The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-12-25
LOST AND WON.


popular devotees of the opposite sex.
Laurence Gerald few weeks previous
made his appearance in that town, and
being reputed wealthy, and possessing
an elegant manner, with handsome
form and countenance, had gained an
easy access to the fashionable circle.
Henry Clifford, the lover of Alice,
had marked the particular attention
bestowed on his betrothed by the new
conner, and had made special inquiries
in regard to his character. He could |
learn nothing definite, but was con-
yinced that Lawrence Gerald was not
what he was represented to be. A
number of times he had warned Alice
to be careful how she encouraged his
attentions.
Wayward 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 by 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 season.
from loyalty to their companion and
the attachment of home.
sIf YOU are not Jealous" continued
Alice, "you would have no objection to
NV accompanying Mr.. Gerald for a
ride tomorrow. You did not inter-
nose any objections last week, when l
accompanied Mr.. Walsh in his drive.
Besides, there is always man servant
| present"
..Alice,'' replied the lover, II do not
| wish to trifie in this matter. If L should
permit YOU to receive the attentions OF
one whose character is, to say the least,
suspicious. l should not be doing my
duty to either you OF myself; and that
Mr.. Gerald's character is suspicious
have no doubt. From what l have
heard he is no fit companion for lady
of my love-
s'Only a stratagem of yours, lightly
replied Alice, ito have me discard hin
from nv train. But it is of no avail
l must have more than hearsay to con
vince me-"
Then you are going tomorrow"
s'Yes," was the pettish answer, land
more than that, shall henceforth con
slider myself free. / shall not be ham
|
on any man to dictate what 1 shall O
what shall not do"
Alice" said her lover, ''think o
what you are doing. l do not wis
you to deprive yourself of the pleasur
or confine yourself to my society.
have never been an eXacting lover, an
1 have now only your welfare at heart.
"You are very considerate, y was tn
reply; ''but my intellect is not compre
hensive enough to appreciate it:
hope the next time you call you will b
in less contradictory mood"
81 imagine that is hint that m
presence is no longer endurablc?" al
swered her companion, in return to tn
last sentence.
'If you wish to interpret my mear
ing so" was the unfeeling rejoinder.
Good evening" Alice. -
"Good evening, Henry; call the ola
after tomorrow, and | will give you
description of to-morrow's entertain
ment."
He made no reply, but departed
I AfIce saw nIIn pass uOwn utfc nrsflxI
turned to the room, threw herself on tt
sofa, and was lost in thought. 81
felt that she had been hasty in di
solving her engagement; for, in trut
she really cared more for her low
than she had been willing to ADM
). Her feeling for the other man 81
knew was similar to the emotion Wi
which we listen to a new piece
J music-charming while the novel;
lasts, but no sooner is that gone thu
the power of attraction is over. ID
willfulness had caused little breach
Init hp a
,e failed, when they met, to bring HIM
,io iS her side again and effect reconcile
re ton. She trusted that the present brea
"a! al would terminate the same way.
The next day Alice went with M
sLL sL Gerald but did not enjoy herself
much as she anticipated. On retur
ino home she resolved that a nc
should be sent to her discarded loV
the next day inviting him to call, VIII
she would make a clean breast of
- and break off her connection with n
II Gerald. The note had been dispatch
" but half an hour when the event
paper arrived. Opening it she ran h
ewes down the columns and came to
te. following notice:
tic Sailed this morning, at II a. M, t
steamship Morning Light, for S
".
no town were among the passengers. N
Henry Clifford, very unexpectedly
his friends, resigned his position in
Custom House and took passage. M
nd fortune attend him in the Golconda
et' the West"
rst Ten wears passed. The spacit
m salons of Mrs. Rexford were filled w
at the elite of the town. The hostess W
promenading the room, leaning on
hu arm of a tail man with bronzed co
~, plexion. BY her attention she
ny peared to be very much interested in
account he was giving of a narrow
cape from band of robbers while pf
D ING between one of the mining {
tricts and city of California.
Another ARRIVAL rather late on
announced The gentleman paused
'ni the appearance of the newcomers, s
rk' bent a quick, searching glance tow
in one of the ladies of the company,
seemed disappointed at the uttera
of the name, as he Immediately
-, sumed his narrative, the hostess, al
I'LL the reception, returning to his side.
ter The recital of his adventure end
for and the party last arrived hav
ort recognized and spoken to their
ouaintances, Mrs. Rexford wended
way to where the lady, who she motto
' had been followed by the eyes of
companion, was standing.
ork miss Burdenott, permit me TO
ity troduce to your acquaintance
friend-recently from California
Clifford said Mrs. Rexford, pres
y ing the latter.
1Miss-Miss Burdenott," mt
Henry Clifford. IF Mrs. ReXford
'n0 said Mrs. Burdenott, | should say
was the once Alice Thornton"