The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1884-02-28


Elmer gives nh amused smile; he IN
thinking OF tho little bouquet, tho roses
ard myrtle, and wondering what she
would shy Ii she knew of ia fate.
Thon Eshtcr alps away, and they nro
left alonn together.
Beatrice IL a charming conversations
alist, and Elmer thinks IL il infinitely
more agreeable to pass the time with
her in the dimly lit conservatory than
to chatter with this ono and that in tho
illuminated room beyond.
At last they rise aud join tho com.
panv. Az they emerge into tho light,
Elmer glances at his companion; shc
looks wonderfully fascinating tonight.
Early ono morning, few days later,
Elmer. while strolling through tho gar.
den, sees Beatrice n and ng hy n rose.
bush, ,nleavoring to disentangle her
scarf from the thons npou which II il
caught.
IL am prisoner, YOU sec," she SAYS,
with smile, "and, like most prisoners,
much against NY WILL"
"Shall release yonp" asks Elmer
md, coming forward. ho deity olsen
cages the delicate thing
"rhanks. You should be rewarded
for your handiness," Beatrice says. and
plncks white rosebud with spray oi
dark green leaves for u background.
As she bends forward to fasten ii in
his hutton.hole, their eyes meet, and
something in his causes tho girl to
blush slightly; and, making hasty
movement, stray thorn pierces her
finger. A tiny red drop falls on one Of
the petals and mars its wl,iteness.
"Iherc!" Beatrice ex,laims, in q
vexed tone. Il have spoilt your flower.
Let me get you another"
Never minl," Elmer replies. 1T
does not show; and. besides, YOU may
scratch your hand again"
NO; hope | should not be so fool.
ish another time,s says Beatrice.
Then they stroll down the shady
path together, aud enjoy pleasant
chat, until the bell calls them in to
breakfast.
The summer days pass quickly by,
and some Of Esther's guests take their
departure. Beatrice Irving and Elmer
Richards are among the last that linger
ii has been a blissful summer for him
, one he will never forget.
| One morning Beatrice announces her
intention Of returning to her home on
tho morrow. and that day Elmer deter.
mined to know his fate. That evening
Beatrice comes down stairs. arrayed in
the amber dress that in SO becoming,
and for ornaments she wears her favor.
itc topaz. Her oval cheeks are glowing
with warm roso hue, and her ives
seintillate like stars As Elmer watches
her, he thinks he has never seen her 50
beautiful, SD fascinating.
During the evening he requests her
to walk with him in the garden, and
she complies; perhaps she has an in
tuition Of what is coming. 4 few com.
monplaee remarks passed between
them; then Elmer Richards begins his
passionate declaration Of love. and
Beatrice listens with clasped hands
and downcast eyes. AZ he speaks. the
whole scene passes from him. and he
sees nanght hut the woman ut his side.
Arlently he pleads, for he loves
Beatrice with all the depth and fersor
+, Of his strong, manly nature. aud il hs
| loses her. ho loses all.
/! As he ceases speaking. he ventures t.
glance into her half-a,erted face. l,
wears fierce. triumphant expression,
u strange look that ono would not OK
pect girl to wear when listening to a
lovers rleadings.
| She turns and faces him. AMI in the
moonlight he can see the yellow lights
in her eyes ilame like those irradiatins
from her jewels.
| Mr.. Richards she says. calmly. u
can never he Your wife"
He draws back. and his face grows
white. He is not prepared for this.
He had expected doubtful. waserins
answer. n few months probation. per-
haps, but this cold. tia, refesal. never
| "Then why have you lea ne on MI
these weeks?" he asks, hoarsely. Are
yon heartless, that You can 50 tramsl,
on a mans hearts Are you a eoquette
nlt? oh, Beatrice, cannot heliey.
it. Tell me You love me.
NO. do not" she replies. firmly,
listen, MIR. Richards. Five wears agl
there lived young girl. a bright
happy girl whom all that knew he,
loved. One day stranger camc to tn.
village, and--wcll. Elmer Richards
vou know the story;it is needless fe'
me to repeat it; You know III whom
am speaking - little Mill;e Irving
Where is she now? Who ruined hsl
life, and broke her heart. You. Elmel
Richards! All, you start anl turn pale
and well You NAY, for you know yos
arc guilty! At her dea,h.hed made ,
vow that ii You ever crossed my path
would have my revenge, She was IN,
sister"
"lour si>,er:" Elmer echass.
"les, hid she never speak Of me I,
yous" Beatrice says.
"Y,s, yes" Elmer replies; "ba, sh,
called You ----"
"rress." interrupts the girl, sles
That was hcr pct name Tor me,
There Is long silence; then Eme
raises lis white. ha.garl facc,
"Beatriee," 'e says, Il meant II,
harm Ia ,anr sister, lid not dream
OF such sal ending. MS vaan:
then, Young and foolish. tau yoa no
tovsiy. me? Viii YOU --~~"
But she lat rrul.,s him with meek
ing laugh, and, turning, Tits ,lnNn In
gaslen path, H. set y hrr aml'ee s.h
.'ntterias in the moonlight, and he
iew>ls flash forth Tiny Ea,aes of ;lr,
ta,n she is gone, ami h" ,s ason" Nit
his sorrow and de>patt.
They do not mce. again. and the s.N
day Beatrice hilS her h,>t>Ss farewell
and r,tufnS to ths city.
une year later, l.iasr Richards -,
10 - eeni charity fair. liz has hee
lrersu dea, much AZ tsnst his viii. aaN
ever 10 attend, and nov he samte,
arm III arm with fsss.nd, Paving littl
affection h. tie gay scen"s aTonCa |. n,
they fal ta interest AMI ann~c linn Il
they once III |,
! Ga y oa" year iaa> pass since sha
might in tn. ,aaanlit garden, Ne. ther
are deep lines IN lis hm,tsam. lac,
!, and his dark brown hair i >sreake
with grav. He has Gat au,lir.i hi