Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1889-12-28
LOST AND WON.

linen that Is your npal decision,
Nicer"
, lit is. / will o be circumscribed
in my choice Of acquaintances by any
mans appreciation or aversion, even
though | am betrothed to him"
Alice Thornton loved society, and,
like all its lovers, had q strong pro-
pensity for the admiration of its most
popular devotees Of the opposite sex.
Laurence Gerald a few weeks previous
made his appearance in that town, and
being reputed wealthy, and possessing
an elegant manner, with a handsome
form and co%untcnsncc, had gained an
easy access TO the fashionable circle.
Henry Clifford, the lover of Alice,
had marked the particular attention
bestowed on his betrothcd by tho new
conner, and had made special inquiries
in regard to bis character. He could
learn nothing definite. but was con-
WINGED that Lawrence Gerald was not
what he was represented TO be. A
number of times be had warned Alice
TO be careful how she encouraged his
attentions.
Maynard and willful, Alice had dis
regarded his caution, and now the willy
tempter began to wind his coils around
her heart-not that the love Of Alice
for Henry Clifford was on the wane.
but there was a fascination about the
other which seemed irresistible.
MANY of both sexes. even when
united bya bond held sacred by the law
of both God and man, have come in con-
tact at some time with one who has
charmed the thoughts away for a season,
from loyalty 10 their companion aud
the attachment of home.
IF you are not jealous" continued
Alice, ''you would have no objection To
my accompanying Mr.. Gerald for q
ride tomorrow. You did moi inter.
pose any objections last week, when i
accompanied Mr.. Walsh in his drive.
Besides. there is always q man servant
present."
Alice" replied the lover. II do not
wish TO trile in this matter. If should
permit you 10 receive the attentions Of
one whose character Is, TO say the least
suspicious, / should not DO doing my
duty TO either you or myself; and thai
Mr.. Gerald's character is suspicious ]
have no doubt. From what / have
heard he is no lit companion for 4 lady
of my love-"
only a stratage.n Of yours" lightly
replied Alice, ito have me discard him
from my train. But it is Of no avail.
1 must have more than hearsay to con.
vince me-"
Then you are going tomorrow"
yes" was the pettish answer, and
more than that, shall hencsforth con-
slider myself free. l shall not be ham
pered by a promise that confers a right
on any man to dictate what / shall or
what I shall not do"
Alice" said her lover. "think of
what you are doing. l do not wish
you to deprive yourself OF tho pleasure
or confine yourself to my society. l
have never been an exacting lover, and
I have now only your welfare at heart"
'.You are very considerato." was the
reply; ''but my intellect Is not compre-
hensive enough TO appreciate it. 1
hope the next time you call you will be
In . less contradictory mood"
II imagine that is . hint that my
presence is no longer s~ndurablc?" an
swercd her companion, In return TO the
last sentence.
Al yOA W intui PkOb ~ AcaA
ing so" was the unieeling rsioinder.
Good evening. Alice.
Good evening. Henry; call the day
after tomorrow. and l will give you =
description II te-morrow's entsrtsin-
He mado no reply. but departed.
Alice saw him pass down the walk. re-
turned to tho room, threw herself OF the
sofa, and was lost in thought She
felt that she had besn hasty in dis
solving her engagements; for, in truth,
she really cared more for her lover
than she had been willing 70 admit.
Her feeling for the other man she
knew was similar to the emotion with
which we listen TO q new pieco Of
Understanding while the novelty
lasts, but no sooner il that gone than
the power Of attraction Is over. Her
willfulness had caused littls breaches
between them before. but she had nevcr
failed, when they met, TO bring him To
her side again and effect . r~uconcilia-
ton. She trusted that the present breach
would terminate the same way.
The next day Alice wen with Mir.
Gerald but did not enjoy herself -
much az she anticipated. On return
ing home she resolved that . note
should be sent to hcr discarded lover
The next day inviting him to call. when
shs would make q clean breast Of y
and break OF her connection with III.
Gerald. The note bad been dispatched
but half IN hour whan tbs evening
paper arsived. Opening d shs ran ksr
eyes down the columas and carz1 - ia
following notioe:
Sailed this morning, st II . M, the
stsamnhip Morping Lixht, for San