Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1889-07-19
\ JUST PUNISHMENT.

In spacious and richly furnished
apartment of large and imposing
mansion. situated in 4 fashionabl
quarter of the city of London. sat the
capricious belle and naughty beauty,
Agnes rempleton.
Every object in the room betokened
wealth and taste.
The only occupant of the room was
the fair Agnes, who was reclining in
dolently upon a velvet sofa. indulging
in dreamy reverie.
She was nearly IL years of age. with
regular features. lily complexion.
aud aueenly form; but the greatest
charm OF her peerless beauty lay in her
hair-her dark. glossy. luxuriant hair.
which fell from her small regal head,
in long. clustering ringlets. complete
ly enveloping her snowy neck and
shoulders.
Lady Montford. How grand it will
sound" she soiiloquised. II shall soon
be mistress of Montford manor. and
the envy OF all the bellies in the city.
But almost wish that l had declined
the old barone,'s offer. for don't love
him as I love Lawrence Arbuthnot.
The adulation and admiration that l
shall receive. will. hope. fully COM
pensate for the sacrifice that | have
made"
After \ pause she continued:
Although shall be Lady Montford
and caressed and fiattered by my
titled husband shall not be SO truly
happy as | would were | the wife of
Lawrence. All. do not know Of a
diviner happiness than that! But why
repent nows The time for that is past" /"
! .nl she bowed her reval head and
sighed.
At this moment trim little maid
servant entered the apartment.
We'll. Lusette?" said her mistress.
raising her head languidly.
MIR. ArbuthLot is in the hall and de-
sires to see YOU" replied the girl.
For several minutes Miss Templeton
beat her dainty-slippcred foot upon
the carpet aud toyed nervously with
the costly ring which signitied her be-
,rothal 10 Sir Guy Montford. II was .
struggle between love aud duty. She
loved Lawrence Arbuthnot as well as
her selfish and capricious nature was
capable of loving. but she knew it was
wrong now to- encourage him as u
lover. and moreover. she was certain
that he now visited her in that capacity,
aud was not aware Of her engagement
with the baronet.
Il will see him. Lusette." she proud
ly said.
The girl Immediately Withdrew. but
in a few moments re-entered the room.
conducting Il handsome young man of
prepossessing appearance. who greeted
the young beauty with deferential
politencss. By his demeanor he still
evidently considered himself favored
suitor.
. bewitching smile. and her manner
was particularly graceful and winning.
"Please be seated she said in soft,
musical voice. and he csrelessly COM
piled. remarking:
"An absurd report is current to-day
that you are soon 10 be welded to Sir
He stopped abruptly. for her cheeks
were flushing wildly, and the fair
hand that he clasped WAS trembling
violently.
Miss Templeton." he said. coldly.
al believed this rumor false, but your
agitation does not confirm my belief"
Seeing she did not reply he added. in
. low tone:
Agnes. is it true?"
ALAS, too true" she faltered.
"And yet" he said. bitterly. 'you
did not refuse to see me this evening
Won, the afiianced wife of another"
A redder glow suffused her face as he
made this remark, aud she bent her
head low. but did not reply.
"Why did you allow me access to
your presence this cvening?" he asked.
TRYING in vain to catch glimpse of her
bowed face.
"Oh. don't know; l cannot tell"
she murmured.
lis it possible that she loves mep"
asked Lawrence Arbuthnot 20 himself.
agnes Templeton," he said. "have
you deliberately bartered your soul for
an empty title? When you pledged
your hand to Sir Guy. did your heart
go with it?"
81 cannot answer yOurQuestiOn," she
returned. confusedly.
agnes" he exclaimed, passionate
". "you do not love your afianced
husband! Tell me. do you love an
other? Is it's that one myselfp'
The low. faint whispering answer
was in the affirmative.
yet you are the promised bride of
another" he resumed. with passionate
vehemence. "Oh. Agnes, why did you
accept the baronet's offer. when
you did not love him? Ask him to re-
lease you from this iniquitous engage
ment at the earliest opportunity. or
your peace and happiness will be ruined
forever. Agnes. beseech you, re-
nounce this marriage"
Too late" she murmured. my
word is given. cannot retrace now. "
What! will you become perjured
bride. an unlOving wife?"
81 must; there is no alternative now" "
'Weak, misguided woman?'
Call me what you will. l cannot
retrace now-I cannot do as you wish
II hope your welded life may be
happy, Miss Templeton. he said.
calmly relinquisbing her hand. and