Bridgeton pioneer., 1885-09-17

cloud threw its light upon her color
less face.
sThrn you-have-bcen decciving
me. You don't love me!' she said
with Il sob.
Now here, Ruth, don't talk that
way. You can find better husband
than l could possibly be. Ruth, where
are you going?'
80 the house"
81 hope that have not offended
you"
"Oh, no. she replied in tone of
sarcasm, 1.-THE courteous Mr.. Bly, never
offended anyone. Good bye"
'.Hcrc, Ruth, just 4 minute" "
She did not turn around.
Now l hare fixed it" he unused.
81 intended to break it gently, but
failed. Well, l have simply done my
duty. l would be miserable if l were
to settle down. 1t is impossible for a
man to explain himself to woman
Hang it, she don't want to understand
me. am sorry for the old man-and
sorry for the girl, of course. Well, for
that matter, | am sorry for myself
All over. Now I'll show the people
that can accomplish something"
CHAPTER II.
Ruth did not tell her father. The
next day when he asked why Ned did
not stay all night, she replied that he
had q business appointment which he
was compelled to meet Two days
later, the old man died. Just before
passing away he spoke in high praise
of Ned. The girl was almost heart
broken, but she spoke to no one of
her greater grief. The flower of her
love became the thorn of hate, and
deep within herself, she burned with
reyengeful desire.
The farm was sold and Ruth went
out West to live with her uncle. Sew
eral years passed, but she had never
ceased to pray for revenge. Her time
was coming.
One day, with q feeling of pleasure,
Il kind of bitter delight, she learned
that Ned Bly, lived in the country, that
he had begun the practice of law in
town not far away. She felt that he
would come to see her, for he had tried
to see her before she had left her old
home.
Ruth" said her uncle, upon re-
turning from the town, 81 met an old
friend of yours to-day. His name is
Ned BLY,. You know him, don't you?"
"Oh, yes, | know him."
'.He said that he had known you II
long time. had some law business
and gave it to him. The people say
that he is fine lawyer"
81 am glad to hear it. When you
see him again, give him my compli-
ments."
''All right. 1 am going back day
after tomorrow"
When Mr.. Hatford returned from his
second visit, he said to Ruth:
''When | told Bly, that you sent your
compliments, he seemed to be sur
prsed. He blushed, l thought. All,
Ruth, he is q capital fellow, and, by
the way, he promised to call here next
Sunday"
Il shall be delighted to meet him."
Ruth replied.
She was delighted, but what a de-
light The face of her father came up
time is coming. l will win his love.
Then | will teach him lesson. l de-
spise him!'
: When BLY, came, she met him with
out the slightest betrayal of emotion.
He had not changed.
Miss Ruth, time has not in the least
altered you,' he said. as he fondly
looked upon her.
mo, am about the same, l think"
II was afraid that you would hate
me-"
''Oh. could never hate you, Ned
or Mr.. Bly,, rather
That's right, call me Ned. Why
shouldn't you? We are old friends.h
Yes, we grew up together
Let me see. Six years have passed
since we parted in the garden"
Yes" she said, with a sigh.
''Six years-the longest of my life.
Two years ago, l went back to the old
home. 1t was four years to q day since
we parted. L went into the garden,
which | was glad to see, had under
gone but little change, and sat on the
old bench. Iplucked Il rose, l have its
withered leaves"
Ruth, was fool, but, dazzling, 1
loved you then. Now, though, | wor-
ship you. Be my wife"
1cS, Sne WnlSpereu.
When he had gone, and while she sat
in her room, gloating over the near
prospect of revenge, the face of her
dead father came up before her.
Il will teach you Il lesson, oh, you
fool! | will walk out on the floor with
you and then, in the presence OF the
company, l will denounce you. Thank
God, that the time is coming"
Ned was happy. As he drove to-
ward home he fondly muscd over the
bright promises which spread out be-
fore him.
ut is better rs it is" he thought.
Had l married her six years ago,
would have settled down on the farm, q
mere laborer, without 4 single pros
pect of ever amounting to anything
better | was not reading law for moth.
inc | felt within me that Something
must come of it. Now | am in II fail
way, not only to become prosperous,
but to become wealthy. | have always
loved Ruth. have never thought that
shn WINS nntirnly lost tO me- Noble