The Osceola times., 1888-10-06


make OF the clumsy efforts of m,
sterner sex in seeking to gain the af
fections of the ladies you would be sur
prised; but it takes woman to outwi-
woman and / promise you. II you will
accede to my plan, that before &c
back to the city will have the fail
Belle at your feet" ri sLf.. Y
81 have n great'deal OF confidence In
your ability. but l fear this will oe q
hopeless case"
I'm dear, she cried. laughing and
leaning back into her chair. iii YOU are
not more persevering after you get yot,i
diploma and begin lourishing a scalpel
and pill-box you will not have much
Success as an NJ. D."
"Love-sickness," he said. smiling.
u am afraid can be reached BY neither
scaipel nor pill-box. but now what is
your plan to snare the .'fair but unap.
proachable." ~
Simply this" leaning forward and
looking earnestly in his face, "you
must play the ardent lover TO me while
am here and, unless my woman's
intuition be entirely astay, before 20
home your proud beauty will be entire
ly subdued," ~ ~
Ralph got up and paced the verauda
restlessly for a few moments; then
pausing before her he exclaimed: s.It il
wagefs and if you succeed will give
you a wedding present next winter of
which you will have no reason to be
ashamed ~ Kate was to be married
In me winter to young city lawyer }
And / promise you l will succeed"
she said, rising and giving him her
hand, and for full minute they stood
in the bright moonlight, looking into
each other'e eyes and feeling the full
strength of deep and loyal fellowship.
Belle Forrest was certainly pretty
girl. A little above the average height,
she had large expressive eyes, a clear
complexion and wavy chestnut hairt
would escape its fastenings and fall in
ringlets around her well rounded should.
ers. Her every movement was grace
itself, and being the only child OF rich
and indulgent parents, she soon oame
to believe the world and all it contained
was made for her especial benefit.
When Belle first became acquainted
with Ralph Thornton, she felt a sincere
for tie handsome face and
manly form of the young medical stu
dent, and when she saw that he contin-
ually sought her company, her stlmlra-
ton gradually grew into lhing for the
young man, but she would not admit
even to her own heart that she ielt any
hing more than a common regard for
him, In a spirit Of coquetry she got
into the habit of going out with othe'
;oung men and occasionally refusing
his invitations for the purpose Of enjoy.
ng the pain her manner caused him.
She seemed to consider that he had
no alternative but 10 take with thank
'ulness the smiles she wished to bestow
IN him and be content Herewith.
When, therefore, she saw him riding
,ut with his handsome cousin, one
evening. pang Of jealousy shot through
Ter heart; then drawing herself up
proudly she walked up the vide walk
o the door without deigning another
ysance. Ralph felt his face pale little
is he saw her action, but Kate with her
quicker perception observed the hidden
ook behind her studied pose and felt
assured OF success. ssl
After this Ralph and Kate took long
'ides 10 visit scenic or historic places,
md pleasant strols in the moonlight,
llways taking the route unintentiopally
Il course, that would bring them be-
ore the jealous eyes Of Belle Forrest.
Despite her attempts to the contrary,
'elle's face grew a shade paler and her
'yes took q lingering. wistful look as
he saw the evident affection between
he two cousins.
She now saw the shabby way she had
reaied Ralph and would gladly have
lpologized had her pride notheld her
)ack.
At last the visit OF Kate Elverson
anne to an end. As the train rolled
,ut of the depot her parting Injunction
o Ralph was: Don't give in, and mark
ny word you will conquer"
The train rounded curve and vSs
ost to sight. .... .y
"Ralph.
The tone was very low, and as Ralph
Thornton halted in his hurried walk
)ast the Forrest residence, the cheeks
If the village belle were very red and
'ne tiny foot was stirring the gravel on
he walk in an irresolute manner.
"Ralph, have you forgotten all your
I'D friends?"
''One seldom forgets friend" he
coming back TO where she
stood.
"Do you suppose you will forget
your new friend as easily as you did
nep" Her cheeks were getting redder
all the time. '1 am sorry used you
30 mean," she continued. then said,
"but you had better go on.
'or il your new acquaintance should
hear OF your stopping to chat with me
,he might call you to account"
Il don't think she would have any
particular objections, he answered,
smiling, "ior she is my cousin and is
o marry n young lawyer from the city
next winter"
"Oh, I'm % glad" she exclaimed,