Daily Republican., 1885-02-21
H Elk RIVAL.
BY GUN EvERE.

"Stand there moment, Refine. How
do you look ? You know Mortimer Is
very fastidious. and ] want you TO
please his fancy, child.
Refine Elmer looked ct her uncle with
defiant Pleam in her blue eyes. and
shook back her yellow curls saucily.
I'm sure don't care whether his
highness is pleased OF not, Uncle Ru-
fus," she said In her sweet, childish
tones. "You are 80 determined to have
us adore each other, know we will be
sworn enemies before night"
Old Rufus Holden smiled, but there
was dark look In his keen eyes, and he
shook his head decidedly.
You shall not be enemies" he
said peremptorily. Don't be wilful,
Refine: Yes, you look well, very
well"
He could scarcely have spoken in
aught than approval, grim critic though
he were.
The simple dress OF white, with Its
pale eui broidered roses. suited well the
fair, blonde beauty of the girl, and
every detail was sharmoniOusly oOm-
plete, from the halfopen bud In the
yol Ow hair, to the dainty brouze slip
perh
keine stepped back and made an ex-
ssps ra!ed little bow.
Are you really suited, uncle 2" she
asked, eayly. "ThonI have nothing
TO fear N thu wAyof Al unfavorable
yer iict from Sir Mortimer. But wish
he would come. 1t is 80 stupid in the
drawing-room, and long TO 60 out
into the garden, but Pm afraid that
rose-bushes and their sunshine are as
inconeruous as pebbly walks and
French heeled slippers. Is he going
to begin by esoHin2 himself lag
gard ?"
As if in respone to ler challenge, the
door opened, and enc turning, saw
standing on the threshold tall,
handsome young man, hat in one
hand and travelling satchel in the 9th.
Ny dear Mortimer, come In. How
glad | am to see you"
Mortimer Wylde entered, returning
the old mans greeting warmly, and
casting furtive chances at the bewitch-
Ing vision in white.
My niece, Refine Elmer" said Ru.
fus Holden, aud for an instant the two
young people stood regarding each
other silently. There WAS q curious,
half amused CLEAN in the new comer'f
dark eyes, . defiant look in Reiue'i
blue ones.
OF course she knew what was expect
ed OF her, but she mentally decided
that if Mortimer Wylde would wiz
her favor he must prove himself
worthy.
Pattly because his pride was lest
than her own, partly because he desired
to propitiate this pretty, young rebel
Mortimer forgaVe her defiance, and
boce her caprices with such good grace
that Refine grew quite ashamed Of her
self and wonderfully gracious to the
! man who seemed determined to viii
her favor despite herself
SO il CHANGED she found herself con
qlered DIT last, and proud and willfu
though she was, she was wise enough Il
lis'e1 to the pleadings of her own heart
and 80 far moved by those Of Mortimer
that che went straight over to thu
eaemy with a single whispered wore
and "a kiss.
When old Rufus Holden learned Of
their Dehotbal he took their hands In
his and .ooked mp into the happy
young faces with shining eyes.
" 1t was one Of my grea. hopes,' ht
said 81 knew how II would be when
sent for you, Mortiner-you and
Refine wese always suited to esoh other
An l,eine, where is your enemy now?'
Re'ne khelt down beside him, and q
elca'p OF her old spirit Bhoue in her
eye 9 che said sweetly:
" ncle Rufus, ID 1t not right that We
shn'Jd maize peace with our enemies
This vas my only alternative. Really,
be Il no more my friend than when we
first met"
" What"
3" Eacluse--" began Refine.
A friend ID one thing and an ndor.
or another." interrupted Mortimer
| sm T pRiy.
Ta-y were married soon after Bust
| rese ,u'iee called Mortimer away from
! TIE oh mansion, and he would not &c
| w. ut Refine.
All she WAS quite content to go and
| preside over the pretty home awaiting
her.
she dwelt in en- elysium of bliss fol
three weeks, and then came the rude
awakening.
| Mortimer found occasion to take trit
= an adjacent city, and watching hi,
depaI uie frCm the lacedraped win
| dOws, RENE dashed away tear ant
| W N iered now she would spend thu
| long duy and evening alone.
| 1t WAS toward dusk that she be
thc ugh; rerself Of request Mortimer
haa maze he day previous.
| 81 Tore ny coat on my way to til
Office, to.da9,' he said. 81 wish yet