The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-03-12
lDA'S PERIL,

1 see nothing as yet Maggie. do
hope jesse will not disappoint us.
Have no fear. Ida" replied Mag
pie: "and declare, here they are!"
A carriage stopped before the house.
Both ladies descended TO receive
Jesse and his friend, Arnold. who led
the way to the carriage. accompanied
by the sisters. Ida and May Bronson,
who were visiting their cousins, the
Forsters.
.By-the-by. Ida, said Jesse, "Ihave
4 letter for you.
''You have brought me i'll news" she
said: 1.-The letter is from Eugene Har-
grave, telling me he will call tomor-
row.
Ida. I do hope you'll make some
alterations in Your toilette to receive
Eugene Hargratc. That shade is very
WmbccOming 10 your complexion.
II dislike Mr.. Hargrave. Pattie. and
will not dress specially for him.
''Of course you are at liberty 20 do as
You choose. but some Difference, ought
To be shown him. He is the richest
man in the country and very iniiucn-
tial, said pat;ir.
What do care for that?"
Further conV"r>ation'waS Interrupted
by the arrival of the man in question,
and Ida rose To welcome Mr.. IlarTrayC
who was rather handsome. but showed
marks of dissipation.
When Ida and Nav were about To re-
turn to London, MIR. llargravc was pro-
fuse in his expression of regret. and re-
marked. among other things, that he
would do himself the pleasure to call
on them in town.
A fortnight later he did so, and Mr..
Bronson, out of politencsS. showed
him every respect. and his visits be
came rs frequent as they had been in
the country.
One evening. after dinner, when the
gentlemen. consisting of jesse Stevens,
Bert Sprague. Mr. Hargraye. and Mr..
Bronson. were lingering over their
Wine, llargraye tapped MIR. Bronson
on the shoulder and requested II priv
ate audience.
The old gentleman. eXru~ing.l.imSnlf
took Hargrave' 5 arm and led him into
The library. whiie Jesse and Bert sou2i ilt
the ladies in the drawing
My dear MIR. Bronson. am about
10 confer quite an hoaor on vour fami-
ly," Hargrdve said, waving his head
maiesticaliy.
''Ah, really! l am delighted. Mr.
Hargravc. IuH have shown decided
preference for my home and its in
mates, aad need not assure You that
am greatly honoEed thereby"
Thank You. Now Won have seen
my decided attentions to Miss bronson,
bu5 ere they go any farther may L en-
iure how much you propose to give
hcr rs a d0wrr?"
"1"ur request surprises me" an
swered MIR. Bronson. II have given
the matter no thought. | must know
how my daughter regards You before
replying"
"You surely cannot doubt my ulti-
mate success with LILA? Remember
what a marriage with ne means
Il am aware OF Your position. was
the retort, land To avoid further pain
you had best consult Miss Ida herself.
and after her decision we can arrange
matters amicabls.
Aud he rose. thanked him, and left
the room, promising to send Ida.
Hargrave. adjusting his eyegiass
and rrfastcning his bouquet upon, his
Presently she entered, bright ami
smiling. and looking wondrously love
ly in a bright blue silk dinner-dreSS.
Papa mentioned that you wished to
see me. she said quietly.
Your father was right. Ida there.
don't be surprised wish to enquire
whether Cupid has ever touched that
Heart which | hope to win for my
own9"
Not knowing what heart You refel
to, ! cannot exactly say.
Il mean. are you aware of the drift
of nv attentions to you?
That is .rather pointed; pray ex'
plain
He began to grow uneasy. He haC
made out poor headway thus far.
II ask YOU to be my wife" he blurt-
ed forth, after pause: Ito become
Mrs. Hargrave. and reign mistress o.
nv heart and fortune.
Mr.. Hargrave, l recognize this
honor conferred upon me, but must de
! cline it, since my affections are centred
elsewhere. | esteem you As a friend
but nothing more.
Hargravc, grasping her arm. hisscd
.'Woman, is this my reward for tOIc
rating your insolent cOquetries and con
;radictions? Have | danced attend
ss,cc on you only to he east aside like ;
useless glove? Iou have aroused th,
demon of anger by this cool refusal.
s.NIr. Harwrave, exclaimed Ida
pueen-likc in her outraged pride. ''wil
| YOU conduct me to the drawing-room
| or am privileged to go alone?"
Il have only this reply to make
| that y0u have grossly insulted me. an'
if | ever have the opportunity 10 re
! taliate, | will not spare you. Make III,
| excuses 10 the others, and rcmembe
| me as YOUR enemy.
..Shame, sir cried Ida Indignantly
.'And now accompany me to the draw
| inY-rOom, aS your abrupt departure
| might cause comment.
| Together they entered The apartment
/ and shortly after Hargrave made hi
excuses and left the house.
Ida related her interview, and the.
applauded her mode of proceeding.
..Say no more about il, requested Ida
and she sat down to the piano and gay
them some music. Then the part
broke up to meet the next evening q
the reception by Mrs. Baldwin at lei
! Cottage.
! There. to Ida's great surprise, sh
met Mr.. Hargrave; she bowed coldl
to his salutatiou, and exchanged tn
formalities of the evening. She trmi
declined dancing with him, however.
You will excuse me, MIR. Hargravt
but after your threats to me, l mus
decline to dance with You
You are kind to remind me
them. Miss Bronson, and ii my inten
ton had been to forget of the pas
your words would have spurred me
renew the old score "
4 care less than ever for YOU
threats. siri" And she turned proudl
away from him.
Stung to the quick, Hargrave spran
forward, and would have rudeiy d.
tanned her had not gentleman een