Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-03-23
mchlldeod&w6w

The color rose to her cheek at the idea of
thus Involuntary playing the part of
eavesdropper; but what else could she
do?
sit down, Lewis" cried Mr. Arundel,
drawing forward an easy chair; make
yourself at home. Your cigar isn't out
hope?"
mo, it is all right" said the strange
voice. 81 say. old fellow, speaking OF
making ones self at home, it strikes me
that you are practicing the thing yourself
rather extensively here !"
Arundel laughed.
II am at home," he said complacently.
"Why, bless your heart alive, Lewis, the
good people here think I'm the greatest
man alive"
They'll find their mistake after
awhile
mot until I've made sure thing of it,
answered Arundel.
What do you mean 9''
81 mean that am going to marry the
girl"
what. the little heiress ?" echoed the
man whom Arundel called Lewis.
well. yes, if you choose to call her so.
No great heiress after all but dare say
] can find use for her $4,000. And, to
crown all, she's desperately in love with
me-"
The other laughed hoarselv--a sneering
sound, which made the blood boil indig-
nautlv in Minnie Dartiord's veins.
You always did play the duce among
the girls" he said $50 she's in love
with you, eh'
Eyes. It's quite amusing to watch the
progress of her infatuation,' answered
Arundel. Il haven't proposed yet, simply
/ because | don't want to precipitate the
moment. Bless YOU, she'd jump into my
arms tomorrow, if We're to pop the ques-
tor -
/ Shed Jump out again quick enough, if
she knew YOU half as well as do - leered
the other.
/ but she dcn't,you Sect said Arundel
"'Where ignorance is bless. It's folly
to be wise'-you know the old saving.
I and the best OF it is that I've somehow
contrived to cut out another lover, who
has been hanging around after her ever
since she was child in bib-aprons-a
man whom anv girl ought to be proud to
attract-Clarence Lee -
"She's fool ~ was the muttered com
ment.
GRANTED" said Arundel lightly; but
then you and know that all women are
fools"
Not always. Mr. Arundel" answered
calm. quiet voice, and Minnie hartford
stood before him. her white dress SHIN
mering like the robes of phantom in the
semi darkness. '.for at least the lesson Of
their folly may teach them to be wiser in
time "
! Miss hartford ECHOED Herbert Arun-
del dropped his cigar as he started ,aghast.
to his feet; while his companion looked
on as if he would very much like to dis
appear through the cracks of the floor
Il have unwlllingly been compelled to
listen to your edifving conversation of the
last few minutes, " Minnie went relentless
~ on, land you yourself can easily i'm
agIne how completely have been enlight-
ened thereby, suppose | ought to be
angry with you but | can only feel thank
iul for the fate which has been averted
from me. Good evening. Mr. Arunnel
and good-by."
And with low inclination of the head.
Miss hartford passed from the room. and
Herbert Arundel never saw her more?
He lett town the self-same evening car
rying with him the interesting conscious
ness that he had overplayed his part and
thwarted his own plans.
And Clarence never knew what had
opened the eyes of his capricious little
charmer. He only reioiced that she had
once more taken him into favor.
: Well" said Aunt Sylvia. on the morn
ing of the day on which Minnie hartford
had become Mrs. Clarence Lee, II do be-
lieve I'm the happiest old woman alive :"
And I'm the happiest young one, Aunt
Sylvia. laughed Minnie. 80 there is a
pair of US y