Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1884-04-21

30 SIlRpeu ii on my HuSeI, anu
when Jack told me to keep it for an
engagement ring until he could pro-
cure another, it became doubly dear
to me.
By and by, as soon as breakfast
was finished, much to my surprise
and disappointment, my lover went
up to his studio and remained invisi-
BILE for two hours.
"He might have spent my birthday
with me, anyway" | pouted as |
plodded up stairs, feeling ''blue''
enough. knocked at the door of
his studio. "Not just now, dear, I'm
busy" came Jacks voice from be-
yond the door. Angry and lndig-
nant, for he had allowed me to spend
my mornings there for two months
past, went to my own room.
And | was angrier still when, ten
minutes later, his door opened to ad-
nit Miles Griffith, a fellow from the
Artists Club.
And then was ready to cry with
vexation. They had always petted
and spoiled me, mother and Jack, and
let me have my own way, so that |
could not bear even this little neg
lect gracefully.
And besides, we were Just engaged,
and Jack, it seemed to me, wasn't
acting just as he ought under the cir
cumstances.
At last / determined to be mean
enough to listen and hear, if [ could,
what they were talking about so ear
nestly in the studio.
Mel found out at once, for Jack
had just spoken my name as I guilt
ly put my ear to the keyhole. ca
disgraceful thing to do, but as l mean
this to be faithful account of my
birthday, and as l really did listen at
the keyhole, l record IT'D
II have made great mistake,
said Jack signing heavily.
l couldn't distinguish Mr.. Griffith
reply, but l, hushing my breath,
heard Jack say again:
cit has always been my mothers
wish. l did it more to please her,
suppose. She loves Bird dearly.
and"
With dry sob l fell forward or
the rug. l could not have stirred
then had they opened the door and
seen me there.
s'He has found out this early that
he has made mistake, has he?"
thought bitterly when my brain stop
ped whirling so could think. 1t wa:
only to please his mother that he haC
asked me to become his wife An(
\ |
to think he would reveal his disap
pointment to that horrid old Griffitl
first Oh, it was too humiliating.
/ resolved to release him at once
but again l listened, having din
hope, suppose, that perhaps, m,
; ears had deceived me.
eff 1t suits my mother" bega1
Jack.
\ "That's not the thing" interrupt
: ed Griffith. ssYou never would b
suited. She lacks expression and
| eyes, l know-naturalness-
e know the faults, for | am better &C
r quainted with Birdie than you are
Griffith"
G ''To be sure assented Griffith
f ''Mouth too large; eyes very vacant
I've noticed. / advise you to Civ
9 1t up"
. ''Pll take your advice" said Jac
emphatically, and then | rushed t
- my room.
7 SO, through Griffith's advice, whic
Jack seemed so ready to take, m
brief little romance was to be sha
tered. Well, | would never stay an
Il let him see my heart break, for | fe
=. sure / could never live through th
70 trouble, so dear had Jack become
T me in few short hours.
D And so some way-now il all seen
like vague dream to me-1 four
myself few hours later wanderir
= aimlessly down a strange street, n
knowing or caring where my stel
. tended. Some workmen obstructt
the sidewalk, and / was obliged
= cross the street.
:, l remembered of stepping dov
" and advancing few steps, of hea
!. ing hoarse shouts of warning, feelil
a sudden shock and all was blank.
When I returned to consciousne
:, l was in strange room; everythil
~ was strange to me.
- "Where am II" / asked, althou
/ could see no one. ''What has ha
:. pened?"
"You are with friends,'' said Ii
y. voice near me, and turning my ey
o. they fell on sweet-faced lady, 4
yet old, although her hair was neal
Fl white, sitting near me.
L, s'How came I hear?' / demand
to in a weak startled voice. -
We After brief consultation with
Ks woman, evidently the nurse, the la
decided to explain the situation.
ny "You are weak, but trust to ye
7e, good sense to remain calm while
De- tell you why yon are here. About
ed month ago you were crossing
m, street and my husband and ac
ut. dentally ran against and severely
;ed jured you. There was nothing abe
M you to identify you, SO we brous