Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-04-11

- none too good to seek to he his
hut, good heavens had it come
Had the william presumed
lD6t Hank!
Perhaps there is another ? hoarsely
- ueried tie voice of 1chabod.
No let me assure you there is none
other answered hers with earnest
warmth.
Because, Ichabod furiously thun-
dered, If I thought that sneaking
wretch whose name vile rumor links
with yours had but the smallest ground
for hope, Id-Td'- ....
Pray calm yourself, he IS nothing
less than nothing-to me, Diantha
FASTENED to interrupt.
There was something sepulchral in
Ichabods v nee when next he spoke.
my life hangs on the question am
about to ask Do not, I entreat you,
answer it lightly. Adorable creature,
do you love me?
The answer came in a voice so still
and small that Watt Wemyss ears,
strained as they were to catch the
slightest sound, failed to hear it. But
the sequel made it easy to divine the
purport.
Your words have thrilled my soul
with Joy" cried 1chabod, in ecstasy
Come, darling. let me clasp you to this
bosom, henceiorlh to be your resting
place!
Watt could bear to hear no more
His first impulse was to rush in and to
throttle his supplanter with the faith
less Diantha in his arms; but on reflect
Ing that Ichabod was strapping,
brswnng fellow, whose proves had
more than once been proved, ne gave
way 10 his discretion, and made rapid
advance homeward.
NO, III not let her drive me to de-
spair and strychnine, Watt wisely con.
cluded. after an hours cool reflection
in the quiet of his chamber. III bear
it like man, and let her see l do
The next evening was that of Mrs,
Blount's party. Everybody was invited
Watt Wemyss among the rest. lie was
to have been Diantha Drew's escort on
the occasion but that was out Of the
question now. Of course, Ich Biigh
would supply his place. Still, he was
not going to stay away. He would put
on stiff upper lip and go. if it was
only to show Diantha how little be car
cd for her detection.
Watt Wemyss' get'up was something
stunning; and there was a noticeable
swagger in the air as he strobe up and
down Mrs. Blount's spacious parlors
Just let him see Diantha Drew; that
was all Woul dn't he freeze her with
stare He had been keeping one ON
ice all day for her.
1t was already late when Diantha
made her appearance. She didn't come
with 1ch Bligh after all, but in compa-
ny with her aunt, and looking any
thing but cheerful. Possibly she had
been crying; at least her ewes looked
red enough.
And no wonder thought Watt
Wemyss, if she has any conscience
The frigid stare was tArown away on
Diantha, who was swepted into the
crowd, and Watt saw her no more till
some hours later.
a.. AT last there came a lull in the mu-
sic and dancing, and word was passed
to the guests that if they would assem-
Bile in the main parlor there was little
surprise in store for them. ..
When all had found places, a curtain
at the farther end was drawn up, re-
vealing miniature stage, with appro-
pirate appointments, and lady and
gentleman entering from the wing.
Watts heart, in spite of the discipline
he had put it through, leaped to his
mouth as the two performers turned to
face the audience. and he recognized
Diantha Drew and Ich Bligh. But
Judge Of his surprise when he heard
them repeat the very dialogue that had
been such gall and wormwood to him
the day before lie saw aud heard
but little of the play ; for he hung his
head, overwhelmed with confusion, and
felt more Ikea donkey than he had
ever done before.
"a,