound of silvery laughter, and it rani
In his ears, like death-knell, dirge 10
his buried hopes and happiness.
So they parted, and Laura Burnett
pride had raised between them barrie
Iinsurmountable.
| If ,he ever felt any regret she made nj