Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-02-19
SPOKEN IN JEST.
BY GUINEVERE X.

Hilton was lingering over his cup of
chocolate, while Garcia, his sister,
perched upon cushioned ottoman,
fed the canary, and chirped and twit-
tered in way that would have awak
ened envy of that feathered songster,
had there been a particle of that NAL
icious propensity IN his nature.
"Where is Miss Remington" asked
Dare suddenly.
Like yourself, tardy. She is in her
bed room, | suppose. | have not seen
her yet, answered Garcia, and then,
with changed expression on her
pretty blonde face, she turned her
back upon the bird, and stepping to
TIE floor sat upon the ottoman with
her hands clasped upon her knees
and her face turned toward her
brother.
Dare" she said, "for long time
you have occasioned me great deal
of annoyance and perplexity. There
are times when you have made me be-
lieve that Lilas companion was more
to you than any one you have ever
met; yet when | think of your old
theories and ideas of equality, and
prestige of birth, position and wealth,
| fear you have been triillng with
girls heart because of her pretty
face"
One instant Dare Hilton sat silent
with peculiar smile lowering upon
his lips, then a look of Indifference
settled upon his handsome Saxon
face.
'Triilingl What do you mean2" he
said, do you think my manner to-
ward Edith Remington has been more
than friendly and COURTHOUSE"
''AT times-yes.
And that she accepted my atten-
tons III all seriousness2"
81 think, Dare, she has learned to
care for you, and you have certainly
been more attentive than was war
rantabie. She is not a girl to indulge
in that most abominable pastime-a
tlirtation-and | beg of you, Dare, to
be cautious. You always had a pen
chant for pretty faces, and"
And Edith Remington is decided
beauty. But l am sorry if she has
misunderstood my motives, for, with
only dark, bewitching face to rec
ommend her, and"
Dare"
There was something in her broth
er's tone that brought a flush to
Carola's cheeks and a CLEAN to her
sapplre eyes.
Aren't you ashamed2" she exclaim-
ed Indignantly. Edith Remington
is lady if her father was only hum
BILE mechanic. and she deserves bet
ter fate than to be made the object Of
light, unmeaning attentions and
careless words. Dare, you are cruelln
Am | he asked languidly.
1t was at that juncture that grace
full form in black, standing just beyond
the door of the breakfast-room, turned
and glided away with locked hands
and pallid face.
One instant Garcia sat with her gaze
fixed on the bent head of her brother,
then she sprung 10 her feet with a low
cry.
''Oh how heartless you men arer
she said. You care for nothing
but your own selfish qualification, and
win a heart merely for the sake of
breaking it. Poor Edith"
A merry peal of laughter broke in
upon her eloquent accusation, and
Dare reached out his hand to draw her
to his side.
"Ah, Garcia, what child you are"
he said. Il was but speaking in Jest.
Do you think me so base that would
take advantage of Edith Remirgton's
position to win her regard with no
deeper motive than amusement No,
Garcia, | leye her, and if she will con-
sent will marry her.
Caroia's eyes opened to their widest
extent.
You are serious. Dare9"
No no; l am glad, very glad. l
shall be proud TO receive her as my
sister, for | loved her dearly
Then | am not cruel hearted
wretch3"
You're dear, good boy" cried
Garcia, and kissing him, fitted
back to her canary in its gilded cage.
Half an hour later, Dare Hilton
had gone to visit friend at Alsemsrle,
and Garcia, with her embroidery
frame before her, sat in her own pref
ty parlor, when q light tap sounded
on the door and Edith Remington
came in.
She wore travelling suit of dark
gray, and small aachel was held in
one hand.
You are not going away, cried
Garcia.
"Yes; I received telegram from
my aunt who is Ill, and must 60 at
once"
"But does Lila know3 And when
do you intend coming backf"
Miss Lila knows, l have just been
10 bid her farwen IL do not think
shall ever come back. l will remain
with my aunt"
There was q tremor in the girls
tones and Garcia regarded her curl
oussly.
"Why, Miss Remington, how we
x.<,.. ~ Il, easd -