The Iola register., 1889-08-23

audible comments on her changed be-
havior.
Taking seat at the table he entered
into an animated conversation with her
in the course of which she artlessly (?)
gave him to understand that she was
very sad and very unhappy, and that
she desired, above all things, a friend
in whom she could confide; friend
who would sooth her when sad, rejoice
with her when merry. and be true to
her till death.
Miss Burton looked tenderly at James
as she uttered the above sentiment and
softly sighed. What wonder the young
mans heart beat violently, and his
brain was in whirla Was not he hob
nobbing. so to speak, with the beauti-
ful and aristocratic heiress of whom the
whole assemblage stood in awe. whose
praises had been so loudly and persist
emily sung by her uncle. the doughty
squirrel
The good people of Barnesville and
vicinity, being early risers, were neces-
sarily early retirers; consequently the
festival came to an abrupt end at far
earlier hour than Miss Burton's accus-
toned bed time.
How short the evening has seemed,
Mr.. Monroe, she said, as she gave him
her hand at parting. .'and l have you
TO thank for il. VIII you not call on
me tomorrow afternoon or evening?
Something tells me we are to be the
best of friends. Will you Gomez"
Il shall be delighted to do so." said
James. Squire Hurtom coming up at
that moment, the young man reluctant
ly left the heiress and proceeded to
seek out his deserted and till then for
gotten betrothed. He found her seated
near the entrance to the grounds, hav-
ing with her an old lady whom she had
prevailed upon to remain with her until
her recreant lover made his appear
ance. She was very quiet, and as they
passed near the large lantern at the
gateway leading from the scene of the
festivity, James noticed that she was
deathly pale and that there was an ON
nous glitter in her jet black eyes.
The evening was a beautiful one.
The stars shone brightly, the moon was
at the full. and a cool breeze musically
rustled the leaves, and famed the
brows of the moody lovers as they
silently wended their way toward the
home o; Mary. which was near by At
last James broke the irksome silence
with the query:
''How have you enjoyed yourself this
evening, Nary"
Very well," was the reply. 1T
would be superfuous for me to repeat
that question. for | saw you were en-
joying yourself immensely. You doubt
less found Miss Burton very enter
tanning companion"
Il did. replied James. "She gave
me very cordial invitation to call on
her tomorrow afternoon or evening"
DO you intend doing 500" asked
Mary, in scarcely audible voice.
81 do was the curt reply.
Then" said the young girl, in
suppressed tone, you need never call
on me again. We will henceforth be
as strangers. Here is your ring"
And before the dumfounded James
could reply She hurriedly drew their
engagement ring from her finger. thrust
it into his hand. and, as they had ar
rived at her fathers gate, ran up the
graveled walk and into the house with
out word of parting.
Little spitfre." said James to him.
self. The idea OF acting in this way
just because l conversed with Miss
Burton a short time"
He did not seem to realize that he
had spent nearly the entire evening in
Miss Burton's company, neglecting his
betrothed to such an extent that even
the dullest took cognizance of and COM
mented upon it.
Little spitfre." he repeated, ''she
will be as loving and friendly as ever
in few days and will be only too glad
to take back the ring.
in the meantime | will call upon
Miss Burton. She really is a very SUI
perior young lady and seems quite
struck with me-" And James Monroe
stroked his blonde mustache eompla-
Gently. and ruminated on the stately
Imogene's wealth in stocks and bonds,
and her auburn hair.
On the following afternoon after
making more than usually elaborate
toilet. James presented himself at the
door of Squire Hurtom's staring white
house and inquired OF the trim old maid
of all work who answered the summons
of the bell. if Miss Burton was in. The
maid replied in the affirmative and
him into the best room"
where he found the heiress deeply alb
sorbed in the latest society novel.
She closed her book at once and rising
from her seat greeted him very warmly.
They were soon conversing as amica-
bly, and apparently as intimately as
friends of long standing
When at the end of two hours. which |
seemed but as two minutes to the infat- |
uated James, he arose to take his de- |
parture he was warmly invited to call |
again. He did so on the very next day, |
when he was treated with greater kind |
ness if possible than on his former visit. !
They played several games of croquet
together. during the course of which it |
was arranged that on the following |
afternoon they should take boat ride |
On Lily Pond. a small lake in the neigh |
borhood. noted for its white and fra
out riding behind his span of blood bay /