Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1888-01-28
CHAPTER V.
A RUIN BY MOONLIGHT.

Bertha lay back indolently in her favorite
armchair, watching the deepening twilight
from her parlor window. Her eyes were al
most closed, and Philip, affecting to be inter
ested in Mr. Ellingsworth's conversation,
thought he might look at her as fondly as he
chose without discovery and rebuke. he was
sure he was not noticed, but the girl was
quite enjoying his silent offering-so long as
he did not guess she perceived it. If a girl
must have lover, Philip did very well But
her lover was no divinity to her; she saw all
lis faults as clearly as anybody; not with
impatience, however; that was not her tenn
permanent. For example, no was too short
and his shoulders were too slight She never
forgot it for an instant But then he always
did what she said, and that was very con-
venient, and yet she was half provoked with
him for it, A man ought to command wo-
mans love, not try to coax 1t from her. He
thought quite too much of her for what she
returned him; he ought to be stern and cold
to her sometimes, and give her chance to
be something besides an ungrateful recipient.
But perhaps she would not like him at all in
that character. She suddenly opened her
eyes wide and looked curiously at her lover;
there is nothing SO chilling as such look>as
that, and Philip WINGED under it,
"WeE, suppose you two are bursting with
tender condolences, smiled Mr.. Ellingsworth,
as he rose to his feet; ~ really won't stay
minute longer" He moved toward the door,
then he smiled and looked around; he had
thought of something very funny. "Now
Philip, my dear boy, you mustn't be too sure
of her just because she seems SO affectionate.
That is where young man makes his worst
mistake. AS long as there is another man in
the world, he may have hope, that is, the
other man.
His daughter looked coolly after him.
"Must you go! Why we shall die of ennui.
We shall have to take Il walk ourselves. Elk
cuse me, Philip, while get ready"
Left alone, the young man rose and went
TO the window and looked out at the evening
sky. There was a little frown on his face.
"What an unpleasant way of talking Berthas
father had. One would think he believed in
nothing There was no danger Of his feeling
any too sure of her. how far away she seemed
to him. The idea of marriage seemed vague
and dreamlike, and yet he had her promise
'You may adjust my shawl for me-" His
vexation fed, and he smiled with the sweet
complacencyesf possession as he laid the deli
cate bit of lace about her warm shoulders.
Tonight would be a good time to turn his
idea into reality, and ask her when
''But you must promise me one thing" she
said, standing close TO him for one moment.
''What is that Bertha, dearF he asked
with guilty uneasiness.
She put her soft white hand in his so
charningly that he was suddenly sure it
could be nothing hard she would require
~ promise, he assented.
''No love making in tho ruin, if I let you
take me there"
"Why, Bertha" no exclaimed so sorrow
fully that he showed his whole plan The
girl laughed.
"You are too cunning by half, Mr.. Philip,
but then you know love making in the saw
mill is too common. Why, it Is the rendez-
vous of ell the factory hands. No, couldn't
think of it for a moment
"Then won't Ysist on taking you to tie
old saw mill.n
'Oh, yesl it is charming by moonlight
Zone would think you hadn't any heart
Philip did not confess the peculiar charm.
this woman's very GOODNESS had for hir,'
there was some quality in it that was ire
sistibly exciting TO his nature Perhaps il
was the presence of an unconscious reserve
Of passion, never yet revealed, that he felt in
her, that kept his heart ever warm, and Lis
eyes ever tender for its unwilling.
The round faced servant girl had como NJ
from tho kitchen, and stood awkwardiy az
the door,
eyes, you may light the gas now, Annie;
We are going out" She laid her hand lightly
on Philips arm as they went down the walk
II must really have a maid That Annie is
too clumsy for me to endure in the parlor OF
dining room. Oh, yes, / probably have got
n heart some tiFn0 If will frinhfpu Won mar.
haps."
CTo BE Continued