Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1889-04-21
XVIII.

left the house that evening engaged TO
marry Minns Pratt. For the first time In
all nv life the human being had risen par
amount to the snob and crushed him:
But had yet to learn that snobbery,
like truth, though crushed to earth Will
rise again. When my dementia, my pas
sion. my ectasy had passed, a kind Of
ironical remorse remained in its place.
Well. l had made false step, and one
which | could never retrace. l must marry
Minna Feeling, after all, had get trap
for me and caught me.
That evening there was grand dinner
of twenty people at the EasTyorks'. L
had been asked to it; had begun to be
an incesssnt diner out OF late, and at the
most exclusive tables.
As l entered the Eastyork drawing
rooms and saw the brilliant attire OF the
ladies and the gallant elegance of the men
dresry thought of my tailor begotten
Minna. who was mot received" passed
through my mind. And would these
dainty legitimists receive me when my
engagement had been duly announced?
With painful sinking of my sno5bish
heart. had already acknowledged to my
self that in all probability they would
flout and discountenance me.
To my surprise Effie Eastyork had ar
ranged that l should take her into dinner
and cit at her side. She WAS almost ra-
diantly beautiful that evening in robe of
gray satin, blended with tasteful touches
of lavender. Guests of great social prom
inence were present, but she had chosen me
as her especial sdherent I felt the COM
uliment. The dinner was a banquet of
matchless excellence. While it continued
Efie was profuse in her gentle cOurtesies
to myself. As the ladies all rose, after an
astonishing series Of courses, she whispered
10 me, with her most demOralizing smile,
Don't stay long over your cigar. Please
Join US ladies as som as possible"
smiled as l took and pressed her hand.
81 don't smoke" l returned. Don't you
recall that never touch tobacco"
On, yes" she answered, II do recall T"
And she gave me another precious smile
lust as she swept cut Of the dining room
with the rest of the ladies.
A drank glass of rich old Burgundy
and then left the men. / saw Effie as
entered the drawing room seated in such
way that 1 could EASILY drop into a vacant
place on the satin lounge at her side. And
then, during the next few minutes, | for
got that Minna Pratt had yer existed.
"You are 80 far above n found my
self saying to Miss Eastyo THAT have
never even presumed to 7. you of my
great admission"
SIS it 80 very CREATE" she asked OF me-
with her sweetest smile.
st means my life-my SOUL" | respond
ed, leaning nearer to hey. She bowed her
head softly. What else does it mean?' she
answered.
"That love you"
do you truly love me?"
Enough to ask you" AID there l
paused.
"Well, what?" she questioned.
"To ask of you that you will accept me
as--as your husband. "
A little trill of laughter foated from her
lips. "Do you mean ii?" she queried,
looking me, with great directness, full in
tie face.
"Why should not mean liz" came my
swift and eager response.
She slipped her gloved hand in mine. l
pressed it.
81 love you," she said, and her sweet
eyes we're full OF liquid light.
"Will you marry me?' ! asked.
Yes"
"Will not your people oppose our mar
riage?"
She laughed again. my people usual
" come to my terms when present them.
You have asked me TO be your wifeW
eyes, Efi9."
well, consent"