West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1889-05-02

Avenel to make up his mind as IL had
been for Madeline Murray this dreary
March night.
On the next Monday afternoon one Of
the round-eyed little school-boys ran after
her, crying out:
"Teacher-teacher here's letter for
you Hold on a minute, teacherl
waitw
"Nonsensew said Madeline, sharply.
She had had four different labels at
tached to her gown that day; her lunch
basket had had its contents extracted and
replaced with shavings; the "Key to AL
gebra" had been skillfully substituted for
"t1rst Lessons in Grammar" and num-
berless other facetious Jokes had been
played on her by those young lambs, her
scholars, and she was in no mood for any
more impositions.
"Genleman told me to give IL to
youl" breathlessly uttered the boy. ale
gimme dime, he didl"
But Madeline slipped past him into the
house, taking advantage of the door be-
ing Just then opened by Miss Blodgett,
in all the glories OF cheap summer silk
and the bonnet newly quivering with
honeysuckles.
Boy said Miss Blodgett, severely,
what are you doing here9 None OF
your April-fool jokes in this house, unless
you want me 20 send for policeman.
al amt a-April foolingr' said the boy,
with an injured voice. "It's letter for
her-for teacher"
"Who is il froml" said Miss B!odgett,
who was not without her fair share OF
Madam Ewes inheritance.
"a gentleman" said the boy. "'Hc
gimme a silver dime, he did"
"Let me look at it," said Miss Blod-
gett; and in an instant she recognized the
straight, clear handwriting Of John
Avenel. "Oh, yes, / sect I'll take
charge OF it, young man"
"Will you be sure teacher gets it3"
eagerly painted the lad. d" Cause he
gimme "a"
"It's all right, said Miss Blodgett,
turning back into the house and running
hurriedly up to her own room.
"Therc must be fate in il, :" said she,
untying the new, rlstling bonnet-strings.
al wonder what he can possibly have to
say to herr I'll just hold the letter over
the tea-kettle spout for minute-it's
easy sealed up again-and IL il should be
nothing but an April-fool-"
She giggled nervously as she stole
down into the kitchen TO borrow a kettle
Of boiling water.
But 1t was no April fool missive. II
was simple, straightforward declaration
OF love--a laying Of Mr. Avenel's heart
and hand at Madeline Murray's feet.
"If you care for me" he wrote, ''come
down 10 the parlor tonight ] shall be wait
ing there more anxiously than I can tell YOU
III you do not, come, i shall never utter n
word OF reproacb to you. You have a right
70 your own decision"
Miss Blodgett read the letter. She
gnawed her full, red underlip, and took
her resolution in the twinkling of an eve.
She put away her snowy walking gar
ments, assumed a wrapper, and delugcd
her forehead with cologne
And then she sent for Miss Murray 10
come and sit with her.
"You have so much magnetism in your
touch, dear" she said. eff you will
only sit by me and stroke my head"
And gentle Madeline, all unconscious
Of the black treachery in Antonina's heart,
was only too glad TO be OF use
Mr.. Avenel was unwontedly pale when
he came TO the breakfast-table the next
daX.
Madeline glanced timidly at him, but
ventured to say nothing but the merest
"Good morning1"
Antonina, however, followed him out
into the hall when the meal was over.
Forgive me, Mr.. Avcnel," " said she,
in her sweetest voice; "but cannot with
hold my sympathy for the cruel way in
which you have been treated / couldn't
have believed it Of Madeline Murray"
He turned quickly around
'You know all about it, then7" said
he.
"I told her il was wrong TO laugh at
you Oh, Mr.. Avencl, do not look stern.
There are other women in the world be
sides Madeline Murray Oh, il such
treasure had been offered TO me"
She stopped abruptly, and hung down
her head, with = pretty affectation OF con
fusion.
''Pray do not distress yourself" said
Avenel, coldly. 81 am sorry that have
an imperative engagement this morning
lie bowed, and hastened up stairs.
AntOnina looked after him with an
oblique light in her bold, handsome
eyes
~ was q little premature, she Thought
But no matter. lie can't fling back
my sympathy y-and time will work won
ders. ] shall be Mrs Avenel vet. "
And she sauntered into the drawing
room 70 finish yesterday dog's-eared
novel For Miss Blodgett was by far too
fine lady to work Tor her living.
As John Avenel stepped out into the
fresh air ten minutes or so later. he
found himself close alongside OF Miss
Murray.
She was looking unusually pretty. in
her simple straw hat and close-fttiup
jacket; her blue eyes frightened, and
tide Of warm color mounted into her
check.
"oh, Mr. Avenel said she, u am so
glad 10 see YOU"
care your
"You see" said Madeline, shyly, ~
want to ask your advice"
Indeed"
She looked at him with startled air.
What have ! done TO offend vougr
said she "What have I done that is
wrongs"
Nothing at al, he answered. bc.
thinking himself of his obligations rs n
gentleman. you know that told Won