The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-09-09
answered quietly. "Wby. you know

answered quietly. "Wby, you know
! her ?n n86t so
/ I've met her several times, But
come, it is growing late"
| Before entering the dancing saloon
Roland stood hid behind the draper
les of window, and watched Jen.
She was in young Delayans arms,
borne through . waltz, She stood
near enough for him to hear her quick
breathing as she rested, with her
hand still clasped in her partners
to see her look at this acquaintance
of a few days as she had looked at
hint Worse than all, to see her pick
from her boquet a flower which was
pressed to young Deiavans lips, and
then pinned near his heart.
Thank heaven p he said, my
eyes are opened. This very night,if
l had found her home, 1 should
have offered her my heart and hand.
He would have left the scene inn
mediately had not Kate Easton dis
covered him, and said:
do come help me find Ruth :?
I've been hunting a half hour for
her."
Just then their hostess came up.
You will find your cousin in my
boudoir, Miss Easton. She was
faint, and | carried her there She
is much better now
Kate hurried off with Bertram
Roland to find Ruth looking pale
and very weary.
After considerable persuasion, she
permitted Bertram to take her home.
The little maneuyering, Kate de-
clared, she knew was dreadfully sell
fish, but she did want to stay little
longer. And SO, a second time Ruth
was supported by Bertram Roland's
strong arm. He felt her trembling
and after the carriage had started
said gently:
"You must allow me to take care
of you as | should my sister. You
are still very weak and cold. l
shall wrap you up better. There,
now-rest against me, little sister"
She would say it. No matter
what suffering it cost her, it would
be so. She might as well get used
to it.
Cousin" she murmured, scarce
above a whisper.
Never" he answered, decidedly,
repeat it. Never! That is impossi-
bic !"
"Neverr' came from Ruth's lips,
in tone of mingled surprise andloy.
For the first time the thought en-
tered Bertram Roland's mind that
he had been mistaken. That, per-
haps, this gentle, timid little girl
did care for him. He was perfectly
over his blind infatuation. His
heart was anxious to return to its
true love. After moments hesita-
ton he said:
I've not spoken to Miss Forester
this evening"
"You are hurt. You have heard
about Mr.. -"
''No. Pm not bit hurt, little
Ruth. | was rejoiced that Miss For
roster was nothing more to me than
pleasant acquaintance. | had
been hurt before | met her-that l
failed to win from another some little
show of regard. Why did you not
keep me TO yourself, Ruth ? Had
you no heart to give me ?"
ii keep you? How could II"
Ruth answered, low.
"Oh, you little prude. l know
you now--1t is only word for word
from YOU Now tell me. have you
any love to give one that loved you
the very first hour you leaned upon
him? Where is your heart, Ruth ? /
must find i. and keep it, too"
Then the little icicle melted, and
dropping her head on his breast, she
sobbed in Joy and whispered:
"Oh, you have had it all the timel
And-and-and you almost broke
it when you were loving Jem."
mo, no; you must not use that
word in connection with her. long
to see your eyes, my little Ruth, to
find what I've looked for SO often
When they were home, and Ruth
seated on the sofa, the shy eyes look
ed up, and Bertrsm found all he
wanted there--love, deep, pure and
true.
The next morning Jem, having
heard of Mr.. Roland's arrival, made
a very careful toilet and awaited his
coming. She expected a stormy
scene with a jealous lover, ending
with their engagement She heard
the door bell ring. The servant
brought up his card to Ruth.
To Jem's immense surprise, this
happy little girl received it as a mat
ter of course, and went into the par
lor to see him. An hour after. when
she came back, her cheeks were a
little flushed, and in her eyes was a
light that almost rivaled brilliant
gem that sparkled in ring on her
forefinger Then the truth was plain.
and Miss Forester knew she had
failed to win Ruth's lover. Don't
blame her for saying little spiteful-
ly:
1T was lucky for you, Ruth, that
Mr. Delavan was in every way man
more TO my mind than Mr.. Roland"
Ruth was too happy to care for
that, and only hoped that it might
be so.
How to Hiring Good Times.
Economy and the paving of debts