The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1886-09-16
STORY.
A THRILLING MIsAPPREHENsI0N.
BY FRED. f. FOSTER.

thinking him seriously affected there
by.
Having disposed Of his furniture a
auction, lie moved from his elegant
residence into cottage which hs
owned on the outskirts of the village
anu which he furnished very simply
Ills former place of abode was re
modelled under the direction of z
stranger. Mrs. Wentworth and hel
daughter - previously prominent
withdrew almost entirely
from society. There were many
other "straws," of quite a similar
character, but there is no need that
we partlcuIarize them.
"Talk of the fabulous ring of Gy
ges, which rendered its wearer in
visible" said May Wentworth-a
handsome blonde, nineteen years of
age-to her parents, us they sat in
conversation one evening; nothing
so completely conccals IA person from
his or her friends us does poverty
by which you mean that Maurice
has never called to learn your an
swer to his petition of several weeks
since-for heart, hand and fortune ?"
responded her father.
"He not oaly has not called upon
me OF late, but the other day he sent
me note in which he said that, af-
ter careful consideration, he had
deemed it wise to renounce all hope
of making me his wife, as he was
fearful that lie would not be able to
support me in the style to which had
Deen accustomed, though he hoped
ever to be regarded rs my friend.
And he wrote thus when our style
is not what it was" bitterly. 81
fancy twas my prospective fortune
that especially attracted him to me-
81 think you may be correct.
Which his character is deliled by no
vices, his tastes are expensive. He
has nearly exhausted the property
bequeathed him by his father, and
the income from his profession is
quite inadequate to maintain him as
he would like. Naturally, therefore.
il richly lowered wife would be &C.
ceptable,' returned Mr.. Wentworth.
''My heart will not break on &C.
count of his detection" said May,
laughing, "nor that of other who are
like him"
Il am surprised that Arthur
should prove an arostate to the Lind
ly feeling which had imagined ht
entertained for you," observed Mr..
Wentworth.
at would seem that he is not diff
ferent from the rest of my masculine
friends answered May, in tremu-
tones, a flush mantling her cheek as
she spoke.
But, two evenings later, May ard
Arthur Vandemar-some five years
her seniOr-sat together on the vine
wreathed veranda of the cottage &C.
cupied by the Wentworths.
"You must think it strange that
have not called upon you since you
have been here" he said.
"Not at all. Our callers are fewer
than once they were,' with signifi-
cant infection.
For two months my mother was
so i'll that was obliged to give NJ
my work and devote my entire at
tentiOn to her. When she had be-
come a little better, went on a visit
with her, from which 1 returned this
afternoon. Such is my excuse foi
apparently neglecting you.'
at is entirely satisfactory, and
exonerate you from any intentional
unkindness towards me-" us smile
rippled across her countenance.
Intentional unkindness towards
you.' he repeated, earnestly. "Will
you 'exonerate' me from presump-
tion, May, when I say, L love you? '''
taking one of her hands i'm his own.
which she made but feeble attempt
to withdraw from his clasp.
Ever since our school-days, you
have seemed like a brother 10 me,
and--r
"That is not what mean. 1 love
you as-as-" and he stopped abrupt
ly. 81 wish you to be my wife," he
presently added.
"Te be your wife?''
"Yes. Isbould have said this same
thing to you long ago, only was
afraid that you would consider me a
fortuue hunter. Besides, after
Maurace Stuyvesant began showing
you marked attention, it seemed to
me that /, an humble mechanic,
should have d small chance of win
ming your love as the rival of him-a
professional man. Now, in the way
of wealth, stand more nearly on =
level with you and no unworthy mo
tives can be attributed to my asking
you to become my wife. Doubtless
many one occupying a higher sta
ton than mine would rejoice to wiz
you for his own, but no one can love
you more truly than L do.'
"Wealth and position are precari
Gus; true love is eternal. You MAJ
know that 1 love no man better thar
love you, if such knowledge viii
make you happier-and let me con
sider your proposal