The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1888-10-18

CAROL WAS TURNING RING on HER HAND.
stone being slightly off-color and married by
flaw which he flattered himself would nov
or be known-and was accordingly o very
fair representation OF the affection he Of
fered, genuine in one sense, but affected by
certain mercenary motives which tho girl
herself did not suspect.
There was no Christmas feeling of peace
and goodwill in the young girls breast
| Lyman's present-a set Of sapphires-
brought rush Of tears to her eyes.
~ would rather have the corals you gave
me last year happiness, brother
"Have little patience, Carol. There's
not particle of reason in making yourself
unhappy See herel want you to please
Ingot and keep him in good humor twill
never do to show him such doleful looks. II
you are bound to undo all am working for
by your half-heartcdness, say so at once and
will give up my scheme. / will give up
the best hopes OF my life with it; but what
does that matter when weighed against a
girls whiml"
"If / only understood little better
murmured Carol. do you mean that by
doing this will help you TO gain Altheap'
"By not doing it you will be the cause OF
my losing her, and more-so much more,
that you as well as will be sorry, sorry to
the end Of your life.'
"Oh, Lymanm
"There is no use of our talking Once
and for all, you shall take your choicc.n
How hard and cruel men can be to the
women who love theml Lyman knew tina,
every word he uttered cut through that ten
der heart. He knew also what the choice
would be, knew that he would have no
trouble after this in having his own way.
| Mr.. Ingot was invited TO dinner. He
came early, and his small eyes cleaned
with delight as he saw his diamond blazing
brayely on the little white hand he coveted.
"Thats right. l thought you wouldn't
be so foolish as to refuse it, When ! make
up my mind TO have thing j
generally get it by some hook or crook, and
it's good while since made up my mind
| TO get you, my little beauty. Kiss me
sweet, to seal the bond. What, so shy!
well, I'll not urge you now, but you shall
pay me for my patience some day, and soon.
Soon, do you hear, my Caroll-you can't
begin your fixing too quickly for the we'd
ding-day. Sayl shall we make big
splurge, or go ahead and do up the matter
quietly like sensible peoples"
"Oh, keep every thing quiet" urged
Carol, shrinl1ingly, only Just beginning to
realize what she had taken ON herself.
What would her friends say il the fact Of
her engagement TO this man were noised
abroadi What would they thnki
The light in which one OF them would view
1t was to be made known TO her sooner than
she expected.
The bountiful dinner served to the three
was over. The gas was lit, but turned TO a
moonlike glow by the softening globes.
Carol walked to a window, and, lifting the
curtain, looked out.
There was holiday aspect TO the street
even in this quiet corner. Young couples
passed arm in arm, with happiness in their
| looks; children trooped by laden with the
spells Of the day; vehicles dashed back and
forth filed with merry groups. The house
fronts were brilliantly Illuminated, and the
| lights shone out into the night with o cheer
and brightness very pleasant TO sec.
Suddenly Carol half-turned.
Somebody is stopping here; / do be-
| lieve It is Althea Yes, that is the Ever
leigh sleigh; that is their driver. How
queer, yet how good Of her TO come this
night Of all nights in the year."
Dropping the curtain, she ran into the
hall to meet her friend. Lyman bit his lip
with annoyance, though nm eager glow
burned in his eyes. He had told Carol
nothing Of an informal invitation to dine at
| the Everleigh's, which he had declined for
both Of them. 1t was queer that Althea
should come there-how queer he alone
could feel-yet her errand was o very
simple one.
~ was 50 unfortunate in my invitations
she began TO explain. Even Norris disap-
pointed me by having previous engage
ments so turned out at last and gathered
up miscellaneous party which find my
self scarcely able to manage, and ran
away to beg you to come and help me enter
tain them for an hour or two, Carol. Don't
wait To ask questions, I'll tell you on the
way. The gentlemen may follow If they
like TO make themselves useful; but give
fair warning that will have no drones in
the hive tonight It is not a full dress oc-
casion and you will all do very well as you
are" she added, with mischievous smile.
ats very wise Of you, Miss Everleigh, TO
take us in, for whatever Lyman might say,
certainly would object to having this
young lady run away from me tonight,
1 I've got enough interest in her now TO keep
a sharp watch OH her proceedings,r pre-.
claimed Mr.. Ingot, with certain amount Of
purpose In making the state Of shairs
tnewn " bis employers dnughtar
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