The Washington critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1885-1888, 1885-10-08
LOVE AND LUCRE.

Land and were sitting on the vcrandl
of the Ocean House At Long Branch
that my fate was decided. Yes, fate;
for it was there first saw Ina Klos-
king. one of those rare beings we read
of but seldom find.
1t was Il gay week The fashionable
society from the cities had congrcgatcl
there for the purpose of betting or
resting. At first | was somewhat
shocked at the number of women who
frcqucnted the public places of gaming,
women, too, of high social standing,
betting heavily ut roulette.
Ida Klosking especially attracted my
attention | learned her name from
the clerk of the place She always sat
at the same table did, watching the
game with close attention | noticed,
though she watched the game with
close interest, she never took part In it.
When had streak of luck she would
lean forward and laugh gayly. Her
interest made me reckless. / played
night after night at roulette, sometimes
winning, but oftcner losing.
Beautiful She was dream of per
lection, so perfect were her features
and form. was madly, passionately,
jealousy in love with her. | don't
think man ever made bigger fool of
himself than | did. The only thing |
could learn of her was that she was
wealthy and of high social standing.
was not long in finding out her ia
voritc haunts, and frcqucnted them,
hoping for favorable opportunity of
speaking to her. But she had that
quiet dignity about her which pre-
vented me from approaching her.
AT first Ned laughed at my infatua.
ton then he got out of patience with
me and plainly called me fool. and
ended by asking me: "What will Uncle
Peter say to you, throwing away your
affections on woman you know moth
ing about"
Uncle Peter be hanged ] replied,
angrily. ! knew her, or at least /
thought did, for there had not been Il
day for two weeks | had not been con
| stantly near her.
At last / learned she was there for
the season. | wrote my partner |
needed rest and would remain at the
| sca.shore for month or two.
At last fate favored me. We were in
| the grand saloon, alone; the others had
| sought the tables. She was standing neara
| door watching the gay throng promenad
| ing in twos and thrces in the garden. \
bunch of Marechal Neil roses lay at her
feet She had unconsciously dropped
them while stood gazing at her She
raised her eyes to my face, started, and
| turned to 90.
pray don't" l said, "Ina-ycs,
Ina-let me call you so, Here are your
flowers" handing them to her. Stay,
won't youy' pleaded.
"You are Mr.. Howard" Her
naughty demeanor was all gone.
Don't you think these beautiful?
They are my fayoritc flowers. Permit
me-, Offering me one of the prcttiest in
the bunch.
Was man ever more blessed? | took
her offered flower and pressed it to my
heart, muttering something about it
| not being as beautiful as she.
The ice once broken we settled into
pleasant conversation. told her |
was there for the season. She was de-
lighted and hoped we would be the
best of friends.
Il am tired" she said, with the
sweetest smile. Would you mind
taking me from hcre?'
| don't know what | said; | only
knew her hand lay conhdingly on my
arm. My head fairly whirled with
happiness. Yes, Iwould so to the end of
the earth with her. was only too de
lighted. We went into one of those
quiet retreats off Of the grand saloon
where one can see all that is passing
and still not to be seen. The plants
were thick and fragrant, | led her to
seat in the quietcst corner. | wanted
her all to myself. | wanted to tell her
how she had grown into my life, and
beg of her to let me always stay near
her
"And you are sure you really love
mc?' she said slowly, after she had
listened to my earnest, passionate en-
treaties for her love
without you life will be nothing, "
/ cried, passionately. Ina, have not
given you my love without one word
of encouragement from your lips?"
Eyes" with merry twinkle in her
eye; that makes matters SO much
worse. You love me without knowing
who | am" flushing slightly.
But isn't my love cnough?"
pleaded, for it seemed great deal.
Hardly. l have expensive tastes, -
but have $1,000 a year" cried,
raptnrously.
"Yes," demurcly.
And Uncle Peter has promised to do
the fair thing by me. lie is rich and
liable to die at any time"
"Unclc Petcry'
YES; Uncle Peter Comstock. He
never married, ! haven't seen him for
five years, but have the fondest aiTcc-
ton for him. lie is fine old boy,
Uncle Peter is, and is good for II mil
lion, you know. Ina, viii you be my
wife,
"And you are sure you wish me to
be your wife," this with downcast
eyes.
Il shall go mad if you refuse"
Was ever woman so coy?
Listen, she said, rising. II am
convinced you love me, You have
given me your love without one word
or look of cncouragcmcnt-har
knowing who | am. Meet me here to.
morrow at this hour and | will tell you
about mysclf-aiter that | will leave ii
to yourself whether you will still want
me for your wife"
She held ont her hand; seized itaul
kissed ii ruptWOusly,
cam exactly remember all did the
remainder of the night and the next
day ] know visited all the places
where | was liable to hear her name
mentioned.
But supposing she refuses youT'
said Ned, bantoringly, as told him of
Ina.
II know she won't. Refuse me
Nonsense When half the girls are
dying for me can marry any woman
| choose you know" had no thoug chi
of refusal, Tier downcast look, her
manner, all told me she loved me. Ina