Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1884-05-23

penny piece 10 decide which should pro-
3pose 10 mel" began Miss Vanstone,
ca*egorically.
II can't deny Il. It wasn't q penny
piece though, it was a sovereign" said
Jack, clutching at q straw.
ibid this chivalrous transaction take
place in a public DON at the Blenheim
club?" inquired the young lady, ruth.
lessly.
Eyes. 1t occurred at the Blenheim.
Of course, all the rooms at the club
house are public rooms in a sense
said Jack, '.but nobody observed us.
We were alone to all intents and pur-
poses. That is where the letter lies''
he added, finging it viciously into the
"This letter IS evidently true in every
particular" 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-''
"No, Ethel, 1 will take my oath I
have never said a word about it." inter-
rupted Jack, eagerly. cit was a foolish
business, [ admit, and I wish it had
never happened. What took place was
this : barley and !, as you know, are
old friends, and both of us being in love
with you, the situation was extremely
awarkward, for, of course, neither liked
to steal a march on the other by propos-
ing first. We finally agreed to toss in
order to decide which should have the
advantage of the first word with you.
No slight or insult to you was intended,
u only idea being to settle amicably
and fairly a very delicate question be-
tween us. Oh, Ethel! for Heavens
sake don't do that !" he exclaimed, with
q start.
But jacks plaintive remonstrance was
disregarded, and the engaged ring,
which he had almost pawned his inn
maculate wig and gown to purchase,
was flung contemptuously on the carpet
at his feet. Before he could find words
to express his grief and dismay, Miss
Vanstone had rushed from the room,
thus manifesting her intention of ter
minatingg the engagement. Jack had
no other alternative but to leave the
house, appending the worst, and within
half IN hour he received back his
presents, together with a letter which
banished his last hope Of a reconcil-
iation.
Miss Vanstone had felt no cornpunc-
ton about dismissing her lover. At the
moment, indeed, she experienced .
savage satisfaction in treating him as
she considered he deserved. It was not
until a dayor two later that the reaction
commenced, and even then she did not
exactly regret what she had done. But
she experienced an intense antipathy
toward Lord barley from the conviction
that it was he who was to blame for
what had occurred. She believed Jack
when he said he had not given currency
to the story of the tossing, and it there
fore followed that Lord barley must be
the culprit. Such grave indiscretion
was more likely to emanate from . dis
appointed rival than from q fortunate
lover, and it is impossible to avoid ar
irving at the conclusion that Jacks
friend had committed a breach of con-
fdence, possibly with the view of doing
him a serious injury. Therefore, with
out repenting of her decision, Miss
Vanstone mentally accused Lord barley
of having frustrated 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 wait for this, for
in order to conceal the secret anguish
which she suffered owing to her separa-
ton from Jack, she made a point of
showing herself in society as much as
possible. AS a natural consequence
she met Lord barley within a few days
of the momentous interview which
terminated SO fatally for his friend. He
came upon her unawares in a crowded
ballroom before she had time to collect
herself sufficiently to give him the .scut
direct" He did not offer to shake
hands with her, possibly anticipating a
snub, though her manner was as usual
calm, unperturbed and languid.
elbow do, Miss Vanstone?" he re-
marked, strolling up with the most un-
concerned air in the world.
II am very we'll, Lord Darley," she
replied, turning away her head from
him rs she spoke.
81 want to have a chat with you, he
said, holding out his arm toward her;
'tshall we come outside into the con-
seryatory?"
Miss Vanstone was beginning to
suspect that Lord barley declined to be
snubbed, and at all events he showed
no symptom of uneasiness at her cold
manner. When a man is thick-skinned,
plainness of speech is the only efectual
method of conveying contempt or dis
pleasure. Miss Vanstone was de-
termined that Lord barley should know
what she thought of his treacherous
conduct, and she therefore accepted his
invitation, and accompanied him into
the adjacent conservatory.
II wonder at your having the temerity
to address me, Lord Dar1ey," she ex-
claimed, haughtily, as soon as they were
alone. s'From what Mr.. Benson said to
me. l imagine it was you who spread
this scandalous story about"
"Well, yes, it was" he replied calmly.
II didn't mean to, but it slipped out
at dinner day. 1 only told M fell
low, and begged him not to say a word;
but, of course, 1 might as well have pro-
claimed it from the housetop."
"Have you admitted this to MI. Ben
SOM" inquired Miss Vanstone, involun-
tarily.
Eyes. Oh! we've had a duce of a row.
I offered him every satisfaction"
''Ihe mischief was DONE" said Miss