Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-12-22
lHl NEV-rANCLHb BOLT.
A CHRISTMAS STONY.
NrrrrxS FOR TIE DISPATCH ri WALTER I'D
WARD uARaIs.l
CHAPTER 7.


1--WE ousrrellcd, my lover and l."
"panline. may | take YOU TO your Aunt
prceton's ball tomorrow? did NOT think
could GO NJ one time by reason OF having
xo meet 1jr. Foard in consultation, Dut we
met to-day and can so after aii.
az am sorry, John" said the young lady,
"but Charley Ginter has promised to take
me. You know you said you couio NOT go,
and when he asked TO escort M" 1 con-
what that lcathcr-hcnded Charley Gin
terri" c;,..
~ Won plcase." said Pauline. with dignity.
II would rather not have you apply such
uncentlcmanly epithets to my friends"
"well, perhaps was too abrupt, sa,d
Doctor Terrell, but ] am sure you shoold
not 90 with him. Pauline"
doctor Terrell. NAV inquire by what
rirht Won cndeavOr 70 choose my escort Tor
me 2" said Pauline coldly.
"As your betrothcd husband / think
have the right" said Terrell IN low tones.
And think you stretch your authori-
IT," sad Pauline. the angry color rising
in her cheek.
II do not" Re said firmly. 81 surely
have the right 10 object TO your beng
escorted by such a young man as Glnier.
whom do not consider fit associate Tor
any lady. YOu mus; surely know, Pauline,
that il is only his wealth that enables him
TO go in respectable society at ALL
II suppose You will not allow me TO
think differently" she said nockngly.
"but shall And will have TO ask you
again. Doctor Terrell, not TO speak OF nay
friends in the manner in which you are
doing"
And one thing more" sho said reckless
", IL think that since your relations with
me give you such unlimited power, they
had better cease"
Pauline. are you speaking carnestlyI"
said Terrell. his voice trembling with ex-
Yes" said Pauline coldly. her voice,
too. tremulous, ." am IN earnest. l am
tired of being watched and dlstrusted and
tyranni7ed over, and DO not care to longer
hug the chains that bind me-"
IVery well said Terrell. rising TO his
feet. Il am sure that ] do not wish TO
take you where your heart will not lead
The Injustice Of her cruel words wound
ed him deeply, for no lover was ever less
cxacting or gave his bouothcd moro free
dom.
Pauline had also risen and drawn of the
ring which Terrell had given her-a plain
gold circlet set with single ruby.
Here Is your ring" she SAID in low
voice. handing it to him a. she spoke.
"Paulinei Are you determined TO thus
break our engagemcntI' said Terrell IN re-
proachful tones. Are you sure you Will
never regret thisI"
Perfectly sure" said Pauline, with
strange poryersity--or. rather, wOman's
wilfulness II gave you my reasons for
doing so. and | think they were strong
enough 10 make me hold to my determine
ton" .,
LET il be az You have said then" said
Terrell slowly and in a low voice, rs taking
the ring IN his hand he continued: And
is this part OF that beautiful faith and un-
swerving fidelity Of which you have 50 Of
ten talkedY"
She did not reply, but with an impatient
gesture half turned away.
Pardon me. Pauline" said Terrell. al
will not offer Won any rcproacbos. Whether
or not YOU are deserving of any let your
conscience answer. GoOd-by. May you
never have occasion TO regret your con-
duet tonight. As for this" holding tho
ing between his fingers. you viii not
wear 1T. so suppose it does not matter
what becomes of it," and with quick
movement he flung it into the blazing fire
Of hickory logs.