The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-07-30

will disappoint that critical and chart
table gentleman who expects such
splendor. wonder whether or not /
will ever forgive him tor his remarksP
He is most unkindr'
Within half an hour the two girls
stood before Miss Bella's mirror,
laughing at the slight maiden it re-
Elected, clad in simple white cashmere,
with no ornament about her.
You look like lilyr' cried Kate;
''or like a Puritan maiden on her we'd
ding-day! If you had a few flowers you
would do; but you are looking your
very best, Bella dear; plain attire be-
comes YOU"
"Pll get flower or two downstairs;
the vases are full of fresh Ones" Miss
Vernon said, smiling at herself in the
mirror. then turning from it.
Kate went to her room for forgot
ten triile, and Isabel Vernon went down
to the drawing-room alone. Nobody
had come down, save Bruce Carleton,
who turned from window as she en-
tered.
She did not seem to see him, but went
straight to the mantle, on which masses
of bloom were gathered in vases, and
began selecting a few flowers.
He followed her Immediately.
The vases are high for you," he said.
MAY lift one down, or get you the
flowers you wantP'
She looked at him calmly, arrang-
ing the blossoms in her fingers without
heed. Her dark eyes met his own so
clearly, so indifferently, that somehow
he was piqued.
THANK you; have all l want" she
said quietly. "You are very kind, Mr..
Carleton; but let me assure you that
woman never prizes any act of gallant
ry so highly as she does a charitable
word or thought given her in absence"
A hot color burned in his face. Had
she heard herself reviled by himp
But before he had found words to an
swer. she had fastened the blossoms at
her throat and gone forward to meet
Kate, who was entering.
He watched her. and as he watched,
desire to stand well in her eyes grew.
Surely rumor had belied her, when it
said she was cold and cared only for
conquest. What an idiot he had been
to say what he had of her scarcely an
hour before! Now she would never be
his friend; and surely there were depths
in those dark eyes of hers, curves in her
red lips, power in her white brow.
He had seen no beauty in her the
night before. but suddenly. with the
knowledge that she must despise him,
came the conviction that this girl, in
her simple robe of white, with only q
hu of nr.fNo
very, very beautiful.
He could not help watching her dur
ing the whole evening, and as he
watched he felt more and more con-
WINGED that the rumor had wronged
her-that she was no coquette. seeking
approval, but true woman, winning
homage unconsciously.
Kate Aubrey, who seemed to be on
very confidential terms with Cecil,
whispered to him, as they were parting
for the night:
''Mr: Carleton may call Bella q firt,
or anything he may like, but as true as
fate he is falling in love with her."
II hope So" Cecil laughed, easily.
"He was too sure he was invulnerable."
On the morrow the pleasant party
would break up, and each one go
different way.
Autumn was reddening the world;
yet, under the moonbeams, it looked
like world of shadows to Bella Ver-
non, rs she stood at her window, look
ing abroad
A long letter, which she had read
again and again, was in her hands; q
smile of exquisite sweetness was on her
lips; her dark eyes were dim, but very
soft and tender, through the tears that
made the outside world suddenly con-
fused darkness to her.
Then, after low little knock, Kate
Aubrey put her head in at the door.
"May L come IMP"
"Come, Kate; l have something to
tell you"
The girl came and stood beside her
friend.
Il think know what it is" she said
softly. ''Do you care for him, Bellap l
told Cecil didn't think you did"
"And what did Mr.. Harrison sayp"
''That there wasn't finer fellow in
the world, and he didn't see how you
could, help loving Bruce Carleton. But
knew you had not forgiven him for
calling you flirt, and saying he wasn't
taken with such girls. I'm sure he
would give his right hand to have that
speech unsaid now. and / do pity the
poor fellow. Cecil says he hasn't even
a hope.'L
"He wrote me, owning his unchari-
table remarks, and pleading for forgive
ness" said Isabel softly. He does not
seem to greatly hope, for after telling
me,of his love, he bids me pardon that
too, and says that after tomorrow we
may never meet.
Poor fellow! You will say few
kind words to him, will you not, Bellap
1t is so sad to love one who doesn't re-
turn it! If Cecil didn't care for me,
how miserable should bep'
"But you wear Cecirs ring, dear.
You are very happy instead"
YES, am very happy. But poor Mr..
Carlcton-I pity him sou
Miss Vernon smiled.
Because l am going down to tell
him that he is forgiven, and his love is