Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1884-08-31
A WOMAN'S REVENGE.


store affected to despise wealth and petition,
ess in her own right, with no other relative
than a rich, weak-minded uncle, who dotted
upon her. But, though Lord barley was the
son Of a pee:, and would one day succeed
to the family honors and estates, be WAS
meanwhile delightfully."- impecunious, and 4
he was not handsome he was exceedingly
quaint and amusing Miss Vanstone found
it impossible to decide which she liked tho
better, and, to complicate matters, her id
mirers were old friends, and each seemed 70
hang back out Of Difference to the other.
However, the young hdy's uncertainty
probably arose from doubts a. to which
would eventually propose, for when Jack
Benson at length avowed his affection, he
was accepted without hesitation The engage
ment appeared likely to secure the permanent
happiness of both the young people, but be-
fore long there arose tho proverbial
little cloud which threatened to wreck
their happiness. It came in the shape
Of vague whisperings and head-shakings, the
meaning of which Miss Vanstone was at
loss to imagine. Her friends smiled
rather maliciously whenever she referred to
Jack, until she could not help perceiving that
some unpleasant secret was being transpar-
emily concealed from her. Her pride pre-
vented her from demanding explanations,
the more especially as Jack vowed and de-
clared that his conscience was as clear as the
monday sun. But, though she implicitly be-
lieved in him. she felt troubled and uneasy
in spite of herself, and dreaded that some dis
agreeable revelation was in store for her.
This foreboding, not unnaturally, proved cor
rect, for one day she received an Anonymous
letter informing her that Jack and Lord OAR
ley had tossed up penny piece in public
room at the Blenheim club to decide which
should propose to her, and that her engage
ment was generally regarded as an excellent
joke
Now Miss Vanstone was q very Maynard
young lady, and she had almost resolved to
forgive Jack any delinquency he might have
been guilty of rather than break of the en-
gagement out OF Difference to public opinion.
But the startling and unlooked-for nature OF
the accusation which had been brought
against her lover completely upset all her
preconceived intentions. The discovery that
she had been made to appear ridiculous rem
dered her absolutely furious, independently
of tie unpleasant suspicion which naturally
presented itself regarding Jacks sincerity.
She considered that she had been insulted in
q manner which admitted no excuse or pal
liation, and, unfortunately for himself, Jack
Benson came to call when her indignation
was as its height.
"What is the meaning Of this, Jack7" she
inquired sharply, as he entered the room.
What's ups" demanded Jack, apprehen-
siyely.
"Read and tell me if what this note says is
true" said Miss Vanstone, with the air Of a
tragedy queen.
Jack took the note humbly, looking very
than confused, as he glanced over the docu-
would meet the accusation with an indignant
denial vanished on the spot
"Y on are not going to take any notice Of
this, Etheli" he said with . ludicrous attempt
ut scornful indifference.
1Not il you will tell me what it says Is
false. In that case will throw it into the
fire and think no more about it"
"It's a cowardly stab in the dark" ex-
claimed Jack, crushing the note in his hand.
mo doubt; bat you haven't answered my
question: said Miss Vanstonc, COMPRISING
her lips
"Well, can't deny it altogether" said Jack
in desperation. But you know what Tenny-
son says about a lie that is partly truth
did you and Lord barley toss up penny
piece to decide which should propose to met"
began Miss Vanstone categorically.
Il can't deny it. 1t wasn't penny piece,
though; it was a sovereign" said Jack,
clutching at straw.
did this chivalrous transaction take place
in public room at the Blenheim clubs" in
quired the young lady, ruthlessly.
"Yes, it occurred ut the Blenheim. OF
course, all the rooms Of the club are public
rooms in a sense" said Jack, "but nobody OBJ
served us. We were alone to all intents and
purposes. That is where the letter lies, "he
added, finging it viciously into the fireplace.
This letter is evidently true in every par
ticulsr," returned Miss Vanstone, quivering
with temper and Indignation. @The story is
in everyone's mouth, and all my friends are
laughing at me. You must have boasted-"
mo, Ethel; / will take my oath l have
never said word about it, interrupted
Jack eagerly. 1T was foolish business. I
admit, and / wish it had never happened.
What took place was this: barley and /, as
you know. are old friends and both Of US
being in 1--we with you the situation was ex-
tremely awkward, for, of cour o, neither
liked to steal a ma: oh on the other by pro-
posing first. We finally agreed to toss in or
der to decide which should have the advan-
tage o the trst wor1 with you. No slight or
insult to you was int nded, cur only idea be-
ing to settle amicably and fairly very deli
cate Que ii between us. Oh, Ethel! For
heav ems sake, don't do that" he exclaimed
with C start.
But Jacks riaintive remonstrance was dis
regarded, and the engagement ring which he
had aln,at pawned his immac ulatc wig and
sso~r 10 purchase, was flung contemptuously
On the carpet at j. feet. Before he could
find words to express his grief and dismay
Miss Nanstone had rushed from the room,
thus manifesting her intention Of terminating
the engagement Jack had no alternative
but TO leave the house, experimenting the
worst, AMI within an Il ur he received back
his presents, together with letter which
banished his Ia hope Of reconciliation.
Miss Varstone had felt no conjunction
about di mis- ing Ter lover. At the moment,
indeed, she experienced a savage satisfaction
in treating him as she considered he deserved.
1t was not until day or two later that the
reaction commenced, and even then she did
not exactly yret what she lad done. But
she experienced an intense entipathy toward
Lord barley from the conviction that it was
he who Was to blame for what had occurred.
She believed Jack when he said that he had
not gwen currency TO the story Of the
tossing, and it therefore followed that Lord
barley must he the culprit. Such
grave indiscretion was more likely to
emanate from disappointed rival
than from fortunate lover, and it was inn
possible to avoid arriving at the conclusion
that Jacks friend had committed breach Of
confidence. possibly with the view Of doing
him serious injury Therefore, without re-
penting of her decision, Miss Vanstone men,
tally accused Lord barley of having frus-
trated her happiness, and resolved to show
her disgust at his treachery in a very marked
manner ON the earliest opportunity.
She had not long to whit for this, for in
order TO conceal the secret anguish with
HIGH she suffered, owing to her separation
with Jack, she made point Of showing her
self in society as much as possible As a nat
ural consequence she met Lord OAR
lev within few days of the mo
mentcus interview which terminated 50.
fatally for his friend He came upon her
unaware IN q crowded ball room before she
had time to collect herself sufficiently to give
him the .cut direct He did not offer to
shake hands with her, possibly anticipatinga
snub. though her manner was as usually
calm, imp rturbed and languid.
How do. Miss Vanstone" he remarked,
strolling mp with the most unconcerned air
in the world"