Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-02-01

our eyes met. lie did not join in the
chorus of thanks; but knew he was more
than moved; and as he followed me to my
chair, l exulted, as l thought that the pet
weapon in my armory had struck we'll
home.
Miss Rivers" he said, 81 thought 40
amateur in England could sing that song
TO her own accompaniment as you sing it.
1 can only congratulate you, while
blaming you for deceivirg me 50 last
night"
thanked him for his compliment, and
for the rest of the evening Mr.. Hope talk
ed little except to me.
There!-I will write no more about it.
Now, | am utterly ashamed of it all. Had
it not been for my resolve to reject it when
offered, would have stopped to win no
mans love-not even Vincent Hopes.
But in five days knew that my work was
done and fully done so fully that dread
ed the result of it, and began to wish l
had not been so vindlctive. Worse than
all, friends-as friends wilI-were ex-
changing knowing glances, and comment
ing on the relations which appeared to
exist between my foe and myself. Could
L have conquered my nature, and decided
to forego my revenge, it was now impossi-
BILE to do so. For my own sake, matters
must come to climax, that all might see
how little 1 cared for the man.
One night. as I sat in my dressag- gown
over the fire, trying to make up my mind
to tear myself from the pleasant glow and
get into bed, Mabel Lighton came into
my room. She was good, true girl, who
spoke her mind freely, and at times lee
tured even me. Heritage" she said
abruptly. what do you mean to do with
Vincent Hope ?'
l could not for the life OF me help chang
ing color, and was compelled to shield
the cheek nearest Mabel with the fan
which had been protecting my eyes from
the freight.
do with him ? I don It know what you
mean"
Eyes you do" retorted my mentor.
"Had it been any one but you. Heritage,
should have called her firt. But you
are not flirt, we know"
"What have 1 done Mabel ?" 1 asked.
The screen was still between US.
Mable quietly pushed it aside, then
placing her hands on my shoulders, scru-
tinized my face in most uncomfortable
manner. You have done this and who
can wonder at itp You have gained that
mans love entirely. But, although it
seems so unlike you, believe you have
brought him to your feet for vanity g sake.
Heritage he is good mana proud man.
1t you mean to give him nothing in return,
| should say his life would be wrecked.
Do you love him, or are my fears well
founded p
In some fashion, was bound to reply.
l sought refuge in levity. ''When l am
moved to confess my sins. Mabel, it will
not be to you. but to some nice, ascetic,
high-church curate''
Don't talk nonsense. I am in bitter
earnest. Vincent Hope will surely ask you
to be his wife. You are rich and he is
comparatively poor; but 1 know that will
not influence you. Only I say again, if
you refuse you are to blame for all that
happens
This must be stopped at any cost. Until
now, had always believed that Mysteries
and affectation were synonymous.
mabel" said, II hate Vincent Hope,
but at this moment I think I hate you
even more. Go to bed, 1 am too tired to
say another word; so go away"
Herewith, I got into bed, turned nv
face to the wall, and left Mattel to put out
my candle and get back to her own quar-
tiers when she thought fit.
I was annoyed and ashamed. She had
nearly accused me of what l had in truth !
been guilty of-making love to my enemy.
AS people noticed my conduct, it became
more and more necessary that 1 should
clear myself of all such imputations. This
could be done in one way only.
Perhaps had the grace to avoid Vim
cent Hope somewhat during the next two
days. Perhaps that very avoidance has.
tened the catastrophe. But on the third
day chance-pure chance. mind-left us
together and alone. For moment there
was silence between US. Then he drew
near to me, and said, in quiet, earnest
voice: Heritage. love you. Will you
be my wife p
l could not answer. All I could do was
to prevent myself breaking into hysterical
laughter.
He tried to take my hand. "Heritage.
my darlingl 1 think loved you the mo-
ment saw you. Look up and answer me |
Say you love me AID will be my wife,
His wife! After hating him so long
after Mabel's reproacbes-aft winning
his love in way the thought of which
made nae blush Never, never, never
So steeled myself-drew myself up to
every inch of my height-looked him full !
in the face-triumphed, and took my re-
venge. I hope and think l spoke com
posedly, If not coldly:
''Mr. Hope. you honor me greatly, but
it cannot be. Please never mention it
again."
His face was very pale; and when an ex-
preston of positive pain left it. grew
stern, almost hard. Ny manner must
have convinced him l was in earnest. No
doubt. had l wished, l could have made
him fall at my feet and plead passionate
ly. But then, unless one is an utter saw
age, vindictiveness must be limited. had |
dene enough.
Perhaps, under such trying circum-
stances, no man could have behaved in
more digniied manner than did Mr.. Hone. |
II am to understand" he said calmly,
although there was look in his eyes l