The Forrest City times., 1889-10-19
beg your pardon; I had no idea tha.

yet offered myself to Miss Arnold But you are quite sure of her nevertheless, Olga interrupted, witl mocking laugh. "I can readily un derstand that In spite of the boastet simplicity of country girls, they gen orally know which side their bread i buttered on!'' With which coars, speech Miss Bailey left the room. no caring to face the anger blazing i, Gerald's eyes.
 'Whew" he exclaimed. What shrew it is! Suppose hadn't met m, little darling and had married thi lovely specimenP I'd have committet suicide in . year"
 Ten minutes later, Olga, stqnding n her open window, saw Gerald leavins the grounds, and noted with a throb o rage and dismay that he followed tn, country road which led to tho "teach er's home.
 The next day Alice. after dismissins her scholars, came out of the schoo house. locking the door after her. Sh was tired, but very happy, for the light of a beautiful love now filled he heart She hummed little song a. she came down tho path. and did no notice an elegant-looking young lady, attired in a tailor-made suit of light cloth, until her attention was arrested by the words, II see l am too late, intended calling for Willie Young"
 He started a short time ago." re joined Alice, and the two proceeded or their way together.
 You arc Miss Arnold? We heal very pie sant things about you from Mrs. Young's little boy, who ha. quite fallen in love with you NJ, name is Olga Bailey"
 You are one of the guests at Wood lands, I presumep"
 Alice felt almost jealous of thi. dashing girl, with such fascinating manners, who lived under the same roof with h- somebody.
 "Yes; it is rather a quiet place, but l promised to join the party here for q short time. It is not my first visit, though; was here once before with Mrs. Gerald Thornton.
 With whom" gasped Alice.
 ''Gerald Thorntons wife I suppose you have seen him2 That tall, dar. man -
 ''Yes. yes, know. And he is mar. ried. you say2'
 Why. yes-has been for years. Is it possible you did not know itPn
 'I--he almosta a stranger to mel did not know Excuse me. but my way lies down this road. Good after. noon.' And Alico turned abruptly y away.
 "Well.a said Ogla, looking after her. 'smy work was easily done more easily thaa supposed possible. Se the little fool knew nothing oi Gerald wife? fancy. my fne gentleman. with Il malicious tightening of the thin lips, that have put spoke in the wheel oi your loye-making. and that you will soon experiences so me o the misery of unrequitad love. X good five minutes work. truly"
 Meanwhile, Alice was rushing home like frantic creature. The words Gerald Thornton's wifes rang ike iron bells, changing thro ugh her brain and throbbing ia her heart. Yes. the man she loved so fondly was n married Alrt who no doubt laughed at her simple trust in him. How could she have been SO blind. SO foolish2 She almost hated herself. and was sure she hated him. But no one must know what she endured she would bear her disappointment bravely.
 In the fortnight that followed Ger. ald and Alice did not meet Once, when he called at the house. he was told she had gone 10 spend the mig Int with friend; and again. Miss Arnold had headache. aud wished to be OK. cused. fls wondered what could be the reason Of her refusal to see him; had he said or doEe anything to offend her9 he asked her in note. to which he received no reply.
 Mrs. Brown handed Alice the note and beautiful bouquet ot palc-tlnted heliotropa. She carried the flowers up to her room. where she could read her letter undisturbed. It began My lit girl, aad was signed 'Geraid.'
 'How dare he?" shc thought What must he think of me'"
 But the note must remain un- answered; sine was not the silly crea- ture he imagined her.
 She sat at her desk one evening. a week later. having dismissed the chil- dren. IL was relief to be alone. and free to drop the cheerful face she was forced 10 wear before inquisitive eyes, She rested her head wearily on one slender hand and gazed ,houghtfully out through the window opposite Suddenly voice broke the silence.
 "AliceM
 Turning, she saw the subject of her thoughts standing in the doorway; her henrt throbbed iiercely. almost gladly.
 She tried td control herself. but her voice trembled us she said, MT. Thornton, what brings you here?"
 He noted her pallor and asked: Child, what is the matter? What have done that you avoid me' Can it be that was mistaken in thinking you cared for me littlea"
 He bent over her. laying his hand on hers. but she drew it away.
 ''Mr. Thornton. how dare youo know all-that you are not free. Now go"
 She arose and waved him away, but he only retreated step or two.
 Alice, my darling. what do you meanp"