The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1886-04-03
into the fire and think no more about

s'It's cowardly stab in the dark"
exclaimed Jack, crushing the note in,
his hand. Ss #
No doubt; but you haven't an
swered'my question" said Miss Van
stone, COMPRISING her lips. .
swell, can't deny it altogether"
said Jack in desperation. 'sBut. you
know what Tennyson says about lie
that is partly truth?"
ibid you and Lord barley toss up a
penny piece to decide which should pro-
pose to me?" began Miss Vanstone,
categorically.
II can't deny it. It wasn't penny
piece, though, it was a sovereign, 2 said
Jack, clutching at a astraw.4 s
!Did this chivalrous transaction take
place in a public room at the Blenheim
Club?' inquired the young lady. ruth
lessly. .. s ..' =.
"Yes 1t occurred at the Blenheim. OF
course, all the rooms of the club are
public rooms in a sense" said Jack,
''but nobody observed us. We We're
alone to all intents and purposes. That
| Is where the letter lies," he added,
ninging it viciously into the fireplace.
'"This letter is evidently true in every
particular," returned Miss Vanstone,
quivering with temper and indignation.
1.-THE story is in every ones mouth,
and all my friends are laughing at me.
You must have boasted--"
mo, Ethel, will take my oath I
have never said word about it," in
terrupted Jack, eagerly. "It was a
foolish business, admit, and wish it
had never happened. What took place
was this: barley and L, as you know are
Old friends, and both Of us being in love
with you, the situation was extremely
awkward, for, of course, neither liked
! to steal a march on the other by pro-
posing first. We finally agreed to toss
in order to decide which should haye
tho advantage of the first word with
you. No slight or insult to you was
intended, our only idea being to settle
amicably and fairly a very. delicate
question between us. Oh, Ethel For
heavens sake, don't do that!" he ex-
claimed, with Il start. ....
! but Jacks plaintive remon trance
was disregarded and tho engagement
ring which he had almost pawned his
| lmmao uloto wi5 oIid gown to purchase
was flung contemptuously Oh the car,
pet at his feet: Before he could find
words to express his grief and dismay,
Miss Vanstone had rushed from the
room, thus manifesting her intention Of
terminating the engagement. Jack had
no alternate but to leave the house, ap-
pretending the worst, and within half
an hour no received back his presents,
together with a letter which banisiad
his last hope Of reconc!!;ttloilSlar~ \
Miss Vanstone h.d felt no compunc-
tion about disr,issing her lover. : AT the
moment.@ilueed, she experienced saw
age s",lsfactioh in treating him as she
/ c:.Isidered he deserved. 1t was not un~
| til day or two later that the reaction
commenced, and even then she did not
exactly regret what she had DONE. But
She experienced an intense antipathy
toward Lord barley from the convicl
ton that 1t was he who was to- blame,
for what had occurred. She believed
Jack when he said he had not given
currency to the story Of the tossing, and
it therefore followed that Lord barley
| must be the culprit. Such. grave indis-
creation was more likely to elnanate
from disappointed rival than from o
fortune, lover, and it was impossible to
avoid arriving at the conclusion that
Jacks friend had committed breach
Of confidence, possibly with the view Of
doing him;a serious injury. Therefore,
without repenting Of her decision, Miss
,Vanstone. mentally accused Lord Oar
ley Of having frustrated her happiness,
and resolved to show her disgust at his
treachery in q very marked manner on
the earliest opportunity,
She had not long to wait for this, for
in order to conceal the secret anguish
which she suffered owing to her separa-
ton from Jack, she made. point of
showing herself in society as much as
possible. AS natural consequence she
met Lord barley within a few days Of
the momentous interview which termi-
mated 80 fatally for his friend He
| cameiupon her unawares in crowded
ballroom before she had time to col
lect herself sufficiently to give him the
"cut direct" He did not offer to shake
hands with her, possibly anticipating q
snub, though her manner was as usual
calm, unperturbed and languid.
"'How do, Miss Vanstone9' he re-
marked, strolling up. with the most un-
concerned air in the world. gG.r
sI am very well, Lord Darley," she
replied, turning away her head from
him as she spoke.
II want to have chat with you,n lie
said, holding out his arm toward her.
"shall we come outside into the con-
servatory?" #....e .-..
Miss Vanstone was beginning to sus-
pect that Lord barley declined to lie
snubbed and at all events he showed no
symptoms Of uneasiness at hercold man
ner. When a man is thick skinned,
nlaioness OF sppech ia tha onlv effoot ,ol