The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-09-09

ago. m
Little Ruth was not in the parlol
one evening when Mr.. Roland came
or 1 think he might have found il
not so easy to pass her by. and give
to Jem the beautiful flowers. But,
when once done, he was in for it.
After that the bouquets went where
they were appreciated, ,as he thought
For me ~ Jen exclaimed, her
Ieyes Frightening rs she caught the
| flowers and pressed them close to
her lovely face.
| "How beautiful! Thanks love
flowers so dearly, and-apd-" her
rosy cheeks grew rosier-"I like you
ever SO much for giving them to me. y
She held them long, finding new
beauties continually.
II ought not to keep them in my
hands. They viii fade. Yeti can
not bear to put them away" she
said.
And then, after raising her eyes
timidly, pleading to his, she said in
a low voice:
"Take them from me. can re-
sign them to you.7
The flowers were taken, the pref
ty little hand retained and clasped
warmly, and Bertram Roland's
thoughts never returned to Ruth
again that evening.
"Ah! here is the girl for me" said
Bertram. "And, upon my word, l
believe l might win her. I'm sure
she is not wholly Indifferent toward
me now. Thank heaven, l have in
no way committed mysef to that
little icicle. Either she has no
heart to win, or | am not the man to
find it."
Triumphantly Jem held up the
flowers next morning, and Katie
Eaton said:
"You would not have gotten them
Jem, had Ruth been home"
Perhaps not. The future will
and must prove that" Jem said,
with saucy toss of her beautiful
head.
Poor Ruth Her vision of happi-
ness was over. She wanted to get
away from P. She was almost
sure the sun did not shine as bright
ly there, nor was the sky so blue as
over her own home. Everything
was gloomy. She would have run
right away had her uncle not been
so loving and kind. She did not
want to seem ungrateful. Oh what
a trial it was for her. when Mr. Roll
and came, to sit and see his unmis-
taxable admiration of Jem.
At length every one grew to look
upon him as Jem's lover. And
Ruthey would steal away soon after
his entrance, either to her own room
to shed a few bitter tears, or TO the
sitting room. to try and forget her
love for while, listening to uncle's
merry Jokes.
And Jem-did she really love the
mar she had won from her cousin ?
Yes: as well as she was competent
of loving any body. Bertram Roland
was a man of whose love she might
be proud. d.
Bertram thought himself a very
lucky and very happy man. He
was almost sure Jem loved him, and
he had fully determined to propose
and have their engagement proclaim
ed before the gayeties of the season
should begin. He dreaded lest some
one might discover his beautiful
Jem and contest the prize with him.
Just at this point, perhaps, Ber-
trans good angel took charge of him
at any rate his love making was in
terrupted. A telegram informing
him of his mothers extreme illness
sent him flying from P as fast
as steam and rails could carry him.
During his absence of two weeks the
gay season began. In the papers he
saw the announcement of Miss For
rester's debut. He thought she
might have waited his return and
wondered that she could enjoy those
scenes during his absence.
Contrary to the expectation of
physicians and friends, his mothers
disease took favorable turn. Soon
after she was declared out of danger
and convalescent. Then Bertram
fastened back to his love.
The evening Of his arrival he went
Immediately to Mr.. Easton's, impa-
tient to see his Jem. From the SER
wants he learned the young ladies
were all at brilliant reception
Hurrying TO his hotel, be changed
bis travelling suit and proceeded to
the gay scene, the hostess being an
old and valued friend. In the
dressing room Bertram met the
brother of this lady. college chum,
who after their toilets were compile
ted, said:
"Now, come, Roland, | want to
introduce you to the most beautiful
girl in the house, although | scarce
ly think you'd be able to have the
honor of a dance. I'm sure her card
is made up. I'd venture a good
deal that Deiavan is down for every
round dance"
"Ah, who may the lady be?" ask
ed Bertram, slight feeling of un-
easiness in his heart.
"Miss Forester, the most beauti-
fol, sparkling gem you ever SOW.
Come-shall introduce you p
by and by, perhaps. But how
lis it with you? If remember right
ly, you were wont to worship at the
shrine of beauty ?"
"Yes, you are right. But with
growing years and experience my
ideas have changed somewhat. l
worship now rather the jewel itself
than the casket that contains it. L
don't mind telling you, old fellow.
There il little woodland violet
there; little snowflake, more truly
speaking, whose smiles I'd sooner
win. A cousin of the belle. l tell
you, Bert, I'm afraid On these charm
ing, bewitching, bewildering women.
They are just the thing We want for
the ballroom, and just very apt to
get a brother, lover or husband may
be, into quiet little game Of pistols