The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-01-21
WITH HIS OWN WEAPONS.

what are you thinking about,
Maude? You have not spoken word
for five minutes. can't say that you
are remarkably entertaining this even
ing"
Gam not2 And do you really wish
to know my thoughts?"
Certainly I do"
Every well, then. No woman is sat.
is6ed with a mans devotion, even il
she knows it to be genuine, if he ap-
pears to slight her in the presence OF
others; and think, my dear George,
that ! occupied the position OF a
sighted woman last evening, when
you devoted yourself so openly to
Clara Vaughan"
II only danced with her three
times" said George.
"And sat out three more dances
with her." supplemented Maude,
"while I, owing to the lack of men,
was obliged to play the part of wall
flower. Do you think that was a
pleasant position for an engaged
young woman?"
my dear child, how plainly you
talkI' cried George. disconnected by
her frank appeal.
"Why not? Pique should not be
allowed to interfere between lovers
you know pride's chickens are an
expensive brood to keep. I con-
TESS that your conduct made
me very unhappy. I was not
jealous, remember-I nave perfect
faith in you; but I felt neg
iected, and annoyed that you should
give Clara the opportunity to triumph
over me even in semblance; for she
delights in such victories-little CO.
quet that she is"
"Maude," said George, seeing his
chance and improving it at once, only
too glad to bolster up weak cause,
81 am surprised to see that you dis
like Miss Vaughan. Why is it women
never uphold each other? In my
opinion she is sweet girl, without an
atom of coquetry about her."
'Then you have less discrimination
than l give you credit for possessing"
rejoined Maude, quietly, though her
deepening color showed that she re-
sented his words. "But we will not
discuss Clara, if you please-I wish to
talk of ourselves"
10 uo,, u,or% - -
cried George, irritated at the cool way
in which his attack was met. "Sure-
ly you would not tie me to your side
every moment of the timer"
"Not one moment of it, sir, If it is
your wish to be freel" haughtily ex-
claimed Maude, now really angry.
"You can leave at once-I shall make
no effort to detain you."
"What NONSENSE" the young man
rejoined, in much humber tone.
"You know could not live without
you, Maudie. But you are unreason-
able; l can't promise never to speak
to another girl, you know"
'Nor do exact such promise:
only I wish others to see by
your conduct that you
have sworn allegiance to me.
am only a woman, and have all a
woman's vanity. George. suppose
our positions had been reversed last
evening; would you have liked to see
me as openly pleased with another
mans attentions as you were with
Clara2"
Certainly I should" he answered,
with an air of virtuous self. denial re-
freshing to see. ~ would never inter.
fere with your enjoyment in any
way"
Maude looked deeply perplexed, and
then family smiled.
"You are quite safe in saying that,
because do not believe there Is an.
other eligible man in the village.
Which fact probably accounts" she
added, with q sly laugh, 'for Cara's
absorption of YOU"
George bowed.
'Thanks for the compliment, Miss
Arthur"
mot at ALL"
Maude had the sweetest temper in
the world, and her mood was last re-
gaining its wonted sunniness.
"CuS 0COIkCs WOu SCOIO any
more, but we'll make a bargain; you
can flirt all you choose, give me equal
liberty; are you agreed?"
! ION one condition; that neither of
us abuse the privilege"
'Tae umpires to be our own con-
sciences?"
eyes"
'Then, my dear George, I'm afraid
your career will be positively reck.
lessi''
Maude stood waiting for her lover,
who was to escort her to q ball at
Bedford Hall: and in her rose colored
dress, with roses in her dark hair, look.
ed pretty enough to WOO q hermit
from his seclusion.
George, who, despite his little predi.
lection for flirting, was very much in
love with the girl, was loud in his ad-
miration OF her appearance; and when
the pair entered the hall together, hap
piness had lent q new light to Maud's
beautiful eyes.
Clara Vaughan, q charming little
sylph in blue and silver, came trip
ping across the floor to meet them.
"Oh, Maude," she cried, when the
first greetings were over, "who do you
think is here-just returned from
LondonW
Tm sure I can't imagine" said
Maude.
Another pretty girl?" asked
George, looking admlringly into
Gara's rather bold blue eyes.
Pretty girl, indeed. AS if should |
be interested in her'' said Clara. in
disdain. mo indeed-it's a hand. |
some young man-none other than |
your old admirer, Maude-Stephen
Black"
"Is 1t possiblel' cried Maude, with
q blush of undisguised pleasure.
"Why, yes-there he is. sure enough! |
And how handsome he is looking!"
"Humphl Women have strange
ideas OF beauty" grumbled George,